Ben Wattenberg and Richard Scammon, in their book “The Real Majority,” exposed the problem of the “New Politics” by describing the electorate as “unyoung, unblack, and unpoor.” At the time, this description drew the fire and ire of liberals and the New Left. However, Richard Nixon’s landslide in 1972 proved their point.

But decades later, the Democratic party continues to re-work this formula; it has become an article of faith, or as Theodore White put it, a “liberal theology.” Despite 54 years of change, the party still dreams of the party of the groovy people. Surprisingly, as the Democrats lurch to the “progressive” wing, they become more capitalist in attitude. The emphasis is on picking winners within the system; it celebrates celebrities rather than politicians. If you don’t believe me, look at Instagram or Facebook.

This represents the problem. Compassion is a sentiment, a feeling; it is not a theory of government. Nice becomes a goal in itself, social justice not so much. When Bill Clinton agreed to NAFTA and ended the family assistance plan, he ended the Democratic political goals of over half a century. Suddenly, “thinking about tomorrow” sounded more like Louis Philippe’s reactionary government in the 1830’s with its plea to Frenchmen to “enrich yourselves”.

As with the Socialist Party of Germany or the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, the emphasis was placed on process and style. Tony Blair’s “Cool Britannia” sounded more like Ted Heath’s Tories than Harold Wilson’s Labour. Democracy is a hollow concept if it does not deliver. Zohran Mamdani’s “affordability” placed social justice back on the liberal agenda; at least it beats running to Paul McCartney lyrics or reruns of The West Wing.

Donald Trump largely owed his success to the Democratic Party as it exists today. He ran on tariffs and a scaled-down foreign policy, something that had substantial support among liberals in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Although his second term is more plutocratic and traditional-Republican, the Democratic alternative remains unclear. Voters like process and treasure democracy. They prefer, as William McKinley stated, “a full dinner pail.” Even corruption, which Trump seems indifferent to, is discounted in a prosperous society.

Even Trump’s current difficulties in the Middle East give Democrats an advantage only on gas prices. On the war itself, they are more hawkish than Trump by a good measure. There is no shortage of militant commentators on MSNOW. Indeed, they seem only satisfied if Trump puts “boots on the ground”. As for Ukraine, they are all for intervention, and as to Cuba, the suffering is of no concern. They are to Trump’s right on these issues. So where is the alternative? On Israel, Democrats’ stance seems to be “oh dear oh my”.

All is thin gruel or unlikely to give voters an alternative. Perhaps the protection of abortion and anti-gerrymandering could provide a good reason to vote Democratic. But on the economy and foreign policy, they have no message that is distinctive from Trump’s. The only thing you can say about the Democratic Party is that it is more reliably Republican than the genuine article. MAGA, however, is on the decline, but this does not exactly include Trump. It has turned into a squabbling crew that has been exposed as weak and fractious. Without Trump, it is nothing. Democrats should avoid democratic shibboleths, be more sensitive to economic injustice, and be geared toward peace.