Slotkin’s rebuttal

This kind of thing isn’t important in and of itself, but it is important as a symbolic marker of where the Democrats are right now. And where they are right now, at least in terms of the party leadership that approved this message, is a long way away from where they need to be.

There’s basically nothing in this speech that discusses the fact that Donald Trump and his minions are carrying out a coup against the American political system. It features one short sentence about Trump’s countless illegal acts since retaking office. It doesn’t mention Trump’s attempt to overthrow the government after he lost the previous presidential election, or the Supreme Court immunizing him from all criminal laws.

In short it has nothing to say about what is actually happening in this country right now. Instead we get a bunch of the usual pablum about how awesome the Middle Class ™ is, plus a nice little dose of nostalgia for the greatness of Ronald Reagan (not kidding).

Again I realize the rebuttal in itself means basically nothing, but what it symbolizes is a radical failure to respond to the political moment on the part of the Democratic party’s leadership. And that means something.