This move from the DNC to block the release regarding its own autopsy report on the last presidential race appears stunning however not surprising. Opposed to unpleasant candor, the Democrats' governing body operates more like a PR firm rather than an electoral entity committed to cultivating grassroots capacities capable of prevailing at the polls.
A Climate That Avoids Dissent
Hesitant to break with the party establishment's culture of conformity, the committee has remained within that legacy throughout this past year. Releasing such a report might have shown whether the leadership truly desire to foster open debate regarding the missteps which allowed the former president to return to the White House. However, the leadership is moving forward under the pretense that there is little to be learned from the tragic debacle from the last cycle.
The top priority: will this lead to victory? If not, it becomes a sideline issue from our fundamental goal," a justification which was presented for withholding the document.
Critical Problems an Autopsy Might Have Addressed
An autopsy report with any value would not dodge certain uncomfortable matters. Among them are:
- Voter Disengagement: Failing to retain among millions of voters that backed the party's candidate during the previous election was decisive during the tight recent race.
- The Decision to Seek Re-election: The unwavering insistence by a party leader to seek re-election, coupled with a last-minute withdrawal, has been criticized as denying Democratic voters the chance for a genuine choice.
- Abandoning the Working-Class Base: Amid rising costs, the campaign reportedly accommodating elite contributors without successfully attempting to confront the role of corporate greed.
- The Foreign Policy Factor: The refusal to adjust an approach regarding a ongoing war is cited as losing many voters, notably among young people, Arab American communities, and Muslim Americans.
- Eroding Youth Backing: Research demonstrates a significant drop-off in support for the party among voters aged 18-29.
A Record Avoiding Accountability
This refusal aligns with a longstanding habit to avoid hard truths. This mirrors a dynamic in which the vast majority of elected Democrat in Congress went along with an incumbent's decision for running for re-election right up until a poor televised debate led to a change.
Meanwhile, large majorities of Democratic voters had been consistently telling pollsters of their opposition to that candidate to run again.
Campaign Spending Concerns
A thorough autopsy would also investigate matters about where money went, including the amounts were directed to high-priced advisors as well as advertising contractors over the course of a campaign that burned through an enormous sum in a short period.
The Larger Issue
Ultimately, the blockage of the official autopsy highlights a deference to party leaders who engineered a disastrous presidential campaign. The signal for rank-and-file members – which includes countless dedicated activists – is that they do not be trusted to understand the lessons party chiefs have learned from an analysis drawing from extensive interviews.
A party incapable to publicly examine its own failings finds it difficult to climb out of the rut that ended up being so beneficial to the winning candidate.
