Getting off the Mat

Democrats win on Tuesday---but now the real work has to be done.

Wrestling is a sport that will humble you and humble you quickly. It is the ultimate sport of strength, endurance, and just guts. At its core, it is a 6-minute battle for who wants it more. Can you take down your opponent? Can you hold them down? And can you pin them? At the same time, can you get off the mat and get up to your feet and resume the battle?

Wrestling made me a better man. It taught me life lessons that I still apply today. On Tuesday night, the Democratic Party FINALLY got off the mat and back on its feet. They secured their 1-point escape and are now looking for that critical takedown of the GOP.

Democrats won every major election from coast to coast. They just didn’t win, but recaptured their old coalitions and built on voters they had lost in 2024. Democrats silenced their critics in the media and the echo chamber of political talking heads.

Congrats, you won… now what?

This is the hard part. Democrats now must continue to focus on affordability and lowering the costs for all Americans. The Democratic Party is a big-tent party; we must never forget that. As hard as it is to keep everyone in line, that has been the strength of the party since FDR. The DNC needs to focus on candidates that best represent THEIR district(s). Even if it is conservative Dems in rural places. Recruit candidates who may not always agree with the national party on certain policies, but have a deep understanding of what their district’s issues are.

In wrestling, you have to have a short memory. Win or lose. Democrats should absolutely celebrate this victory, but don’t lose sight of the next election and the work that still needs to be done.

Jackson