Opinion Today: Whose fault is it?

Divisions in the ranks.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story November 20, 2020 By Alison Bruzek Senior Producer, Opinion Audio “Any majority is a good majority” might as well be House Democrats’ new rallying cry. The election left them with a narrow margin and a big question: Whose fault is that? Divisions among House Democrats became starkly apparent when, just two days after the election, a private conference call was leaked and quickly became public. Over the course of three hours, moderates and progressives clashed over using the terms “socialism” and “socialist” and whether proposals like “defund the police” cost centrist candidates their seats. But this week on Times Opinion’s podcast “The Argument,” Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington, the co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, pushed back against the idea that progressives were to blame. She told hosts Michelle Goldberg and Aaron Retica that she’s skeptical of how much weight voters placed on slogans like “defund the police.” In fact, she said, in this election Democrats “were finally successful in turning out people that I would not call base voters.” She also pointed out that progressives united behind President-elect Joe Biden before the election — and according to her, “We did not, after the election, immediately start claiming that only progressives won the election. Others, unfortunately, claimed that progressives hurt the election,” she said. “Progressives have for too long been a punching bag, not only of the right, but sometimes of our own colleagues.” There’s always more than one side to the story, and next month on “The Argument” we’ll talk to Republicans about what they hope to accomplish in a Biden administration. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Giacomo Bagnara The 46th: Progressive Democrats’ Next Moves Under Biden In the first episode of this special pre-Inauguration series from “The Argument,” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and “Sway” host Kara Swisher join the debate. Forward this newsletter to friends … … to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com Here’s what we’re focusing on today: Editors’ Picks Your Bubble Is Bigger Than You Think It Is Should you travel to see family for the holidays? First investigate your potential lethality to the older people in your life. By Farhad Manjoo On Politics Republicans Supporting Trump, Remember: Lies Have a Long Half-Life The president’s actions are disgraceful and damaging to our democracy. By The Editorial Board Making the Most of the Coming Biden Boom The economic outlook is probably brighter than you think. 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By The Editorial Board Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT What You’re Saying letters How to Persuade Trump to Concede One reader suggests turning the promising vaccine news into a victory lap for the president. letters After the Election, Celebrating Diversity “I am so overwhelmed with pride to be American again,” a Muslim woman writes. Also: Recovering memories; wrist fractures. Contact Us If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. David Leonhardt's newsletter is now the Opinion Today newsletter. You received this email because you signed up for David Leonhardt's newsletter or the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. 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