Democrats 101: A Primer for Us

by J.M. Purvis

What is a Democrat? Why is it so hard to define, and why do we keep letting the Republicans do it? Why do we squabble when we should be united? Why do we drift endlessly into policy disputes when bigger things are at stake? We have core values. We have basic truths that each and every one of us believe in, regardless of who we are. We have universal truths that are American to their core, values that have their roots in the Declaration of Independence, values that appeal beyond our party. We’ve waffled around long enough. We need to proclaim these values. Now. Publicly. Before it’s too late. This is a unique moment in American history. Enormous change is underway, change that offers enormous progress on one hand, instability and Reaction on the other. If we want to lead America forward through this, if we want to move this nation towards a more just society for decades to come, then we need to show that we are more than just a political organization. We need to show that we are more than “the other party”. We need to set out a beacon that everyone can see. We need to proclaim a statement of basic values that even our opponents can’t deny, a creed that rises above politics, a creed that not only says “this is us”, it says “this is America!”. DEMOCRATS 101 is about an idea: that we need to see our future in bigger terms than politics and campaigns. DEMOCRATS 101 is about starting a national discussion, a movement by rank and file to put us on the proper path to navigate the uncertainty that is going to surround us for the next twenty years. This book is not the answer, it’s about finding the answer. It’s about how we got into this mess, and how we get out. It’s about finding our basic values. If you care about the Democratic Party, if you believe we can be more than just a political party, DEMOCRATS 101 is a place to start. As one supporter put it, " This book makes me proud to be a Democrat. ”

Genres: Politics

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2021

Reviews

[Gio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a poor direction for the democratic party. We have been trying to fight on "values" for the last 30 years! Why do we have to win Republican voters rather than earn votes from the 100 million people who just don't vote? We could be the party that works hard to provide material change for struggling families. OR we can continue to be ineffective in office, and create half measure instalment policies like the ACA. Universal Healthcare, Housing First Policies, Voting Rights 2.0, Decriminalize Marijuana, Rolling Student Debt absolvement, $15 Minimum wage will earn more votes than pushing some tired interpretation of "American Values". What are "American Values"? The values of this country mean nothing coming from either party in this country. Politics is about who gets what, and the wealthy always get what they want. None of this would change anything anyway, maybe some benefits for the abused American working class, but not to those who suffer in the global south.

[Sarah Lambi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This man uses far too many ellipses.

[Will Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super short primer, but gets to the heart of the problems facing democrats.

[John Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, sharp book outlining mostly what anyone who is into politics knows but with some additives. The author spoke about how it was a male oriented world – even more than today – with only eight women in Congress during Roosevelt’s presidency, the impact of Jim Crow, and how Truman ordered the desegregation of the military, the impact of Jackie Robinson in 1947, how the federal government dealt with Little Rock under President Eisenhower, and how 63% of Americans opposed integration the military but by 1964, 58% supported civil rights.

The author points out that outside the south, 95% were white – farmers, labor, military. And men.
Back decades ago, Republicans supported raising the minimum wage, labor, extending Social Security, and the Equal Rights Amendment.

Then there was Goldwater.

Then Nixon, who was the first Republican to utilize the Southern strategy with the dog whistle. They extended their tent by recruiting Southern evangelicals, Christians and attacking homosexuals, and fighting on abortion. Until 1972, the author maintained that there was no religious aspects in the GOP platform.

Reagan used clear language on freedom, liberty, and fear of big government. He made ‘liberal’ a bad name while conservative was embraced more. By 1985, 50% of Americans fared big government. That grew to 64% by 1994 with the help of Newt Gingrich who started an endless war thanks to the Freedom Caucus and opposing everything. Later that led to the Tea Party thanks to Fox, 24 hour news, and connecting emotionally. He concludes that Republican politicians “love the appearances of ideology. They love to dress things up in a doctrine to justify what they are doing.”

What the author points out well is the arch of politics in this government, raising that the GOP has had a strategy or luck that looks like a strategy to win and to use new strategies, crisp language and a clear outline of their stated goals. For too long, national democrats have often lacked the discipline of Reagan to their – and our nation’s – chagrin.

[Gillian Kratzer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truly, this is a troubling book. The fact that this was written for Democrats is honestly the most confusing thing about it since it's rife with Republican talking points and white supremacist ideology (whether the author realizes it or not, and I suspect not). There are kernels here and there, but overall this is a book that talks a lot about us and them without ever really clearly defining either.

[Dana Van Ostrand · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a short primer on "Democratic values." It begins as a history of understanding the historical context of how the Democrats have become who they are and the role that they currently play in American politics. In its efforts as a "primer," I was thoroughly disappointed with the scapegoating of the Republicans as both nefariously serious and deeply stupid. This primer was frustratingly focused on referring to the Republican Party and provided very limited depth to the values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which the author claims are the Democratic Party's values. Ultimately, I'd only give this primer to someone who had NEVER pursued any sort of political knowledge, and have a conversation afterward about what it might look like to dignify and take seriously everyone's political views while proposing many of the values here as espoused. There must be a path forward for Democrats to be able to dignify every person in our political dialogue, while offering critique, and proposing our solutions out of our values.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read for Dems/Progressives/Independents

At a time when Dems feel like their hair is on fire from all the political insanity being constantly lobbed at them, me being one of them, this book was like manna from heaven. It is a short book and easy to read and digest but packed with great info and wisdom. Purvis breaks down what being a Democrat means and how we got here as a party and a nation. The insight is gratifying as to what our party identity is and our creed, things easily lost through decades of being ruthlessly attacked for believing the very things that have the best interest of the American people at heart. I am actually rereading it now.

I highly recommend this book and would have given it more stars if possible.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nicely written, easy to read short book that helps explain some of the history of the Democrat and Republican parties, particularly from Franklin Roosevelt's presidency to the present. JM Purvis provides some interesting insight and ideas of how the Republican's have gotten their message across to attract so many people who used to support the Democrats. I highly recommend reading this little book for those interested in better understanding Republican and Democrat parties in today's world.

[Abe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dems 101 provides a clear and compelling argument for restructuring our party around core American principles. In a political era in which divisive rhetoric dominates, Dems 101 presents a different path forward to bring about real and positive change in our country.

[Randy Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical explanation of how we got to where we are politically, along with some suggestions for how to move forward. Told from the perspective of a Democrat, but equally applicable to Republicans who are concerned about our country's future.

[Juliette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small book (only 144 pages) that packs a punch and provides some hope. Simple language to cover complex issues. A look back to move forward. A must read.

[Al Owski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This booklet might be useful as an introduction to the history of the Democratic party for someone unfamiliar with it. But for me, it was mostly a reiterating what most of us probably know. And more than a little sermonizing of what the Democratic party should be. It is also Purvis' aspirational definition of what a modern, American, Democratic party can be, a party which embodies enough of the American ideals to be a majority party.