Why the Democratic Party keeps failing us - and what we can do

By Solomon Ni     11/12/24 9:58pm

Editor’s Note: This is a guest opinion that has been submitted by a member of the Rice community. The views expressed in this opinion are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of the Thresher or its editorial board. All guest opinions are fact-checked to the best of our ability and edited for clarity and conciseness by Thresher editors.

In the wake of the 2024 general election, many of us are grappling with frustration, disappointment and even anger toward the Democratic Party — and that’s okay. This isn’t about campaign strategy or a single election loss; it’s about the party’s choice to take a once-promising, potentially transformative nominee and reduce her to a hollow vessel for corporate donors and backers. 

These feelings reflect a widening disconnect between party leadership and the working people who depend on their promises of real change. And the consequences go beyond disillusionment — when the party fails to deliver, communities like students, people of color and those in the LGBTQ+ community that need support the most are left with little to show for their votes. 

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Even at the heels of his resignation, you saw the chair of the Texas Democratic Party choose to denigrate transgender people for losing the 2024 election, rather than confront the party’s own shortcomings.

The Democratic Party won’t fight for transformative change and it’s time for us to create it ourselves. This means organizing for direct action – here and right now – and building solidarity to demand the change our communities deserve.

Since I was 13, I have organized, canvassed and made calls for this party — dedicating eight years to causes I believed would create real change. I staffed a competitive congressional race in the heart of Arkansas that raised over $3.5 million. I served as vice president of the Rice Democrats.

I write this not out of sheer frustration with the Democratic Party, but from deep disappointment and dismay — especially because in states like Arkansas, my home, the Democratic Party has often been my only channel for mobilization and advocacy.

The party’s repeated unwillingness to boldly tackle fundamental issues of affordable housing, healthcare, climate action and workers’ rights has disillusioned countless supporters. In every election cycle, promises are made, and hope is reignited, only for meaningful reforms to be softened or abandoned. In 2024, we watched as the Democratic presidential nominee campaigned for the very border wall she once condemned as “a complete waste of taxpayer money and a policy that “won’t make us any safer.”  

It’s time to take matters into our own hands. Direct action allows us to create real, immediate pressure where politicians have failed. We can join in solidarity with groups dedicated year-round to making a difference — from labor unions to climate justice groups, tenants’ rights groups and movements on our campus. 

Solidarity starts by finding your communities and recognizing the needs of those around you. Channel your energy beyond the hedges — while a second Trump administration would deepen struggles for many, there are people right now, both on campus and across Houston, who need our support – share resources, volunteer, attend community meetings or support campus initiatives — small steps add up to real change.

We can build a “Campus for All” by advocating for the well-being of every student, regardless of race, gender or class, and pushing back against the monopolistic practices that punish all students, especially working-class ones. 

At this moment, more than ever, we need to come together to protect our community and make a “Culture of Care” a reality. Creating a “Culture of Care” on campus means fighting for a community that actively prioritizes mutual support. 

It means defending freedom of expression and academic freedom, so every voice is heard without fear of retaliation. It means hearing our classmates out when they say the faculty doesn’t represent all of us. It means showing up for each other, standing together in solidarity and creating a campus where everyone feels supported and valued.

We must organize to protect Title IX from a second Trump administration, continue to advocate for comprehensive disability support services across all campus facilities and push for the university to take a principled stance on global issues, such as Palestinian solidarity. By coming together to protect our rights and the rights of others, we build a community that stands in solidarity against all forms of injustice, showing that our campus can be a force for meaningful change. 

Solidarity and taking action are deeply embedded in the spirit of Rice students — our history is filled with moments where we stood together and will continue to. Even recently, students have continued to come together for environmental sustainability and racial justice. We need to unite to protect our rights and those of others. We honor this legacy of collective strength by building a community that stands together and firmly against all forms of injustice.

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