If you’re a political junkie like me, you probably enjoyed watching The Ragin’ Cajun — James Carville — deliver his punditry on TV or reading his latest takes. I used to as well, often with a smirk. But I’m not smiling anymore. In my estimation, Carville represents what’s wrong with the Democratic Party today. He has appointed himself as the all-knowing oracle from atop his political mountain, preaching, “I know better than all of you — just listen to me.”
Well, I did listen to James Carville — back when he was campaign manager for Bob Casey Sr., the anti-LGBTQ+ equality candidate for governor of Pennsylvania. I’ll share that story below, but first, let’s focus on today’s urgent need for unity in a time of crisis. Unlike Carville, we’ll actually address solutions instead of just pointing fingers.
The Old Guard Is Running in Circles
Right now, the old guard of the Democratic Party is behaving like a proverbial chicken with its head cut off — panicked, running in all directions, and when unsure what to do, they simply gripe. Carville is a perfect example. He keeps regurgitating past elections, endlessly dissecting what went wrong, as if dwelling on history will magically fix the present.
To him and others stuck in this loop: That’s the past. Let the historians revisit it. We don’t have time to waste — we are in an urgent crisis. So, James, shut up!
The Answer: Focus on the Midterms, Not the Past
Carville and others keep asking, “How will the Democrats fight back?” The answer is simple, but it’s a hard pill to swallow: Democrats currently have no power in Washington. All they can do is speak up — but that alone won’t be enough.
The real solution? We have to win back power in the midterms. We have a real shot at taking back the House. The only thing standing in our way is the noise — people like Carville who want to stay stuck in the past, and those who spend more time complaining about messaging rather than amplifying the candidates who can actually defeat Republicans.
Here’s my simple formula: Stop looking backward. Keep your eyes on the prize — the future. Unity means moving forward, working together, and recognizing the real enemy — President Elon Musk—er, I mean, Donald Trump.
My Personal James Carville Story
Bob Casey Sr. was anti-LGBTQ+ equality, which made it clear to me that I could not support him in the election for governor in 1986. My concern was that his election would stall or even reverse the progress the LGBTQ+ community had made in Pennsylvania.
But James Carville had a job to do, and he was tasked with convincing me otherwise. When he called me, he reassured me of Casey’s commitment to fairness and equality. I asked him, “If Casey doesn’t live up to these promises, can I call you to remind him of his commitments?”
Carville gave me his word. And, predictably, that promise turned out to be hollow. When I tried to follow up, he never returned my call.
Carville couldn’t be trusted then, and he can’t be relied on now!