By Michael Kelman Portney

Abstract:

American politics has shifted from a culture of civility to a ruthless zero-sum game where winning, not cooperation, defines success. While Republicans have embraced this approach, Democrats have held onto principles of civility and bipartisanship. This paper argues that the "when they go low, we go high" philosophy has failed Democrats, leaving them vulnerable in an environment where power is the ultimate prize. To effectively compete, Democrats must adopt a "knife fight mentality," prioritizing power and embracing the reality that in a zero-sum political world, success will require equal ruthlessness.

Introduction: The Zero-Sum Shift in American Politics

Politics has devolved into a brutal contest where norms of civility and cooperation have been replaced by tactics focused on power above all else. Leaders like Newt Gingrich, Rush Limbaugh, and Mitch McConnell initiated this shift, leveraging extreme partisanship and obstruction to consolidate influence and control the political agenda. Democrats, meanwhile, have often adhered to ideals of bipartisanship, holding back from fully engaging in this fight. This adherence has left them underpowered in a landscape now defined by the relentless pursuit of advantage.

Case Study: The Failure of “When They Go Low, We Go High”

Michelle Obama’s call to "go high" in response to Republican low blows set a tone of integrity and restraint. But in a zero-sum context, this approach has proven ineffective, with Republicans achieving critical wins by wielding power with fewer ethical constraints. Key moments underscore the limitations of "going high":

1. Judicial Appointments: When Republicans blocked Merrick Garland, Democrats respected norms while Republicans disregarded them to fill vacancies, shaping the courts for generations.

2. Disinformation and Partisan Media: While Democrats avoided disinformation tactics, Republicans fully embraced their media networks to drive narratives and shape public perception, unopposed by factual appeals alone.

3. Legislative Battles and Budget Negotiations: In standoffs over government shutdowns and budget policy, Democrats often compromised, allowing Republicans to claim symbolic victories and define the political agenda.

These examples reveal a fundamental mismatch: Democrats are focused on preserving standards that Republicans have already dismissed in favor of unrestrained power. The "high road" failed not because Democrats were weak but because the terrain had shifted, leaving ideals of civility vulnerable to exploitation.

The Knife Fight Mentality: Embracing Power as the Only Path to Compete

Democrats must now recognize that in a zero-sum environment, the pursuit of power is not only acceptable but essential. The "knife fight" mentality reframes their approach to prioritize control, viewing each legislative, judicial, and electoral opportunity as a battle to win. This shift entails:

1. Pursuing Power Without Apology: Democrats need to embrace the idea that securing and consolidating power—through aggressive judicial appointments, relentless election reform, and uncompromising legislative tactics—is the path to defending democracy. Prioritizing power is not about abandoning values; it's about ensuring that those values can be actualized in policy.

2. Aggressive Narratives and Public Mobilization: To win the messaging war, Democrats must go beyond fact-based appeals and use narrative framing to rally support. This requires connecting emotionally, portraying their agenda as a direct defense against the encroachment on rights, freedoms, and democracy itself. Power-focused messaging will help Democrats resonate with the public’s desire for bold, fearless action.

3. Forging Alliances with Grassroots Movements: Aligning with grassroots movements can amplify the party's power by tapping into public energy and demands for change. When Republicans mobilize their base without reserve, Democrats must do the same, fostering loyalty and solidarity within a coalition that expects power-centered action.

Shaping a New Kind of Democratic Leadership: Owning the Game’s Rules

To wield power effectively, Democratic leadership must prioritize control, building strategies that counter Republican advantages:

1. Judicial and Electoral Strategy with Power as the Objective: Instead of relying on norms, Democrats must prioritize filling judicial seats, aggressively combat gerrymandering, and pursue reforms that expand access to power. The objective should be clear: secure a long-term presence across all branches of government.

2. Bold Use of Legislative Leverage: Democrats should approach negotiations with an uncompromising stance on key issues, treating each moment as an opportunity to advance power rather than preserve decorum. This could involve using government funding or procedural tactics to push through reforms aligned with their agenda.

3. Consistent Messaging of Strength and Resolve: Messaging should reflect that Democrats are here to win—not just to govern with civility. Framing each move as a defense of people’s rights and freedoms allows the party to align power with purpose. The aim is to convey that they are fighting not just to play fair, but to win for the public’s interests.

Risks of the Knife Fight Mentality—and Why They’re Worth Taking

1. Accepting the Reality of Alienating Moderates: A power-first stance may alienate some moderates, but as the landscape shifts, Democrats must accept that the cost of neutrality is often weakness. With clear, unyielding principles, Democrats can build loyalty and respect among voters who value bold, direct action.

2. Managing Hypocrisy Claims: By embracing power, Democrats risk accusations of abandoning past principles. However, they must clarify that this evolution is not a betrayal of ideals but a necessary adaptation to the environment that Republicans created. By framing this shift as defending democracy itself, Democrats can avoid perceptions of hypocrisy.

3. Maintaining Purpose within Power: While prioritizing power, Democrats must remember that power itself is a vehicle for enacting values and policy goals. The pursuit of power is not the end but the means to deliver on promises. A power-centered approach must communicate that this is about implementing and protecting policies that serve the public good.

Conclusion: The New Democratic Path Forward

In today’s zero-sum environment, Democrats can no longer afford to play by the outdated norms of civility and decorum. They must embrace a strategy that treats politics as a knife fight—where power is not just part of the game but the ultimate objective. This shift is not about abandoning values; it’s about creating the conditions necessary to actualize those values.

The political terrain changed not by Democratic choice, but because Republicans reshaped it to prioritize winning above all else. To survive and protect their vision, Democrats must match this ferocity with a focus on control, not compromise. Only through an unapologetic pursuit of power can Democrats safeguard democracy and deliver on their promise to the people. The path forward requires that they not only hold the knife but use it decisively, embracing a stance that is not about civility but about winning the battles that define the future of the nation.