Ryan's Hope

Today, the Democratic caucus in the House of Representatives is choosing a leader.  Ohio congressman Tim Ryan is challenging House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California.  Pelosi has led the House Democratic caucus to its smallest size over eighty years, she's been in power to long, and she offers no new ideas at a time when the Democrats need fresh blood in the House.

Ryan is nevertheless considered a long shot. :-O

Ryan wants to reconnect Democrats with the working class to regain their favor, and he also wants to get a new generation of leadership in place, but the Democratic gerontocracy insists on holding onto power to the bitter end.  The party, having been battered in one election after another, is run by an old-boy and old-girl network in which the boys and girls are very old indeed.  Which would be fine if wisdom came with age.  Not here.

The Democrats are a spent force.  If Ryan doesn't become House Democratic leader, he and like-minded Democrats should just leave the party en masse and jump-start a party to replace the Democrats in time for 2018 and 2020.  It's long overdue.