Staff Reports
The Democrats have kicked off their latest round of protests against President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., in what could be best described as a half-hearted attempt to reignite the fiery resistance seen back in 2017. While there are demonstrations planned, the enthusiasm currently resembles the lukewarm coffee from the corner diner, lacking that zesty kick of fervor and protest signs.
Molly Murphy, a pollster who previously worked with Vice President Kamala Harris, recently shared the charmingly vague insight that Democrats realize the 2025 playbook can’t simply mimic the failed strategies of 2017. It seems the left is starting to wake up to a bitter truth: shouting furiously into the void doesn’t seem as impactful when fewer people are interested in sharing the microphone. Demonstrations are still set to occur, albeit at significantly reduced capacity, suggesting that even many Democrats are running out of steam.
ABC News reporting from Kamala HQ: "There has been a real vibe shift in the last 30-45 minutes. We're actually starting to see some people leaving. The crowd has thinned out. There's a real concern that's starting to build."
The joy is gone! pic.twitter.com/ZGHypr2lUN
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) November 6, 2024
As for the Women’s March being rebranded as “the People’s March,” this event will take place just two days before the inauguration. Initially designed to protest Trump’s very existence, this year’s attendance expectations are down to around 50,000, a far cry from the 500,000 that descended upon the capital in 2017. With a such stark decrease in numbers, one can only wonder if attendees will realize they might be better off binge-watching reality television instead of parading themselves in front of political buildings.
Rumors have it that the Women’s March is not just about women anymore; it’s claimed to be an encompassing gathering of progressive voices. There’s chatter about needing support from “queer, trans folks, and non-binary folks” as if Trump’s administration has spent the last four years sprouting tiny-rooted “fascism” seeds in the garden of Washington. The unfortunate truth for them, though, is that many Americans seem fatigued by the relentless cycle of marches, and a notable social media comment indicating fatigue seems to encapsulate the general climate: one individual simply noted they were “tired” of the protests, as if the collective effort was akin to running a never-ending marathon without any finish line in sight.
For those engaging in Congress, the Democratic boycotts are also dwindling. Unlike the 55 House Democrats who snubbed Trump’s inaugural festivities in 2017, the numbers appear to be far smaller this time around. Lawmakers continue to cite the events of January 6, 2021, as their justification to avoid the ceremony entirely, as if they can feign moral superiority while increasing the dramatic flair of their absence. It seems some Democrats believe that political theater can save them from the reality that Trump will, indeed, be serving all Americans—yes, even the ones who find themselves on the losing end of elections.
Additionally, fringe groups are capitalizing on the day with protests featuring pro-Palestinian groups, socialists, and a coalition of labor organizations, showcasing a lineup as mismatched as a musical featuring opera and heavy metal. This smattering of protests only highlights the fact that many leftists are grappling with a lack of direction unlike the targeted outrage of previous years. Even within their ranks, there are whispers about the efficacy of marching versus running for office, sparking an identity crisis that would be comical if it weren’t so revealing. With some in the Democratic camp exchanging placards for political ambitions, it’s safe to say that the era of traditional protest may be on the cusp of a significant transformation—or perhaps, like their protests, is simply losing its vigor.
