"The antiwar movement aspired to create a transgressive politics that challenged the institutions that generate war and imperialism. Yet, because it depended so heavily on the party in the street to mobilize support, it found itself caught up in the institutional, party-driven system that many activists saw as the cause of the problems that it mobilized to solve. In 2001, the antiwar movement began with an eye toward becoming an independent political force, yet it lived in the shadow of the Democratic Party. The Democrats and the antiwar movement struck a useful alliance from 2003 to 2006. The antiwar movement helped to demonstrate grassroots support for a key party issue and the party helped to provide activists, resources, and legitimacy for the movement. By early 2009, however, it was abundantly clear that Democrats were no longer interested in this alliance. Abandonment by the Democrats gave the movement the independence it desired, but also stripped it of its capacity for political influence. While Obama's election was heralded as a victory for the antiwar movement, Obama’s election, in fact, thwarted the ability of the movement to achieve critical mass."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Michael T. Heaney and Fabio Rojas, "The Partisan Dynamics of Contention: Demobilization of the Anti-War Movement in the United States: 2007-2009" (2011), by M.T. Heaney and F. Rojas, p. 60.
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_(United_States)
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Democratic Party (United States)
175 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Democratic Party (United States) →
Related Quotes
"Democrats believe that every American - regardless of income, geography, race, or disability - should be able to reac…"
"Today's Democratic Party knows that we can protect the environment and expand the economy. We believe we can create m…"
"Today's Democratic Party believes the first responsibility of government is law and order. Four years ago, crime in A…"
"The Democratic Party stands behind the right of every woman to choose, consistent with Roe v. Wade, and regardless of…"
"We cannot be the world's policeman, and we must be discriminating in our approach. But where the stakes are high, whe…"
"For eight years, the Democratic Party's new thinking has helped America reach unparalleled heights of prosperity, pro…"
"Today's Democratic Party believes that America must put our families first. The Republican budget tried to take Big B…"
"Today's Democratic Party will stand firmly against the Republican assault on education. Cutting education as we move …"
"It was disheartening to imagine the next two years with a Republican-controlled House and Senate. The political battl…"
"They do not object to negroes voting on account of ignorance, but on account of color... If every negro in Mississipp…"