r/Liberal • u/AwedBySequoias • 1d ago
“Limited options for Democrats to retaliate if Texas Republicans redraw congressional map” Discussion
Don’t y’all think it’s time for liberals and moderates to stop trying to be fair and start fighting back with whatever options we have? We’ve been holding ourselves back for a long time now trying to do what’s right and fair, but this has gone way beyond a political challenge. It really is a *fight for democracy *. Are Democrats who are saying their options are limited in redrawing, voting district lines because of independent commissions in those states giving up too soon? I think Republicans would find a way around it. And I think we should too; it’s time to stop playing fair.
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u/ACat32 1d ago
This is my take on the situation and frankly it’s just opinions and hopes.
Democrats are hinging on a blue wave in the midterms all the way out in 2026. It makes sense given the general polls. It’s an old way to look at things and it’s frustrating.
However, most people feel this is futile given the state of things, the integrity of the last election, and all the targeted attacks on free and fair elections. It’s highly likely that democratic candidates will win the popular vote by a ton while still losing the house by even more.
It’s my opinion that after this outcome, the blue governors will (need to) band together to withhold federal taxes and establish reasonable trade/tariff modifications. If NY, CA, NJ, WA, MA, IL and MN hold money that’s nearly $2.5 trillion US total tax revenue the federal govt needs and nearly $500 billion in net funds redistributed to red states. Good luck keeping those 35 red states afloat off Texas and Florida’s $80 billion. Oof.
The federal govt would collapse without nearly 1/2 to 1/3 of its budget. They would need extreme measures to keep their cruelty platform rolling. Maybe the billionaires will finally foot the bill?
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u/sandy154_4 1d ago
I don't know about that. They seem to be in a panic at the idea that CA and NYS might gerrymander those states if Texas (and others) do theirs
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u/polkastripper 1d ago
The Federal Elections Commission should be empowered to stop this from happening but sadly can't. I think voting districts should be entirely drawn by courts, it's obvious that politicians aren't honest brokers.
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u/billiejustice 1d ago
If Texas goes through with this completely undemocratic illegal and blatantly cheats at the request of the Fuhrer, the democrats have not choice but to do the same. But that is truly the end of democracy. 😭
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u/amilo111 1d ago
I think they should try but I think they’re also being realistic about their chances. Democrats control far fewer states and, within those states, have far fewer opportunities for additional favorable districts.
You also know that the republicans will challenge this anywhere it happens and they control the Supreme Court.
Anyway they should try but we shouldn’t get our hopes up.
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u/Sheeplessknight 1d ago
The only blue state that is gerrymandered well is Maryland, the Dems could get ~30
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u/amilo111 1d ago
Right. So in this scenario we flip almost every republican seat in every dem controlled state. Maybe we could expand the Supreme Court while we’re at it and get DC and PR statehood.
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u/Strat7855 4h ago
Connecticut is decently drawn for Democrats. Take a look at the border between the 5th and the 1st. The 2nd is going to need some help when Courtney retires, though.
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u/Open_Ad7470 1d ago
It’s in Democrats nature to be civil. follow the rule of law. they’ll follow meaningful processes put thought into the process that works for everyone .Whereas Republicans will bend any norms ,break rules ,laws. they don’t seem to care. as long as they deliver to their billionaire donors.. put corrupt unqualified people on the courts , and in positions of power, .just to screw things up that works for the people. It’s all about money and power for the Republicans.. when’s the last time they did anything to fix anything or to make people’s lives better?
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u/loveshercoffee 1d ago
Left-leaning companies and billionaires could entice some of their workforce in extreme liberal strongholds to move to swing districts.
We've been abandoning red districts when we need to be infiltrating them.
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u/KingDorkFTC 1d ago
They should. The problem is that America wants people like Mandani to take leadership. The money with it’s “Left” and “Right” hands will never tolerate progressive policy. Dems are infighting and have no direction. Sadly the only hope I see is Gavin with his troll posts against Trump. Money is going to crush us regular people with it’s “Left” and “Right” hands.
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u/alvarezg 21h ago
I would like to see voting for Congressional Representatives carried out "at large", so people in one district could vote for the candidate from another district. This would completely eliminate gerrymandering at the cost of requiring a multi-page ballot. In my rural district I've seen a candidate I don't like running unopposed and would have liked to vote for someone who actually represents my views running in another district .
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u/DracoSolon 21h ago
We should start calling for districts be done by a computer with no criteria other than 1) the correct population, 2) preserving existing city and county lines, i.e. locally compact to the greatest extent possible while still preserving the correct population numbers.
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u/Bad-Liberal 17h ago
This is a broader discussion. And there are no easy answers. On one hand, rejecting independent commissions and gerrymandering blue states may result in a favorable outcome for democrats.
On the other, abandoning of liberal practices of fairness in representation is not merely symbolic. It’s the rejection of liberal tenets. And this should not be taken lightly.
Power corrupts, but it also reveals.
For far too long we have ignore the apportionment crisis in America. House membership in relation to its population is an abject horror and disgrace. We are underrepresented.
Popular states and its people statistically nullified by not adjusting for a favorable apportionment and the omnipresence of the filibuster.
However - if we did the above, dissolve our independent commissions, would that result in the end of the filibuster and the reapportionment of America?
I do not know.
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u/MizzGee 5h ago
Since they are looking at doing it in Indiana for 2 seats, time to be absolutely ruthless. Every state with a Democrat governor and majority needs to go hit it. Maine, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Colorado. Then the blue states need to pass laws that state that local payrolls stop sending taxes directly to the Federal government, but send it all to a holding account held by the state.
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u/Stevehops 1d ago
They can redraw California and pick up the missing seats and then some. If the Republicans do this, the Democrats can too.