Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. The Democratic Senate primary in Massachusetts is getting interesting, to say the least. Longtime Sen. Ed Markey is facing a challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton, and it’s turning out to be a battle of ideas, ambition, and, well, age. Markey, 80, is positioned as the anti-establishment candidate, which is quite rich considering he’s been in Washington since 1973. Meanwhile, Moulton, 47, is pitching himself as the candidate of generational change.
As I read through this article, I couldn’t help but think that the language of the left-wing insurgency is being used to describe this race, but beneath the surface, it’s really about who gets to wield power in the state. The contest seems to be less about ideological issues or governing philosophies and more about personal pique and securing Democratic power in the future.
I have to chuckle at Markey’s attempt to gin up energy on the left by invoking the spirit of the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s famous ride. It’s like he’s trying to convince voters that he’s still the young, revolutionary guy he was back in the day. Bless their hearts. Moulton, on the other hand, is making a straightforward case against Markey, saying that his work hasn’t been enough and that it’s time for a change.
The perspectives of voters in Massachusetts are also interesting. Some, like Northeastern law student Collin Rue, define progressivism as being committed to helping the working class and lifting up underrepresented groups. Others, like linguist Lisa Lavoie, see it as moving past established systems to give everyone a reasonable chance. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who was at a Markey rally, defined progressivism as believing that government should play a role in expanding opportunity for everyone, not just helping those at the top.
As I read on, I realized that the primary is dicey for Massachusetts’ Democratic leaders. Markey doesn’t inspire broad passion, and many assumed his 2020 victory would be his swan song. Meanwhile, Moulton’s approach has been seen as standoffish and self-righteous by some, which hasn’t helped his case. The potential of a Markey win is being weighed against the possibility of both Senate seats and the governor’s office being open in the next few years.
In the end, this race is going to be a close one. Markey is trying to drum up energy on the left, while Moulton is making a case for change. Whoever wins, it’s going to be an interesting ride. And as Moulton said, if he wins, it could have a ripple effect in the general election, making it harder for independent voters to vote for Democrats if they think the party represents a group of 80-year-olds. Well, I’ll be keeping an eye on this one, that’s for sure. And who knows, maybe we’ll see a new generation of leaders emerge from this race. Now, that’s a thought to ponder over my next cup of coffee.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
