by William Skink

One would think Trump’s support would be tanking after his myriad reversals and lack of accomplishments during the first 100 days, but if Democrats were hoping for a tidal wave of (justified) buyer’s remorse, recent polls tell a different story:

Among Americans who say they voted in the 2016 election, 46 percent say they voted for Hillary Clinton and 43 percent for Trump, very close to the 2-point margin in the actual popular vote results. However, while Trump would retain almost all of his support if the election were held again today (96 percent), fewer of Clinton’s supporters say they’d stick with her (85 percent), producing a 40-43 percent Clinton-Trump result in this hypothetical re-do among self-reported 2016 voters.

Adding to the narrative of dysfunctional Dems, the insider account of the Clinton campaign shitshow, titled Shattered, further undercuts the preferred narrative of blaming Putin and sexism and Bernie Bros for Hillary’s impressive implosion.

Despite all the evidence that Democrats need to strategize a comprehensive reset, opportunities to reclaim populist positions against unpopular positions, like military intervention, are being willfully ignored. When a rogue like Tulsi Gabbard emerges, the Democratic establishment is prone to attack, not acquiesce.

Closer to home, Montana Republicans are jettisoning fiscal conservatism by burdening counties with the cost of the special election while continuing to block job-creating infrastructure investment. How are Democrats responding?

Well, one prominent Missoula Democrat is already busy making plans for the future. I appreciate this response to Rep. Hill’s presumptuous Facebook post from Logicosity. In particular, the conclusion:

While on the bench, Hill would do well to reflect on what makes a legislator a proficient lawmaker and to contrast her style and accomplishments with those of others elected representatives who seek the spotlight far less often and still manage to rack up impressive achievements.

Until she and other D’s take stock in those realities, they are destined to remain in the minority.

To understand this response, here is Rep. Hill’s full statement:

SAYING GOODBYE: Today was my last (8:00 am) Saturday session at the Capitol for awhile. After four sessions in the Montana House of Representatives, I need a break for my family and for myself. I do plan to come back to run in Senator Dick Barrett’s Senate seat (my House District) in 2020. I have endorsed Missoula’s City Council President, Marilyn Marler, to run in my House seat and I hope you will support her and give her some money. I have also endorsed my dear friend, Representative Bryce Bennett, to run in Senator Tom Facey’s seat, as we are all term limited out, as well as Representative Nate McConnell in 2020 in Senator Sue Malek’s seat (also termed). During my break, I am going to work to elect women and true progressives. Let me assure you that not all politicians– and Democrats– are the same. I plan to start saying that more. I am going to be an activist again and become a huge pain in the ass to Trump and Daines and the rest of these Neanderthal, mouth breathers, who are scaring the shit out of me and moving our country dangerously backwards. I am going to practice law, fiercely, for the indigent and accused and whose rights have been trampled. I am going to write a book with Mark Parker, my favorite member of the vast right wing conspiracy. I am going send thank you cards and no longer miss your birthdays and I am going to spend time with my family, uninterrupted. I am hoping to fall in love with politics again because for now, we’re breaking up. I’m tired and I am ready to go home to my sweet Missoula, where I don’t serve in the “minority”. But, I will be back, with my fist in air forever! #Solidarity