In a twist that seems straight out of a political comedy, Vice President Kamala Harris has resurrected her ambitions with a call for a “no bad ideas brainstorm.” One can’t help but wonder whether she’s simply misreading her electoral defeat or if she genuinely believes that a brainstorming session can revive her political capital. While her enthusiasm is admirable, the reality is that there are indeed bad ideas, and she is not short on them.
Harris’s suggestion to explore politically contentious topics includes reforming the electoral college, expanding the Supreme Court, and inviting more states into the union—specifically Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. These positions highlight a critical reality: the Democratic Party seems less interested in shining the light of democracy and more focused on cementing power through any means necessary. The only thing less appealing than the Vice President’s ideas might just be the motives behind them.
The proposal to expand the Supreme Court is perhaps one of the most contentious. It reflects a belief that, by packing the court with more justices, the left can push through a legislative agenda that lacks popular support. Such maneuvers reveal an alarming willingness to undermine a foundational principle of American democracy—checks and balances—just to win the day. Instead of convincing citizens of the merit of their policies, they appear ready to manipulate the structure of institutions to suit their needs.
Moreover, Harris’s discussion about “neutralizing” red states suggests a deeply troubling intent to undercut political plurality. The calls for multimember districts and statehood for territories are posited as solutions to create an electorate that favors the left. Yet this kind of strategic maneuvering might excite some party leaders but risks alienating vast swaths of the American electorate who may feel disenfranchised by such tactics. If the aim is unity, playing this political chess game is a sure way to deepen divisions.
Ultimately, what Harris and her Democratic allies demonstrate is a strategy fixated on power rather than principle. Such a focus inevitably leads to bad ideas cloaked in the guise of progress. If one are looking for a clear path forward, it is prudent to heed the lessons from history: governance based on power grabs and manipulation seldom ends well. If Democrats truly wish to foster genuine dialogue and lasting change, they need to engage with their opponents, not sidestep them. After all, in politics, as in life, the best ideas don’t need to excuse themselves; they simply stand on their own merit.
