A PARENT'S 30-YEAR ODYSSEY IN AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION

 

A PARENT'S 30-YEAR ODYSSEY IN AMERICAN PUBLIC EDUCATION

It all began nearly 30 years ago, when my partner and I decided to embark on the grand adventure of parenting. After a decade of marriage, we figured it was time to add a few tiny humans to our lives. So, we did what any responsible adults would do: we bought a house near a public school and dove headfirst into the world of American education with the enthusiasm of people who hadn’t yet realized what they were signing up for.  

We chose public schools for their diversity, believing our children would benefit from a rich tapestry of experiences. Private schools seemed too exclusive, like gated communities of education where students were taught how to pronounce “concierge” before learning their times tables. Charter schools? They felt like trendy pop-up shops—here today, gone tomorrow. Public schools, we thought, were the real deal, the authentic American experience.  

But let’s rewind for a moment. For me, this was a second chance at parenting. My first attempt had been a disaster—think Titanic meets parenting. My workaholic tendencies had ensured I was more familiar with my office coffee machine than my child’s homework folder. Determined not to repeat history, I switched careers to human resources, a field where evenings and weekends were sacred. I was ready to be the parent who showed up, who cared, who didn’t confuse “parent-teacher conference” with “boardroom meeting.”  

My own childhood had included a brief stint in California public schools, which I remembered fondly. Those schools seemed magical, like Disneyland but with algebra and dodgeball. There were electives! Afterschool programs! Clubs! It was a veritable buffet of educational opportunities. Surely, my child’s experience would be just as enchanting.  

Enter No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the policy that promised data-driven education and accountability for all. As someone with a corporate background, I was thrilled. Data! Metrics! Goals! It sounded like an Excel spreadsheet come to life. But as my child entered kindergarten and I began to experience the system firsthand, my optimism began to unravel faster than a cheap sweater in the wash.  

At first, I threw myself into traditional “good parent” activities: attending plays, driving on field trips, volunteering at carnivals. I was the parent you’d see smiling through gritted teeth while handing out cupcakes at school events. But by second grade, Common Core standards had arrived, and with them came homework that looked less like math and more like abstract art. Box-and-line methods? Number bonds? I could get the right answers but not in the “right way.” Cue my partner stepping in as the family math savior while I handled everything else.  

Curious—and desperate—I turned to Irene Eister, our school principal and my eventual mentor. “What’s going on with this ‘new math’?” I asked her one day, clutching a worksheet that resembled hieroglyphics more than arithmetic. Her answer? NCLB. And then she invited me to join the site council—a group composed of parents, teachers, and the principal tasked with reviewing budgets and policies.  

Joining the site council was like stepping into an entirely new dimension of education—a dimension filled with rage, despair, and budget cuts so deep they made paper cuts look trivial. The library was part-time. Class sizes were enormous. And those wonderful electives I’d loved as a child? Gone. California public schools—the ones I’d once thought rivaled Disneyland—were now more akin to a sad carnival with broken rides and overpriced popcorn.  

Through the site council, I learned about NCLB Section 1118’s mandate for parent involvement (later rebranded as “parent engagement,” because apparently everything sounds better with marketing spin). My eyes were opened to the grim reality behind the glossy promises of data-driven education: it wasn’t about improving schools; it was about dismantling them.  

The budget discussions were a revelation—or perhaps more accurately, a horror show. Cuts were everywhere, and the things that made education joyful—arts programs, sports teams, extracurricular activities—were disappearing faster than free samples at Costco. Parents and teachers were furious, but their anger was met with indifference or outright hostility from school boards that seemed more interested in promoting charter schools than listening to their constituents.  

Charter schools were flourishing, fueled by billionaire donors who poured money into campaigns to privatize public education. By 2010, these billionaires had perfected their strategy: fund politicians who supported their agenda, cut funding to public schools, and vilify teachers’ unions as obstacles to progress. It was a masterclass in corporate takeover disguised as educational reform.  

Programs like Race to the Top and Every Student Succeeds Act became Trojan horses for vouchers and charter schools—vehicles for siphoning resources away from public education under the guise of innovation. Meanwhile, urban schools serving low-income communities were labeled “failing” and subjected to endless rounds of testing that proved nothing except that poverty makes learning harder.  

The racial disparities were glaringly obvious: Black and Brown students bore the brunt of these policies, their schools starved of resources while wealthier districts thrived. Racism wasn’t just alive; it was thriving in many parts of California’s education system—a bitter pill to swallow in a state that prides itself on progressivism.  

As my involvement deepened—site council meetings led to district advisory council meetings—I realized I wasn’t just fighting for my child’s education; I was fighting for the soul of public education itself. The battle wasn’t just about math homework or library hours; it was about preserving a system that promised opportunity for all, not just those who could afford private tutors or exclusive academies.  

Looking back on three decades of navigating this labyrinthine system, I’ve learned a few things:  

1. Public education is messy but vital—it’s where democracy learns to walk before it runs.

2. Billionaires may have money and influence, but parents have passion (and occasionally very loud voices).

3. Common Core math is still confusing, but at least it gave me an excuse to bond with my partner over homework crises.

As my child grew older and eventually graduated from high school, I couldn’t help but feel both pride and exhaustion. We had survived standardized tests, budget cuts, and countless battles over policies that seemed designed more for spreadsheets than students.  

Public education isn’t perfect—it’s far from it—but it remains one of the few places where kids from all walks of life can come together to learn not just algebra or history but empathy and resilience. And for all its flaws, I’ll keep fighting for it because every child deserves a chance at something better than just “good enough.”  

So here’s to the parents who show up at school board meetings armed with facts and fury; to the teachers who pour their hearts into classrooms despite impossible odds; and to the students who remind us why this fight matters: you are worth every sleepless night and every impassioned speech. You are worth it all.  

Big Education Ape: BACK TO SCHOOL: A parent’s guide to K-12 school success https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2019/08/back-to-school-parents-guide-to-k-12.html 

SCUSD District Advisory Committee Report to Board by Wanda Yanez, DAC Ch... https://youtu.be/BIIS3RNBgQY?si=vpvA5-02pm9aRhIr via @YouTube 

L'eo Sunshine https://youtu.be/5ePUinRgpj0?si=lX7nBPto-VJFDq9Z via @YouTube 

SCUSD Teacher Lori Jablonski Arne Duncan governance.mpg https://youtu.be/aZ7dR7Uidxw?si=kE57li6p6SGixvKS via @YouTube 

Wanda Yanez DAC Report SCUSD Board meeting 5 7 09 https://youtu.be/by32mS0SRHw?si=BaPx4CEvjrZ2y_Tw via @YouTube 

SCUSD Parent Heidi McLean RTTT Outrage.mpg https://youtu.be/5bHrs9c1pUA?si=1l3D6Xyc3TFl8Thu via @YouTube 

 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-23-25

What Will Todd Blanche Discuss with Ghislaine Maxwell? One Guess. https://open.substack.com/pub/dianebrooklyn/p/what-will-todd-blanche-discuss-with?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

### Key Points

- Todd Blanche, former lawyer for Donald Trump and now Deputy Attorney General, is also serving as Acting Librarian of Congress after the previous librarian was dismissed by Trump for DEI involvement. 

- Blanche is set to meet with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking minors and other charges, to discuss her knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's activities. 

- Maxwell, Epstein's close associate, had her appeal denied by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 2024 and is currently appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

- Speculation arises that Blanche may offer Maxwell a Presidential pardon in exchange for a statement clearing Trump of involvement in Epstein-related activities. 

John Thompson: Trump's "One Big Ugly Bill" Will Kill Millions of People And Won't Save Money https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/22/john-thompson-trumps-big-ugly-bill-will-kill-millions-of-people-and-wont-save-money/ via @dianeravitch 

### Key Points

- Trump's "Big Ugly Bill" is projected to increase the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion while cutting critical programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and USAID, leading to widespread human and economic costs. 

- The bill's environmental policies, including increased fossil fuel subsidies, are expected to exacerbate global warming and result in significant health and economic losses globally by 2050. 

- Cuts to public health initiatives, such as vaccine programs, could lead to pandemics and millions of preventable deaths worldwide by 2030. 

- The legislation negatively impacts education funding, particularly for English learners, after-school programs, and migrant children, with Oklahoma schools facing severe budget shortages. 

- Immigration policies under the bill intensify family separations, chronic absenteeism, and mental health crises among immigrant children, further disrupting their education. 

- Critics argue the bill prioritizes wealth redistribution to billionaires, undermining democracy, public welfare, and unions while exacerbating class inequalities. 

- Educators and advocates call for legal and political resistance against the bill's harmful impacts on vulnerable populations. 

New Hampshire: Republican Governor Vetoes Rightwing Bills https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/22/new-hampshire-republican-governor-vetoes-rightwing-bills/ via @dianeravitch 

Governor Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, a Republican, vetoed several rightwing bills targeting public schools and social issues. These included a bill allowing any parent to ban books they found offensive and an anti-transgender bill. Her actions highlight a division within the Republican Party between libertarian-leaning conservatives and those advocating for more control over individual freedoms. Ayotte’s decisions likely resonated with New Hampshire’s significant libertarian population.

### Key Points

- New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoed rightwing bills, including one on book bans and another targeting transgender individuals. 

- Ayotte's actions reflect a split within the Republican Party between libertarian values and rightwing control. 

404 Media: White House Partners with PragerU to Produce Cheerful Videos about U.S. History https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/22/404-media-white-house-partners-with-prageru-to-produce-cheerful-videos-about-u-s-history/ via @dianeravitch

The article discusses the collaboration between the White House and PragerU to produce AI-generated videos on U.S. history. These videos feature animated depictions of historical figures, such as the Founding Fathers, but are criticized for being politically biased and historically inaccurate, promoting right-wing narratives. PragerU, a conservative nonprofit, has faced scrutiny for its content, which includes climate denial, slavery apologism, and anti-"wokeness" messaging. Despite lacking academic credentials, PragerU's materials have been incorporated into school curricula in some states. The partnership has sparked concerns about the use of AI for propaganda and the exclusion of diverse historical perspectives.

### Key Points

- The White House partnered with PragerU to produce AI-generated videos depicting U.S. history, which critics argue are politically slanted and historically inaccurate. 

- PragerU promotes conservative ideals, including climate denial and slavery apologism, and has integrated its content into school curricula in several states. 

- AI-generated videos feature figures like John Adams and other Revolutionary War-era individuals, often excluding diverse perspectives and focusing predominantly on white men. 

- Critics highlight the use of AI as a tool for spreading propaganda, with concerns about its influence on education and historical understanding. 

- PragerU employs advanced AI tools for video production, but the quality remains subpar compared to other platforms. 

Will Todd Blanche Offer Ghislaine Maxwell a Deal? https://dianeravitch.net/2025/07/22/will-todd-blanche-offer-ghislaine-maxwell-a-deal/ via @dianeravitch 

This article discusses Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Donald Trump, who now holds significant roles in the U.S. government, including Deputy Attorney General and Acting Librarian of Congress. Blanche plans to meet Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein, in prison to discuss her knowledge of Epstein's activities. Speculation arises that Blanche might offer Maxwell a presidential pardon in exchange for statements clearing Trump of involvement in Epstein's crimes. Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence, has appealed her conviction multiple times without success. The article also questions the integrity of Blanche's claim that this is his first interaction with Maxwell.

### Key Points

- Todd Blanche, Trump's former lawyer, now holds key government positions and plans to meet Ghislaine Maxwell in prison to discuss Epstein-related activities. 

- Maxwell, convicted of sex trafficking minors, is serving a 20-year sentence and has unsuccessfully appealed her conviction multiple times. 

- Speculation suggests Blanche might offer Maxwell a presidential pardon in exchange for clearing Trump of any Epstein-related involvement. 

- Questions arise about Blanche's claim that this is his first interaction with Maxwell, given prior investigations. 

Big Education Ape: PUTTING YOUR BEST HOOF (OR FOOT) FORWARD: WHY DEMOCRATS NEED TO WIN THE MESSAGING WAR IN 2026 https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/putting-your-best-hoof-or-foot-forward.html

### Key Points

- Democrats need to refine their messaging strategy for the 2026 elections, focusing on universal values like health care, affordable housing, education, economic justice, and fairness under the law. 

- Diversity, equity, and inclusion remain important but should be framed as part of a broader narrative addressing bread-and-butter issues that resonate with voters. 

- Democrats should reclaim the narrative on economic issues, emphasizing policies that support working families, such as raising the minimum wage, expanding workers’ rights, and creating renewable energy jobs. 

- Simplified and emotionally resonant messaging is essential to compete with the GOP’s effective soundbite-driven strategy. 

- The Democratic Party must unapologetically champion justice reforms, including expanding the Supreme Court to restore balance in the judicial system. 

- Winning elections is not just about policy but about making voters feel that their lives can genuinely improve under Democratic leadership. 

Big Education Ape: DIANE RAVITCH: FROM CONSERVATIVE CRUSADER TO PUBLIC EDUCATION'S FIERCEST DEFENDER https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/diane-ravitch-from-conservative.html 

Diane Ravitch's transformation from a conservative education reform advocate to a fierce defender of public education is explored in this article. Initially supporting standardized testing, charter schools, and accountability measures, Ravitch eventually criticized these reforms for harming public education. Her advocacy now focuses on equitable funding, teacher professionalism, and opposing privatization. Ravitch co-founded the Network for Public Education (NPE) to champion public schools, and her upcoming memoir details her ideological shift and calls for greater investment in public education.

### Key Points

- Diane Ravitch transitioned from a proponent of conservative education reforms to a defender of public education. 

- Her realization about the negative impacts of high-stakes testing and privatization led to her opposition to these policies. 

- Ravitch co-founded the Network for Public Education to advocate for equitable funding and teacher professionalism. 

- Critics argue she oversimplifies reformers' intentions and romanticizes public schools, but Ravitch defends them as democratic institutions. 

- Her upcoming memoir, "An Education," recounts her ideological shift and advocates for systemic change in education. 

A BLUEPRINT FOR BOLDNESS https://open.substack.com/pub/ru4people/p/a-blueprint-for-boldness?r=kja7f&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false 

Democrats Winning the Messaging War in 2026

### Key Points

- Democrats are shifting their communication strategy, moving away from dry policy explanations to bold, relatable storytelling and humor to connect with voters. 

- Republicans dominate with simple, emotional slogans, while Democrats aim to reframe progressive values as everyday issues like healthcare, housing, and education. 

- Universal healthcare should be framed as a moral and economic necessity, focusing on relatable stories rather than complex data. 

- Affordable housing is highlighted as part of the American Dream and a fight against corporate landlords exploiting the system. 

- Education reform messaging should emphasize freedom from debt and opportunities for all, including trade school and vocational training. 

- Democrats need to position themselves as champions of justice, calling out corruption and framing judicial reforms as leveling the playing field. 

- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) should be subtly integrated into broader narratives to resonate across demographics. 

- Democrats can win by adopting plain language, humor, and focusing on unifying economic and justice issues. Bold storytelling is key to regaining trust and winning elections. 

New Ohio Budget Fills the Pockets of Wealthy Individuals, Fails to Support the Public Schools https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2025/07/22/new-ohio-budget-fills-the-pockets-of-wealthy-individuals-fails-to-support-our-states-children/ via @janresseger 

Ohio's new budget undermines public education funding by favoring private school vouchers, cutting income taxes, and reducing state contributions to public schools. It fails to fully implement the Fair School Funding Plan, exacerbates inequities for districts serving low-income students, and shifts the financial burden to local school districts.

### Key Points

- Ohio's EdChoice voucher program was ruled unconstitutional, but the new budget increases funding for private school vouchers while underfunding public schools. 

- The legislature failed to fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan, using outdated cost data and reducing equity in school funding. 

- Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid was recalculated, reducing funds for poorer districts, while wealthier districts benefit from performance-based and enrollment growth supplements. 

- Tax cuts primarily benefit wealthy individuals, reducing the state's capacity to fund public schools. 

- Private school vouchers receive more funding increases than public schools, despite serving far fewer students. 

- The budget shifts the responsibility for public school funding to local districts, increasing reliance on property taxes and exacerbating inequities. 

Teacher Tom: To Live in a State of Alert Awareness https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2025/07/to-live-in-state-of-alert-awareness.html 

To Live in a State of Alert Awareness

### Key Points

- A three-year-old's discovery of odd and even numbers as "lonely and friendly" highlights the natural curiosity and creativity of children, which often exceeds traditional educational timelines. 

- Parents and grandparents sometimes misinterpret early signs of learning as indicators of genius, pushing for advanced programs, while the author emphasizes the importance of letting children explore freely. 

- Play-based and self-directed learning allows children to rely on their curiosity, fostering alert awareness and deeper engagement with their surroundings. 

- Historical perspectives suggest that self-directed learning was the norm until formal schooling systems emerged, and society often limits this approach after early childhood. 

- The example of Max, a self-taught reader, illustrates the benefits of play-based learning, as he thrived through creative activities like trap-making, emphasizing relevance and engagement over forced academics. 

- The author advocates for play-based learning as a foundational approach to life, encouraging educators and parents to embrace this philosophy for young children. 

10th Period: Judge Lays Bare Unconstitutional Voucher Program | National Education Policy Center https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/judge-lays-bare 

Historic Legal Decision on Ohio's Voucher Program

### Key Points

- Franklin County Judge Jaiza Page ruled Ohio's school voucher program unconstitutional, exposing long-standing policy lies by voucher advocates. 

- Judge Page clarified that vouchers labeled as "scholarships" benefit private schools disproportionately, receiving double the per-pupil state funding compared to public schools. 

- The claim that vouchers follow the student was debunked, as funds primarily benefit private schools rather than public school students. 

- The voucher program's funding structure has historically diverted resources from public schools, forcing local districts to rely on increased property taxes. 

- The program undermines parental rights by empowering private schools to discriminate in admissions while receiving government subsidies. 

- Judge Page highlighted that the voucher system favors private religious schools at the expense of 1.5 million public school students in Ohio. 

The Chilling Rise of the Far Right You’re Not Ready For – Cloaking Inequity https://cloakinginequity.com/2025/07/22/the-chilling-rise-of-the-far-right-youre-not-ready-for/ 

The article discusses the alarming rise of far-right extremism in the United States, as highlighted by a controversial episode of the web series "Surrounded." It explores how authoritarianism is becoming normalized, drawing parallels to Brazil's dictatorship and emphasizing the role of education in resisting such ideologies. The author warns that ignoring these trends could lead the U.S. down a path of irreversible democratic erosion.

### Key Points

- An episode of "Surrounded" revealed extreme far-right ideologies, including open support for autocracy, racism, and antisemitism, signaling a shift in the Overton window. 

- Mehdi Hasan debated far-right conservatives who openly praised authoritarianism and Nazi ideologies, showcasing the normalization of dangerous beliefs. 

- The episode highlighted participants' disdain for democracy, immigrants, and progressive values, with overt support for Trump’s actions and January 6 insurrectionists. 

- Brazil’s history with dictatorship serves as a cautionary tale, showing the dangers of authoritarianism and the importance of institutional safeguards. 

- The U.S. is experiencing "authoritarian creep" through judicial complicity, executive overreach, and attacks on education, paralleling tactics used by past autocrats. 

- Education is a key target for authoritarians because it fosters critical thinking and resistance, making it essential for combating authoritarianism. 

- The article warns that ignoring these trends risks losing democratic institutions, urging awareness and resistance before it’s too late. 

glen brown: "If America is to survive as a free nation, we must confront the reality of Trump’s actions" https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2025/07/if-america-is-to-survive-as-free-nation.html 

The article critically examines Donald Trump's extensive history of alleged criminal behavior, corruption, and abuses of power, emphasizing the profound threat his actions pose to American democracy. It details financial scandals, connections to organized crime, election interference, abuse of presidential authority, mishandling of the Covid pandemic, incitement of political violence, and erosion of democratic institutions. The piece argues that confronting Trump’s legacy is essential to preserving democratic principles and preventing future authoritarianism.

### Key Points

- The article highlights Trump's financial corruption, including fraud involving his company, Trump University, and the Trump Foundation. 

- It explores his ties to organized crime and figures like Roy Cohn, linking Trump Tower’s construction and casino operations to mob activities. 

- Trump's association with Jeffrey Epstein is discussed, raising questions about moral and legal misconduct. 

- His affinity for Vladimir Putin and actions favoring Russian interests, including undermining NATO and withholding aid to Ukraine, are examined. 

- The article details election interference, such as hush-money payments and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. 

- Trump’s abuse of presidential authority, including obstruction of justice, violations of the Emoluments Clause, and mishandling classified documents, is outlined. 

- The administration’s politicized and racially biased response to the Covid pandemic, leading to significant preventable deaths, is condemned. 

- Trump’s incitement of political violence, including the January 6th insurrection, and his endorsement of extremist groups are discussed. 

- The overarching theme is Trump’s deliberate erosion of democratic institutions and normalization of authoritarianism. 

Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and Petitions Near Me · AFT on Mobilize

https://www.mobilize.us/aft/?org_ids=7229 

Yesterday’s Gems, Today’s Insights

A Roundup of the Web’s Finest Blog Posts!
7-22-25

https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2025/07/yesterdays-gems-todays-insights-roundup_0995446330.html

The article is a compilation of blog posts and insights addressing various political, educational, and societal issues. Topics range from frozen federal school funds, the impact of AI in education, challenges faced by teachers, and critiques of policies like the Child Tax Credit. Advocacy for public education, critiques of privatization, and reflections on leadership and equity are central themes.

### Key Points  

- Secretary of Education Linda McMahon has frozen $8.6 billion in federal funds meant for public schools, raising concerns about permanent cuts. Advocacy groups are calling for public action.   

- Ellie Leonard explores Ghislaine Maxwell's difficult childhood, her relationship with Epstein, and broader political implications of Epstein's connections.   

- Pam Bondi's failure to prosecute Jeffrey Epstein during her tenure as Florida AG raises questions about systemic neglect in addressing abuse.   

- Diane Ravitch transitioned from supporting conservative education reforms to defending public education, advocating for equitable funding and teacher professionalism.   

- Teachers face a personal/professional dilemma, balancing academic roles with emotional connections to students. Effective teachers blend both roles authentically.   

- Scholastic athletics positively impact graduation rates, wages, and social mobility, particularly for disadvantaged students.   

- Jose Vilson reflects on overcoming discomfort to deliver a meaningful graduation speech, emphasizing resilience, empathy, and collective action.   

- Play-based learning is essential for fostering curiosity and purpose in children, contrasting societal pressures toward conformity and economic outcomes.   

- MAGA Republicans target the National Education Association (NEA), proposing HR 4450 to revoke its federal charter and restrict union activities.   

- The Epstein scandal exposes flaws within MAGA, highlighting Trump's ties to Epstein and Cuomo's polarizing campaign equating anti-Zionism with antisemitism.  

- Stephen Colbert and Joy Reid's career pivots showcase the transformative potential of equity-driven leadership outside institutional constraints.   

- AI's integration into education raises concerns about academic dishonesty, corporatization, and undermining genuine learning.   

- The misuse of AI tools like ChatGPT in writing equates to plagiarism, hindering the learning process and genuine skill development.   

- Trump’s freezing of $6.2 billion in federal school funds caused chaos for districts, with partial releases under public pressure.   

- Changes in the Child Tax Credit under H.R. 1 exclude vulnerable groups, exacerbate child poverty, and fail to provide equitable support.   

- Advocacy groups combat privatization, censorship, and authoritarianism in public education, emphasizing equity and inclusivity.   

- Teachers union leader Randi Weingarten discusses education challenges, AI's impact, and the need for inclusivity in the Democratic Party.