Democrats Cannot Become 'More Culturally Normal' Because Their Core Positions Are Inherently Abnormal
Source: Eddie Scarry. "Newsom Wants A 'More Culturally Normal' Party. That's Impossible." February 27, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that when Democrats like Newsom say they want to be 'more culturally normal,' they're admitting their current positions are weird and unpopular. But you can't be just a little bit normal on issues like transgender children - you either support these policies or you don't.
Conclusion
It is impossible for the Democratic Party to become 'more culturally normal' while maintaining their current policy positions
Premises
- If you have to explicitly call for being 'more culturally normal,' you are already admitting to being abnormal
- Democrats' core positions include support for transgender procedures on children, race-based policies, and other positions most voters reject
- The concept of being 'more culturally normal' implies a spectrum where some amount of abnormal behavior is acceptable
- You cannot be partially normal on fundamental issues - you either are normal or you are not
- Democratic leaders are either being disingenuous or buying time rather than genuinely changing their positions
Assumptions
- There is an objective standard of what constitutes 'culturally normal' behavior
- Most American voters reject Democratic positions on transgender issues, race, and related cultural topics
- Political positions on these issues are binary rather than existing on a spectrum
- Newsom's statement represents the broader Democratic Party's thinking
- Democratic leaders are primarily motivated by electoral concerns rather than genuine belief