Democrats have no power in DC. None. Trump (or maybe Musk) controls the White House. The Federalist Society controls the Supreme Court. MAGA extremists control Congress. Right-leaning, Trump-loving billionaires control how the majority of Americans get their news, and whether or not it is factually correct. Right now the US Senate is conducting hearings on Trump’s nominees for his cabinet and his nominees are some of the least qualified, soulless, corrupt members of society we have ever seen. They will most certainly do damage to our country.
Which is why it is so important that Democrats create a shadow cabinet.
Timothy Snyder is a historian, professor of History at Yale University, and a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna. He is the author of several books, including On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Since 2016, Snyder has been accurate in his warnings about the threat that Donald Trump’s presidency and MAGA Republicans pose to our democracy, and his book, On Tyranny, offers ways to resist an authoritarian government. He has spoken at length about what it means to have a shadow cabinet and the compelling case for creating one, and has recently elevated the issue in his Substack: Thinking About… Shadow Cabinet – A Positive Form of Opposition. This is not a completely novel idea; the UK has had a formalized opposition shadow government since the 1990’s, and informally well before then. But Timothy Snyder has been advocating for one in the US for a long time.
What is a shadow cabinet?
In a nutshell, a shadow cabinet is a wish list from the opposition party of who they would want to hold these cabinet positions if the head of their party were commander-in-chief. In practical terms, it is a group of public figures, party leaders, lawmakers, or experts that are “appointed” by the minority party to represent an alternative and opposing voice. Shadow cabinets evolved over time in the UK, with the first ones appearing as early as the 1830’s. And while not every opposition party adopted one, the idea and practice has grown in popularity in modern times.
Why, you may ask, is this so important? If we have no power anyway, how does this help us? Don’t we need to focus on more urgent matters like saving our democracy and protecting our freedoms than pushing our electeds to form a shadow cabinet that doesn’t actually get to make decisions about the country?
There are several reasons why forming a shadow cabinet not only makes sense, but can help Democrats get a foothold for the future:
- It is a way to take control of the narrative, something the Democratic party desperately needs to do.
- While it’s not exactly a seat at the table, it broadcasts what we would do if we had a seat.
- It gives a platform to some of the rising stars in the party.
- It can help to clarify the Democratic message.
- It’s putting a point person out there so journalists have a resource to get the “other side” perspective. Rather than quoting “anonymous sources,” journalists can quote the shadow cabinet member, which is a much more credible source.
- It gives voters an alternative for the next election.
- It keeps pressure on the party in power.
According to the Washington Monthly, “a shadow cabinet could remind the public that Democrats stand for a strong defense, including sticking with American allies and not cutting and running. Former Joint Chiefs Chair Mike Mullen or a Naval Academy vet like Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey could effectively make these points.” And “a shadow cabinet can make the point, just by its existence, that Democrats, while suffering a defeat they must reckon with, came close to winning, are ready to govern, and can lead in ways that matter in people’s real lives.” In other words, the shadow cabinet members can be out there fighting back against the lies.
At least one Member of Congress has advocated for a shadow cabinet. Former North Carolina Representative Wiley Nickel wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post, laying out a shadow cabinet strategy and even suggesting some shadow cabinet members, such as Representative Johanna Hayes as the Education Secretary. Nickel views it as a “communications vehicle,” a way to let the public know that if Democrats were in charge, this is what we would be doing instead. He says, “We have the better ideas. We just need to be better at communicating them.” (Watch an interview with former Representative Nickel here).
Even Jon Stewart of The Daily Show inadvertently advocates for a shadow cabinet when he says to Democratic leaders, “How would you use this power? What’s your contract with America?” and implores them to “tell people what you would do with that power that Trump is wielding!” (Watch here at the 15:10 mark).
Whenever Democrats have the opportunity to do something considered radical in Congress, they hesitate, wondering if this gives Republicans an opening to do the same. Like expanding the Supreme Court. One, we need to stop thinking that way because if Republicans think making a change will increase their power, they will do it and not worry about the consequences. But also, sure, let them create their own shadow cabinet when they are the opposition party. I for one would be interested in hearing what they think they could do better. Because all they’ve done is make a lot of noise and obstruct government from doing its job for the American people. If they want to offer sound, constructive ideas, let them. It can all serve to make things better for everyone.
So far, for the most part, the Democratic response to Trump has been MIA. Democrats in Congress appear to have decided to accept their role as powerless. They’ve done little to slow down the confirmation hearings of some of the worst of Trump’s cabinet members. They have even voted for some of them. According to many journalists, we are at that point where we are in a Constitutional crisis. Now what? A shadow cabinet would start Democrats on the road to regaining some power and perhaps wielding some influence.
What Can You Do?
Call your elected officials in Congress and demand that they form a shadow cabinet. Timothy Synder suggests calling it something less dark, like the People’s Cabinet. One thing is clear, the Democrats need to do things differently to make their message be heard. This would be an important first step.
Suggested Script for Calling Congress:
Instructions: If you have a Democratic US Senator(s) or US House Rep, use the script below to call them. You can find contact information for your elected officials here.
If you do not have a Democratic Senator or House Rep in Congress, please call Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (202) 224-6542, or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (202) 225-5936 and tell them you are calling them in their capacity as leaders of the Democratic party.
Script: Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I’m a constituent from [Your City/Town], [Your State]. My zip code is [Your Zip Code]. I’m calling to urge the Democratic party to form a shadow cabinet, or the “People’s Cabinet.”
Given the current administration’s attempts to dismantle our government, a robust and well-structured shadow cabinet is crucial for effective governance and informed policy development. A shadow cabinet, composed of experts and experienced individuals, can provide valuable alternative perspectives and analysis on current policy issues. This would allow for more thorough debate, better-informed decision-making, and ultimately, more effective legislation.
We are at a point where there is confusion brought about by Trump and Musk controlling the narrative and we need reliable, trusted sources within the Democratic party to clarify and offer direction and leadership. This cabinet should develop alternative policy proposals on key issues like healthcare and economic growth, analyze current legislation, and prepare for potential leadership roles. I ask that [Congressperson’s Name] publicly express support for the creation of the People’s Cabinet and work to build consensus among colleagues. Thank you.
____________________________
Sources: Timothy Snyder, Washington Monthly, Washington Post, Fox 9 News, The Daily Show, New York Times