mark halperin is even, calm and usually accurate; 

Journalist and political analyst Mark Halperin had a very strong year. He was one of the few liberals in media who seemed to see the writing on the wall, even acknowledging that Trump could sweep the swing states, which he did.

Now he is talking to Democrats in a new column, and he is calling the situation as he sees it.

Halperin suggests that the Democrats, as a party, have a long way to go before they can consider themselves viable again. He suggests that there are still too many people in the party who are in complete denial about their new reality.

He writes at FOX News:

Politics ain’t beanbag, and elections have huge consequences, personally for the losers, and nationally for the losing party. A little wound-licking and finger-pointing is to be expected.

But political comebacks for both parties nearly all have been marked by three distinctive elements: an honest appraisal of the party’s shortcomings, from the nominee on down; a respect for the victor, no matter how rancorous the contest; and a solid plan to generate fresh ideas, engage new voters, regain the confidence of the base and the wider electorate, and ensure internal change.

For the Democratic Party in 2024, this elemental process of recovery won’t be so simple........more............