Nevertheless, I did not expect the Democratic party leadership to disappear after it was all over. They left behind a bigger vacuum than I would have expected, into which Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have come with a uniting, progressive narrative. They are directly responsible for spurring what appears to be growing anti-Trump sentiment coming from some unexpected sources, including more conservative independents and some Republicans. The Democratic party in Congress seems to have gone into self-preservation mode. Yeah, there are some signs of leadership here and there, Cory Booker's filibuster, Chris Van Hollen's trip to El Salvador, some angry speeches and fist pumping.

Trump resistance and opposition, however, is going in a bit of a different direction. There are signs that "corporeal politics" are developing in response to the tyranny that is unquestionably unfolding. Perhaps in spite of the scattered policy wonk messaging that Democrats are known for, a simpler message is appealing to people and capturing their attention. That message is, "Get him out." That seems to be the one thing providing the energy and enthusiasm that is getting people into the streets, and motivated to action against the war on our democracy and our freedom. Democrats who want to lead need to pay attention to this message, and get on board with it.

Just before the election, in fact, when polls were bouncing up and down like tennis balls, a political analyst, Rachel Bitecofer, appeared on the David Pakman podcast, and said that there was still a way for Democrats to concentrate their messaging and win enough support to eke out a narrow win. They didn't follow her advice. And they lost by a razor thin margin. Somehow, that has caused this paralysis of leadership. The poll numbers are dismal for Trump, but they are a disaster for Democrats. And yet, a clear majority of Americans are highly dissatisfied with everything Trump is doing.

Democrats need to hook up with the opposition's message. Messaging is difficult for Democrats but this is an opportunity that cannot be wasted.