Strategic Counseling for Political Identity Disorder
Setting:
The Democratic Party sits slouched on the political couch, nursing a migraine from factional stress, donor anxiety, and growing disillusionment. Papers are scattered, TV screens buzz with punditry. Into the room walks Senator Bernie Sanders—not to lie down, but to speak hard truths.
🧠Party Psychologist:
I see you’re back again. Same symptoms. Internal chaos, identity confusion, mood swings every news cycle…
Now who’s this with you?
🧓 Bernie Sanders:
"I’ve had the opportunity to travel across this country. And what I am hearing in state after state is that our nation faces unprecedented crises."
Your party, Doc, is in a nightmarish slumber. And someone’s got to shout.
🛋️ Democratic Party (groggy):
He always says it’s a crisis… we know it’s not great, but we’re still standing, right?
🧠Psychologist (firmly):
Yes, but your foundation is cracking—and you’re losing touch with the people you're supposed to represent. Bernie may not be your next nominee, but he’s the only one shaking you awake.
đź“Ł Bernie Sanders (raising his voice):
"The American people are angry… They will not accept an oligarchic form of society where a handful of billionaires control our government!"
"And they will not accept an authoritarian president who undermines the Constitution every day!"
🧠Psychologist (nodding):
Truth. But Bernie… you’ve become a party unto yourself. You inspire a movement, yet remain an independent. You speak for the people, but outside the party they vote for.
So here’s the question:
Do you want to pressure the Democratic Party into action—or replace it entirely?
🔄 Bernie Sanders (calm, resolved):
"The American people are catching on. They do not want a government run by billionaires whose greed is uncontrollable.
We can save this country. But only if we stand together and reject division, corruption, and cowardice."
🧠Psychologist (to the Party):
And what about you?
You’ve watched your message hijacked by soundbites. You’ve ceded energy to progressives like Bernie while fearing their power.
You let the center blur. You’re woke but drowsy, pluralistic but paralyzed. Bernie calls it oligarchy, authoritarianism, economic injustice—and he’s right.
🛋️ Democratic Party (sighs):
He says what we can’t. What we won’t.
🧠Psychologist:
Because you're afraid to lose corporate donors? Or afraid to look too radical?
Look around. You're already losing your identity. Your left flank is loud and organizing daily. You still debate whether healthcare is a right. Meanwhile, Bernie says:
📢 Bernie:
"It’s not good enough to defend the Affordable Care Act.
It’s a broken system… We must guarantee healthcare to all people as a human right."
🧠Psychologist:
So the party must decide: Is Bernie just the conscience who yells from the edge?
Or is he the messenger who reveals your deep denial?
🧠Psychologist (softly):
You’ve heard his words. You’ve felt the sting. Now… what do you do with it?
Let’s start with this:
Bernie is not your rival. He is your reality check.
🧓 Bernie: “You don’t change anything unless you’re prepared to stand up and fight back.”
🧠Psychologist: Let’s turn these emotional outbursts into policy priorities:
Bernie won’t be the nominee—but he can be:
To keep progressives in the tent, you must:
🧓 Bernie: “In this pivotal moment, we must defeat oligarchy. But also... we must defeat despair.”
🧠Psychologist: And that includes yours. Stop mistaking confusion for inclusion and fear for moderation. Use Bernie’s fire. Forge it into fuel.
If You’re the Democratic Party:
If You’re Bernie:
Session Ends.
But the real work? Just beginning.