The Infighting Must Stop
February 25, 2025
The infighting between those who identify as "left" and those who consider themselves "liberal" is becoming a destructive force at the worst possible time. While there are real philosophical and policy differences between these groups, they pale in comparison to the threat posed by the rise of fascism and the MAGA movement. The stakes are too high to waste energy on internal divisions when democracy itself hangs by a thread. The differences between leftists and liberals can and should be debated, but later. Right now, there is an urgent battle to fight against those who want to dismantle the very foundations of democracy, and unity is essential if there is any hope of prevailing.
At the core of the conflict between the left and liberals are questions of strategy, priorities, and vision for the future. Leftists often push for transformative, systemic change such as abolishing systems they see as inherently oppressive, like capitalism and the police state. Liberals, by contrast, tend to favor incremental reform and working within existing institutions to expand civil rights and social welfare. These differences, while significant, should not obscure the fact that both groups ultimately seek a more just and equitable society. The disagreement lies in how to get there, not whether that goal is worth pursuing.
The danger lies in allowing these disagreements to distract from the larger, more urgent fight against the far right. MAGA Republicans are not interested in nuanced debates about the best path to justice. They are interested in consolidating power, rolling back rights, and imposing an authoritarian vision on the country. They are attacking voting rights, gutting public institutions, undermining the rule of law, and spreading propaganda that dehumanizes marginalized groups. In the face of this threat, every progressive and left-leaning faction should be working together, not tearing each other down.
The right understands the power of unity, even among different factions. Within the MAGA coalition, there are a variety of competing interests, from corporate elites to religious fundamentalists, to white nationalists, but they have managed to set aside their differences in pursuit of a common goal: seizing and maintaining power. This strategic unity has allowed them to dominate the political landscape, despite representing a minority of public opinion. Meanwhile, the left and liberals waste time and energy attacking each other over ideological purity tests and minor policy disagreements.
One of the most damaging effects of this infighting is the perception that the progressive movement, which in many people’s view is made up of both the ‘left’ and ‘liberals.’ is fractured and disorganized. This plays directly into the hands of the right, who thrive on portraying their opposition as weak, chaotic, and out of touch. Every time leftists and liberals publicly tear each other apart, it reinforces the narrative that the opposition to MAGA is too divided to mount a serious challenge. This not only demoralizes the base but also confuses and alienates potential allies who might otherwise join the fight against authoritarianism.
To combat this, both sides need to adopt a mindset of strategic solidarity. This does not mean abandoning core beliefs or giving up the fight for long-term goals. It means recognizing that the immediate priority is defeating fascism and preserving the democratic framework that allows political dissent and advocacy to exist at all. Without that framework, there will be no space for leftist organizing, liberal reform, or any other vision of a better society. The first step is to secure the basic conditions for future struggle, and that requires working together now.
A key part of building strategic solidarity is focusing on areas of common ground. Despite their differences, leftists and liberals share many goals such as protecting reproductive rights, fighting climate change, defending racial and LGBTQ+ equality, and preserving democracy itself. These shared values should be the foundation of a united front against the far right. By emphasizing common goals rather than dwelling on differences, both sides can build a broad coalition that is strong enough to take on the authoritarian threat.
Practical cooperation is also essential. This means supporting candidates who, while not perfect, can defeat right-wing extremists. It means working together on voter registration, combating disinformation, and mobilizing communities to protect democratic institutions. It also means showing up for each other’s causes. Liberals must support leftist initiatives like labor organizing and criminal justice reform, while leftists must recognize the value of defending liberal institutions like public education and the judiciary. When these factions work in tandem, their combined power is formidable.
Media narratives must also shift. Leftist and liberal leaders should be modeling unity by publicly affirming their shared commitment to defeating the far right. This includes calling out bad-faith actors who sow division and refusing to engage in counterproductive purity politics. Internal disagreements should be handled with discretion and a focus on problem-solving, not public spectacle. The priority must be presenting a unified front to the broader public, a front that offers hope, stability, and a compelling alternative to authoritarianism.
Another critical piece of this puzzle is emotional resilience. Infighting is often fueled by frustration and despair, which are understandable reactions to the crises we face. But channeling those emotions into internal conflict only weakens the broader movement. Both leftists and liberals must cultivate a sense of perspective, remembering that their disagreements, while important, are small compared to the very real threat posed by MAGA fascism. This requires a conscious commitment to staying focused on the bigger picture and resisting the temptation to turn allies into enemies.
There are real-world examples of what happens when the left and center fail to unite against fascism. In the 1930s, divisions between socialists, communists, and liberal democrats allowed fascist movements to seize power in Europe. By the time these factions realized the necessity of cooperation, it was too late. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake. History shows us that division among progressive forces is a gift to authoritarians, and that unity is the only way to stop them.
The path forward requires a commitment to both principle and pragmatism. Leftists and liberals must continue to advocate for their visions of justice while working together on immediate political goals. This means accepting that no one will get everything they want in the short term, but that working together increases the chances of realizing long-term change. It means prioritizing democracy itself as the most urgent cause, because without it, every other cause becomes impossible.
Unity is not easy. It requires patience, compromise, and a willingness to see beyond immediate frustrations. But the alternative is far worse. If the left and liberals remain divided, the forces of fascism will continue to gain ground. If they unite, they can present a powerful, united alternative that speaks to the needs and aspirations of the people. And if they succeed in preserving democracy, there will be space for every faction to continue pushing for the world they want to see.
The fight against authoritarianism is the fight of our time. As Jane Fonda said, “This is our documentary moment.” It demands our full attention, our best efforts, and our collective strength. The differences between leftists and liberals are real, but they are not more important than the survival of democracy itself. Now is the time to come together, not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. If we fail to unite, we risk losing everything. But if we stand together, we can defend the future and build a society where all of us can thrive.
