I start wondering if it’s safe to imagine that maybe things could get better

It’s always safe to imagine. Imagining is the first step to a better place to live. But the dream can’t live in your head forever. At some point, you need to take action.

I have no faith that working within the electoral system will fix that.

Mobilizing a large group of activists around a set of tangible and popular goals is its own reward, whether or not the electoral system is accommodating to the politician’s success.