ON THE DEMOCRATIC PROTESTS IN TEXAS AND NEBRASKA. You’ve seen reports about the unpopularity of the Democratic Party these days — stories with headlines such as “Democrats Get Lowest Rating From Voters in 35 Years.” It’s true: Large numbers of voters disapprove of the party and, even though they don’t love Republicans either, trust the GOP more to handle many basic issues.

On the other hand, some elements of the Democratic Party are filled with passionate intensity. We’re seeing two examples of that now.