I get this distinction, but at the same time if you can’t win elections it’s hard to change police funding. https://twitter.com/AsteadWesley/status/1333988013609791489

Most Democrats felt that the activists who pushed for the Massachusetts Supreme Court to rule in favor of marriage equality hurt them at the polls in 2004.

The activists could say in response that they *actually won marriage equality* which was their focus.

Ultimately, though, the endgame for the mariage equality litigation strategy was:

— Obama pretends to oppose marriage equality.
— Obama wins the election.
— Obama appointes judges who rule in favor of it.

Politics!

I also think activists sometimes overlook the distinction between:

(a) Argue in favor of an unpopular idea in hopes of convincing people that you are right

(b) Pressure elected officials to adopt your unpopular ideas and hope for the best

I’m all for (a) but (b) is dicey