In American politics, power struggles and control within political parties are not just theoretical they’re a real and often ruthless part of the system. The “use and dump” strategy is a harsh reality, particularly when it comes to Washington’s elite, where politicians are often manipulated and discarded once they’ve outlived their usefulness.

While politicians like those in the Democratic Party may publicly champion the rule of law and democracy, behind the scenes, there are dirty tactics in play. Manipulation, blackmail, and betrayal are not foreign to the political machinery in Washington. It’s a world where politicians are human beings first, but their secrets, vulnerabilities, and personal struggles are used as weapons in the power game.

Take the case of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, once a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2020. Cuomo had already established himself as a strong voice in the party, particularly for his fierce opposition to President Trump during his first term. However, his political downfall marked a chilling reminder of how quickly a politician can be disposed of once they are deemed inconvenient.

The investigation into Cuomo’s handling of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic provided the Democrats with the ammunition they needed. Cuomo was accused of underreporting the number of deaths, a scandal that led to widespread criticism. Despite the FBI’s decision not to pursue the case, Cuomo’s political career came to a swift end. The events surrounding his fall raise a significant question: Was Cuomo’s downfall orchestrated by the Democratic establishment in favor of Joe Biden’s nomination?

Similarly, Representative Eric Swalwell, who was once considered a rising star within the party, found himself embroiled in a series of scandals that ultimately led him to suspend his 2026 campaign for Governor of California. Allegations of sexual misconduct and ties to a suspected Chinese spy, Fāng Fāng, threw Swalwell into political turmoil.

Swalwell’s connection to Fāng, who allegedly infiltrated the ranks of California’s political elite, including Swalwell’s 2014 congressional campaign, only added fuel to the fire. Despite these troubling connections, top Democrats, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, reportedly turned a blind eye to his actions, seemingly protecting him because of his political usefulness at the time. But now, as his ambitions to govern California come to a head, it appears the Democrats are ready to cut ties with him.

There’s also speculation that Speaker Nancy Pelosi may have played a role in Swalwell’s rise and fall, using the leverage of his past actions as a tool to maintain control. Some believe this power dynamic may have even influenced Joe Biden’s decision to forgo a second presidential run, with Kamala Harris being positioned as his successor.

The dynamics of both Swalwell and Representative Tony Gonzales in April 2023, amid sexual misconduct allegations, only further fuels this narrative. These events suggest that the Democrats’ penchant for sacrifice isn’t reserved for just the governors and representatives they deem expendable it’s a strategy that extends all the way to the top of the party.

The Democratic Party has a long history of casting aside those who no longer serve their purpose. From Cuomo’s fall to Swalwell’s scandal, it’s clear that when the liberal elite is done with a politician, they’re done for good. Political maneuvering, dirty tricks, and behind-the-scenes manipulation have become the norm, and for anyone caught in the crossfire, there’s no safety net. Once the Democrats decide your time is up, the only option left is to fall in line or face political obliteration.

In this world of ruthless ambition and shifting allegiances, it’s clear that personal integrity and loyalty often come second to the demands of power. And as the political landscape continues to shift, the “use and dump” tactics are likely to persist, leaving once-promising political figures in the dust.

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