I was nodding with much of Egan writes, but then he wanders into what is really too much pablum for these aging eyes,

“Nor does it mean that Democrats should not join with progressive institutions — the military...” 

The military a progressive institution? Because it is willing to look past race, color, creed or sexual orientation to obtain fill it’s quota? OK, by that extremely narrow yardstick, yet conveniently ignoring the immense environmental damage wrought by it, the taking of life indiscriminately, and of course, the gargantuan fiscal expense. It’s a "mega-corp" with a license to kill. It is most certainly NOT a progressive institution.

“...his horrid character will not be enough to help the forces of good. ...Democrats... “

Forces of good??  LOL Next thing you know,  the Democrats will change name to “The Fellowship” and lead the crusade against Sauron(Trump) and partner in evil Saruman(Ryan). The best you can say about the Democrats is they are a modestly “lesser evil”.