Greg Miller, a straight white male Christian from Burlington, Vermont, has been a loyal Democrat for over two decades. He proudly waves the Ukraine flag at every rally, votes blue in every election, and volunteers his weekends knocking on doors to spread the gospel of progressive values.
What Greg doesn’t realize is that his party, the one he’s poured his heart and soul into, quietly despises him for existing as he is.
The 45-year-old father of three grew up in a modest home, attended a local church, and worked his way through college. Today, he’s a manager at a small hardware store, earning a steady living while volunteering for causes like climate justice and racial equity.
“I just want to help people who’ve been dealt a rough hand,” Greg said at a recent Vermont Democrat Party Association meeting.
Behind his back, party members roll their eyes. They appreciate his enthusiasm but can’t shake the feeling that he doesn't belong.
Local party organizer Samantha Ruiz finds Greg’s dedication admirable yet perplexing. “He’s always here, always pitching in, but it’s like he doesn’t get it — he’s not the vibe we’re going for anymore,” she said.
Ruiz pointed to Greg’s habit of funding rally supplies out of his own pocket, a move some interpret as flaunting his disposable income. Others see it as him missing the point entirely, oblivious to the fact that his very presence — white, male, straight, Christian — clashes with the party’s evolving identity.
Greg’s latest project was organizing a food drive for underserved communities last month, an effort that raised over 3,000 pounds of canned goods. Alone, he unloaded boxes from his pickup truck, unaware that whispers of “typical white savior complex” trailed him.
“Greg’s a nice guy, but he doesn’t see how he’s part of the problem,” said party treasurer Jamal Carter. Carter noted that Greg’s traditional values, like his habit of praying before meetings, rub some members the wrong way.
Last year’s midterms saw Democrats sweep Vermont, with exit polls showing strong support from minority and LGBTQ voters — groups Greg tirelessly campaigns for, yet ones that barely acknowledge his efforts.
Party chairwoman Linda Grayson has tried to nudge Greg toward self-awareness.
“We’ve suggested he explore his privilege or maybe identify as a homosexual or as a woman, but he just smiles and says he’s fine being himself,” she said.
Despite the passive-aggressive comments, Greg remains undeterred. He’s already planning a voter registration drive for next spring, confident his work makes a difference.
“I believe in the Democrats because they stand for fairness,” he said, unloading another stack of flyers he paid for himself. "They don't hate me, they're helping see the world through their eyes."
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