What are Tennessee Democrats' path forward?

[Heebie Jeebie]

Wait for the continued growth in the Nashville area and the greater polarization between urban/suburban areas and rural areas. Probably gonna have to wait at least 20ish years.

Correct.  As a Tennessean watching this state's politics first-hand, I can confirm that Democrats have no hope at the state-wide level, and won't for another couple of decades.

[Heebie Jeebie]

Their only hope is that Blackburn becomes as much of a joke as Cruz and that a Beto-type candidate who can generate endless free media and a tidal wave of small donations rises.

The demographic trends in Tennessee are not the same as the trends in Texas.  What's more, Cruz is a talented politician and Beto's great skill is being in the right place at the right time.  But I digress...