Regardless of one’s personal/ political preferences, self – interest, focus, beliefs, priorities, etc, we all must agree, what we’ve witnessed, in these last 30 months, isn’t normal, or like, anything, we’ve observed, in recent memory! Many, including me, believe, we have come to a point, in time, when the essence and future of our nation, is at a juncture, when we will either, reject the politics of hate, and division, or, accept, a different type of nation, and a rejection (abandonment) of prioritizing all the freedoms, justice, and liberty, for all, many believe our Constitution demands! The current occupant of the White House, was elected, by expertly dissecting the electorate, and winning the Electoral College, although, losing the popular vote! He ran a campaign, based on a considerable amount of empty rhetoric/ vitriol, promises, a focus on the perception of the good – old – days, and, at least in the perceptions of his most loyal supporters, a nationalistic agenda. Many have complained, about, his focus, agenda, rhetoric, and actions/ priorities, since he was elected, but President Trump, has plodded along, on his personal/ political path! Complaining, and blaming, does not make changes in direction, and, if the Democratic Party, does not clearly articulate a policy, and process, which inspires and motivates others, to support them, we will have four more years, of what we have witnessed! With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 7 issues, which Democrats must emphasize, if they hope to gain control.
1. Emphasize bread – basket issues: They must emphasize bread – basket issues, specifically, jobs/ employments, infrastructure, health costs, and overall security. They must contrast viable solutions, and priorities, versus what has been happening! Beware, because, if the Democrats, remain over – confident, because polls show, President Trump, lacks popularity, we will witness, a further diminishing, of the rights, we have taken for granted, for generations!
2. Sane immigration policy: Our President has expertly motivated his supporters, by appealing to their fears, and emphasized, a Southern Wall, even though, most experts, proclaim, it is an ineffective, expensive approach! He has attempted to pinhole his political opponents, as weak on border security, in order to motivate his base! Democrats must clearly articulate their alternative, viable approach, and solution, or lose this battle!
3. Avoid scaring potential voters: They must be careful, to avoid, being perceived, by the needed, necessary, independent and moderate voters, as safe, and reliable! This requires pursuing a pragmatic, idealist, approach, which proceeds forward, in a step – by – step, manner, or will be accused, by Trump, of being un – American, socialists (whatever that means)!
4. Avoid being trapped/ pigeon – holed, into political positions: In their quest to become the nominee, many candidates have articulated, a program, which, this President, will easily oppose, simply by creating the perception, it is dangerous, and will cost taxpayers! Regardless of one’s personal preferences, if the goal, is to make a difference, while stopping the insanity, they must realize, issues like Medicare – For – All, will scare – off, many potential voters, because they don’t trust government, or perceive, the approach, will significantly, raise their taxes.
5. Middle Class Needs: Emphasize the needs, priorities, and perceptions of the middle class, by contrasting, Trump’s tax reform legislation, with one, focused on helping, and serving most Americans. Since the law, benefited the wealthiest, and the larger corporations, although, Donald Trump, stated it would focus on the middle class, shouldn’t this be a focus of the campaign?
6. Education costs: Most Americans realize, educational costs, have over – burdened many! A viable solution, and making this an emphasis, would attract support!
7. Remember – it’s an Electoral College: It’s not enough, to simply, win the popular votes, because, Republican candidates, were elected, in 2000, and 2016, although they lost the popular vote! Democrats must avoid being smug, and over – confident, and must, put, a concerted effort, into winning, certain states, they need to win, if they hope to be elected, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, etc, while maintaining their margins, in states, they have, historically, dominated!
No change of direction, will occur, unless/ until, Democrats regain control of the White House, and the Senate. If you don’t like, what you’ve witnessed, get involved, vote, and avoid apathy. It does make a difference!
