Attention, Democrats, don’t shoot yourself, in the leg, again! Be careful, to avoid, grabbing defeat, from the jaws, of victory! There is little doubt, this nation, is more polarized, and divided, than any time, in recent memory! There’s also, little doubt, according to the polls, President Trump, has continued, to possess, some of the lowest popularity, and/ or, favorability ratings, we’ve witnessed, for an incumbent, after three years, in office! However, at the same time, despite, nearly constant controversies, etc, Trump’s popularity, among his core supporters, remains, amazingly, high! Since, Presidential elections are determined by the Electoral College, instead of the popular votes, a political strategy, of maintaining his core supporters, even, if his rhetoric, and actions, are despised, and opposed by many others, might still result in his winning, reelection. With that in mind, this article will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 6 things, which must be done, if Democrats, hope to assume control of the Presidency.
1. Consensus candidate: It’s important to recognize, the demographics of primary voters, versus those, who vote in general elections, often differs, significantly. Historically, Democratic Primary voters, tend to be more progressive, than others. While, many of the popular, populist proposals, which certainly, might be appealing, during primaries, may have the opposite effect, when the overall public, votes. The party must introduce, pragmatic, idealistic ideas, which don’t scare away, potential supporters. These policies must emphasize their vision, for improving things in the areas, of what is often, called, Bread – Basket issues, such as not only employment, but real income growth, for the middle class, affordable health care (explained, in terms, of it being a basic, human right), etc, must be the emphasis! The challenge is to get the progressives to vote for the nominee (and turn – out, for the vote), while also appealing to moderates, and independents, whose support is essential, to winning the election!
2. Get out the vote: Take no votes, nor state, for – granted! While certain states, may trend, blue, or red, create an emphasis, for maximizing support! When you consider, President Trump, won the 2016 election, even though he has over 2 million fewer popular votes, because, he narrowly won, in several swing states! Get the young people, who are concerned about Climate Change, environmental needs, sane gun safety measures, etc, motivated and inspired! Get the LGBT vote, out! Encourage, woman, and people, of color, to vote! Clearly articulate, how, your candidate, is the far better choice, for the greater good!
3. Bread – basket issues: While Trump will emphasize his supposed economic gains, it is necessary, to clearly show, those gains, have disproportionately, helped the wealthiest Americans, and largest corporations, at the expense of the middle class, etc. Show, how, quality, affordable, healthcare, is needed, necessary, and doable, in a positive, non – threatening way. Beware of emphasizing Medicare – For – All, because, it is idealistic, but probably not pragmatic, and might scare away, many moderates and progressives, Instead, focus on the best course, such as using a public option, to compete with private insurance, as well as better controlling costs of prescription drugs, malpractice suits, etc.
4. Avoid political traps: How will you pay for that? Don’t be trapped, into supporting something, which might, end – up, severely damaging the possibilities!
5. Use Trump’s lies, and behaviors/ actions, against him: Don’t just make accusations against this President, but, rather, use media, effectively, to show, side – by – side, how Trump, often, speaks out of both sides, of his mouth! For example, use his, Drain the Swamp, to contrast it, with the swamp, he has created, with his appointments, etc! Show his claims for his tax legislation, versus the reality. Prove to farmers, miners, etc, how President Trump, has lied to them, in his own words, and actions!
6. What you’ll do/ how you’ll restore sanity: Most would agree, these times, aren’t normal! How will you make, America, sane, again? How will you bring people together, for the greater good? Why will you earn, and deserve their vote, etc?
Wake up, America, and proceed, with pragmatic idealism, and a clear – cut, strategy, and action plan, for winning the 2020 election! Blaming, complaining, and sarcasm, won’t get what’s needed, done!
