If most Americans have the same position on the issues that Democrats do, why do we keep losing elections? Why do people vote for Republicans even when they agree with the Democratic position on universal health care, protecting the environment, increasing the minimum wage, and all of those other important issues?
Well, the answer is one word: values. More in extended...
Voters do not vote on the issues. They vote on their values, and Democrats have a huge problem talking about values. We Democrats, being enlighted folk, like to believe that campaigns are an opportunity to educate, and if we educate voters enough they will all happily pull those levers or mark those ballots for Democrats. Sadly, this hasn't worked, and it isn't going to work.
I and several other Minnesota Democrats are trying to change this and get candidates to talk about their values. This does not mean talking about false "family values" and ignoring them as soon as the elections are over, as Republicans are wont to do. No, these are real values, values that all Democrats can agree on, no matter what their stands on the issues.
These are the values of Responsibility, Integrity, Community, Justice, Opportunity, and Equality. We believe taht all Democrats, no matter what their district, no matter what their take on the issues, can rally behind these values. And when we speak with one voice about our values, voters know they can trust us.
We have put together a website at www.democraticvoiceproject.org to get candidates and activists to talk about their values. It is truly about getting Democrats to speak with one voice. I would encourage you to visit the website and give your feedback. The more people we have on board, the better it will work!