So a lot has happened since my first and most recent blog about winning by clarifying our identity and message.
Since then, the news has filled our eyes, ears, and hearts with horrific accounts of OUR United States of America — a land and idea that many people have died to preserve — overtly violating international law, intentionally denying due process rights, and inhumanely kidnapping children; ransoming them for a coerced but somehow “voluntary” agreement to drop their application for asylum and be deported, if they want to see their children again.
This is an American crisis, where the core of our purpose — our social contract — is at stake.
As we find ourselves at these crossroads, we must all take a look ahead in what we want; as Americans, as fellow humans. We must find and attach ourselves to such a vision, interlock arms and trudge through time and pain until we arrive on the other side together.
This is where today’s politics comes in.
As you may have seen on occasion in the news, there are good Republicans out there. While there may be partisan disagreement on the issues of social or economic justice, or the balance of rights between private interests and the environment, there are some who still hold true to their loyalty to the Constitution and basic principles of humanity.
THEY, my friends, are the target audience.
It is no secret that both parties are going through an identity check. Democrats are trying to prove we care more about real people than corporate donations. Republicans are trying to prove they aren’t the party of xenophobic bigots. The struggle is real, but now is the time to take advantage of the fog of war and clarify exactly not just what or who, but WHY we are who we say we are.
My campaign for example: My top priorities are all-of-us issues, good government and a healthy environment. I think for myself, serve the people, and defer to good evidence in shaping my positions on topics affect the public interest. As I mentioned in my last blog, it’s about being a good servant-leader for those you’re charged to represent. These are basic expectations, but for far too long, such expectations have been unfulfilled.
My message has been resonating across all parties so far. I didn’t have any tangible feedback (more than anecdotal accounts) until a community-wide straw poll was conducted for a candidate forum the other week. Brevard County (the “Space Coast”) is proclaimed to be a red district, voting heavily for Trump in 2016. Space Coast Daily, a local online newspaper covering community issues and politics, has and objectively caters to a conservative audience. They hosted and executed a great, unbiased candidate forum, however, inviting all candidates and video-recording their answers for the public’s viewing; a great community service in my opinion.
The straw poll was up online all day, and it wasn’t until later that night that the results rolled in:
- All races from the US Senator to local school districts — handily went to the Republican candidate.
- Except for my race.
Not only did I win the straw poll, I had the biggest margin of winning in any race. If you look through the percentages, you’ll see about ¼ of the straw poll votes were for Democratic candidates. So, quick math would say — there are approximately 32% of conservative voters out there who are (thankfully) voting for the candidate more than the party line.
This infused me with hope and restored my faith in people, and — well, I do believe that is exactly it.
There is such strong distaste for politicians these days, that many folks are simply looking for a real person who ISN’T focused on divisive fighting for subjective interests, but WILL keep the faith with real people no matter what. My faith in people, I believe, manifests in various forms of love — patience, kindness, forbearance, etc. — which I think people can pick up on at some level. I do my best to practice this everywhere, ESPECIALLY on social media. Even when I’m clearly and fiercely standing on a position for the rule of law, due process and humane treatment, I try not to make it personal. Focusing on the decisions, the policies, the issues themselves creates more room for people, especially our target audience, to join us in our shared endeavor to make things better for our country.
So, how can Democrats win in red districts? My two cents: Have a little more faith in people and target your message of core concerns and shared interests to those who can still hear you.
Let’s hope it works! :)
r/Mel
You can follow our campaign for the Florida Senate on www.MelforSenate14.com and:
You’re also welcome to contact me by email at MartinforSenate14@gmail.com. Thank you for your attention, and I welcome your feedback!