In today's
WaPo Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota) first gives a nice capsule on the reasoning behind current swing-state only campaigning strategy, then writes:
Now, I understand the political strategy that says you pick cherries where cherries grow. But I think the current strategies of both parties are reinforcing the strengths and weaknesses of each party. Instead of reaching out and trying to build in new areas, both parties are retreating to their safe states and conceding defeat in areas that deserve to be a part of the presidential campaign. That strategy undermines our political system and further polarizes America's politics.
But that's the least of our worries.
more below the fold
And no wonder each party seems to be moving to its extremes, to the detriment of national debate.
Unfortunately, but perhaps unavoidably, a large segment of the population really only pays attention to politics during the presidential races. When our candidates write off entire segments of the country it denies us our best opportunity to get our message across at one of the few times that people are actually listening.
This lets all our opponent's assertions go unchallenged, and weakens the chance for quality debate.
Where it hurts the most though, is at the state and local party level, which, until we manage to institute national non-partisan reapportionment, will continue to gerrymander congressional districts. By conceding entire states during presidential elections we are also helping to concede those state's legislatures.
Now in a blue state like California, this works (arguably, but that's another diary) towards the party's advantage, but look at the increasing numbers of right leaning exurbs, and ask ourselves whether we can afford to concede any battle.
Given Red state population growth, which already cost us in this election, we are allowing the regressive right the opportunity to build unnassailable super-majorities, and therefore untouchable congressional districts. If we continue to fail to run truly national campaigns, look for an avalanche of Texas-style gerrymandering throughout the south.