With a historic number of candidates, a highly unpopular president, and a growing base of grassroots volunteers and donors, Democrats have much to feel good about heading into the midterms. Yet, as November approaches, the biggest threat to a Democratic wave could be the party itself.
Since Trump’s victory, the Democratic party has been heavily criticized for failing to present a clear vision for America. It’s no coincidence this failure coincides with a 25-year low in the party’s approval rating and a nearly broke DNC; competing against a Republican counterpart with a war chest of $40 million.
These stats should keep Democrats up at night, as every single one of their candidates is tied to the party’s image. However, party leaders and many in the media seem confident Democrats’ strong early performance in polls and Trump’s unpopularity are clear signs a Democratic wave is undoubtedly coming in November. Sound familiar…?
To their credit, Democratic leaders attempted to address the party’s identity crisis and declining support among white working-class voters with their recent “A Better Deal” plan, which embraces a $15 minimum wage, heavy infrastructure investment, and better access to affordable education. Unfortunately, the plan garnered little enthusiasm or media attention.
And why would it? The plan was nothing more than a static policy platform, appropriate for the website perhaps, but not the kind of bold and fresh thinking necessary to excite voters.
With an astonishing number of Americans losing in faith in our political, democratic, and government institutions, voters need more than the prospect of a minimum wage increase and infrastructure spending to believe again.
Democrats must establish a defining and lasting philosophy as Trump did with MAGA and America First. Political parties are more effective as brands and symbols than policy think tanks. Democratic leaders must create a broad vision for improving the country that candidates can then adapt and if needed alter based on their voters.
While it may seem obvious to state that Democrats need a defining vision and message, all evidence thus far suggests one is not coming anytime soon. Too many key rising Democratic stars are focused on their own presidential aspirations, rather than the rebuilding of the party. And while high ranking Democrats like Schumer and Pelosi excel at fundraising and legislating, they’re not exactly known for being bold, forward-thinking visionaries.
Fortunately, the current political climate gives Democrats plenty to work with. Trump is unpopular and highly controversial, the GOP controls both chambers in a detested Congress, and polls show Americans crave a solution for our broken political system.
Therefore, one option is for Democrats to simply fully embrace populism. With wage growth stagnant, inequality skyrocketing, and corporations receiving preferential treatment from Trump and the GOP, a resurgence of an Occupy Wall Street-esque movement makes a lot of sense. Such an approach risks upsetting wall street and wealthy donors, but voters will reward boldness. Doing so also enables Democrats to brand themselves as the true party of the people, something their ties to wall street and big money have thus far prevented.
Another approach is to focus on fixing the political and governing system that so many Americans have given lost faith in. Public trust in government has been steadily declining since 2001, recently reaching a historic low of just 19%.
The Russia investigation, multiple government shutdowns, and a White House in chaos open the door for Democrats to blame Republicans for the government’s failures, then present a bold vision to make both government and our political system better and more accountable.
Regardless of which new vision Democrats embrace, they need to do so sooner rather than later. Anti-Trump sentiment alone might not be enough to win in November. Even if Democrats do regain power, they’ll then immediately face the same aggressive attacks from Republicans that limited Obama’s presidency.
The party can preemptively defend against this by providing a bold vision for supporters to get behind, ensuring their base remains motivated and engaged well after election day. Democrats have an incredible opportunity to connect with an American public desperate to believe in its leaders again. With the right approach, they can not only secure a win in November but in the critical years ahead.
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