In 1994, Republican New Gingrich came up with a campaign strategy called the 'Contract with America.' It was 10 point plan signed by every Republican candidate and presented to the media about six weeks before the midterm elections.
It was a brilliant move, and it worked! Republicans took a majority in Congress for the first time in 40 years!
"The proposal by Gingrich, then-House Minority Whip, has been credited with the "Republican Revolution" that ensued at the polls, with the GOP easily taking control of the U.S. House and Senate, gaining 12 governorships and regaining control in 20 state legislatures."
Three recent events have given Democrats an opportunity to submit their Contract with America.
First, in early May, a draft opinion by the Supreme Court was leaked that indicated the court would overturn Roe v Wade – the landmark ruling that established a women's right to an abortion. If finalized, this ruling could end many other freedoms we take for granted, such as the right to marry who you choose, the right to contraception, etc.
Second, Republican Senator Rick Scott released an 11-point plan to raise taxes on the middle class and end Medicare and Social Security.
Rick Scott is not just any Senator. He is Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), which is in charge of getting Republicans elected to the Senate/
Third, there have been a series of mass shootings, the most recent being in Uvalde, Texas, that has brought the gun reform debate back to the top of the national psyche.
The GOP wants to distance itself from all these issues. So, don't let them. Democrats should bring these issues to the top of the agenda with a Contract with America just like Gingrich did. It worked once for Republicans. It can work for the Democrats
Here is my suggestion for a Contract with America that all Democrats, at every level, should run on.
1. Eliminate the filibuster. The filibuster is an outdated rule that has created a tyranny of the minority. Nothing can pass the Senate with the filibuster in place. There is a chance that Democrats could gain seats in the Senate this fall, but it is unlikely they would get to 60. So, if any progress is to be made, the filibuster must go.
2. Reform the Supreme Court. If the filibuster is eliminated, the GOP will challenge every law passed in court. Unfortunately, many of these cases will end up at the Supreme, becoming more and more partisan. Former Attorney General Eric Holder has numerous proposals, including adding a staggering 18-year term limit so that every President gets to choose a justice in his 1st and 3rd year.
3. Codify Roe v. Wade. Roe v. Wade must be made the law of the land.
4. Pass a new Voting Right Act. Republicans do not represent the majority of Americans. Instead, they are in power through a complex web of gerrymandered districts and voter suppression tactics. These tactics must be eliminated.
5. Pass sensible Gun Reform. Most Americas are for universal background checks, waiting periods, mandatory safety training, red flag laws, and limited access to military-style assault rifles.
6. Make Washington D.C and Peurto Rico states. Both DC and Puerto Rico have more American citizens than many small states like Wyoming. And yet, they have no representation in Congress. That is taxation without representation—the reason for the American Revolutionary War's start.
7. Pass the Biden Build Back Better bill. This bill contains many popular items such as lowering the age for Medicare eligibility, child-care subsidies and reducing prescription drug costs.
8. Legalize Marijuana. Another prevalent position with the public. The drug war has wreaked havoc on minority communities. Legalizing marijuana with some form of reparation for the non-violent people who were unjustly imprisoned would be very popular.
9. No new taxes for those earning less than $500,000. Rick Scott's plan raises taxes on low-income and middle-income earners. The Democrat's Contract with America would be in clear contrast to that proposal.
10. Immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for Dreamers.
The Contract with America was a brilliant campaign tactic. It worked once, and that was before social media. It can work again!