#368: Nonetheless, We'll Take A Crack At It
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In the Washington Monthly, David Atkins tries to explain why Democrats should forget about appealing to middle-of-the-road voters, and instead embrace what gets the base excited. He thinks this is the way out of the trap that faces the Democratic party: not only do Republicans consistently get fewer votes at the presidential level (seven out of the last eight elections) yet still win or come close thanks to the Electoral College, but congressional elections are just as skewed in favor of Republicans--thanks to redistricting.
He identifies "popularism" (finding which Democratic proposals are most popular, and basing campaigns on them, exclusively) as the problem. This is, he believes, because the proposals that generate the most excitement among activists (he mentions police reform, climate change, anti-racism) are what will get out the vote.
Given his arguments for this view (summarized below), it occurred to me that it's often the case that there's something to both sides of any argument. And with that in mind, I comment (in green) on Atkins' points, #1 through #5, then suggest the two sides can be one.
Atkins:
1. Opinion surveys can't gauge what really motivates voters.
They're a starting point. Usually, helping voters is a sure bet.
2. Republicans win elections, despite having unpopular policies.
Usually because their opponents make tone-deaf mistakes.
3. Activists won't stop pushing for social change, popular or not.
Nor should they.
4. De-emphasizing 'unpopular' issues may not bring back independents.
Or, talking someone's language is a first step.
5. Appealing to the center at the expense of the base would lose votes.
Right-wingers certainly agree, witness their sharp turn to the fringe Right.
We can't possibly anticipate every future twist and turn, but a good bet is that combining the Left and Center, if it were possible, would be the most likely way forward. So, what would that look like? Maybe:
November '21: Includes addressing Climate Change, funding universal Pre-K, patching ObamaCare.
Spring '22: Identify symbolic cuts to the Deficit, and promise a major crackdown once the economy is humming.
Summer/Fall '22: Propose the following as a Democratic Party agenda if the Democratic margin increases to 52 in the Senate and the House is held:
1. Allow Medicare to bargain for lower prescription drug prices.
2. Climate Change, Part II
3. A path to citizenship for Dreamers
4. Family Leave
5. Free Community College
Paid for by #1, above, as well as other revenue sources.
2023: A Voting Rights carve-out of the Senate Filibuster.
2024: Like '22, appeal to voters with a mix of max-popular items and progressive priorities.
2025+: Assuming wins in '22 and '24, take on things that need 60 votes. By then, Republican moderates will likely have regained their voice (losing, time and again, will do that to you). Or, if not, eliminate the filibuster and take on the next batch of super-popular items, plus a few progressive favorites.
The idea is to choose the most popular moderate and progressive agenda items on the buffet table; then, once properly fortified, and with the wind at your back, get to the remaining issues that seemed like such hard nuts to crack when you were weak and hungry.
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