Most objective observers, realize, we are currently experiencing, a political climate, like we have not witnessed, in recent times! Americans appear to be more divided, and polarized, than usual, and rather, than seeking, common ground, and what might unify, most people appear, unwilling, and not ready, to do so, and fail to even consider, the perceptions, priorities, etc, of those with differing political positions. In the past, people possessed different positions, but still, usually, remained civil, in terms of their inter - personal relationships. When Obama was President, for 6 of his 8 years, in office, the Congress, was under Republican control, while he was a Democrat. In 2016, when Trump was elected, Republicans maintained control of the Congress, and now, also possess control of the Executive Branch. Some opponents of Mr. Trump, appear to be looking forward to the mid - term elections, in November of this year, seeming to assume, they will automatically, regain, at least, one of the houses of Congress. However, as someone, who has spent four decades working on political campaigns, I believe this will be far more challenging, and the Democratic Party, must make a choice, and a decision, regarding their strategy, and direction, needed to make a difference. Here are, 4 choices, in a simplified manner.
1. Status quo; blame/ complain; negativity: Regaining political control, means going beyond, merely blaming and complaining, and proceeding, with negativity, regarding the direction, and focus of the Republicans, and the status quo! Democrats will find it challenging to become stronger, merely by saying, they oppose Donald Trump!
2. Move, further to the left: While many would like to see more progressive policies, the political reality of this nation, is most people/ voters, are afraid of too much extremism, to either political pole! While they certainly, could and should, point out, their different philosophy, the sure - fire way, to ensure they lose, is to move too far, to the so - called, left! How their positions are articulated, often, determine, how voters perceive them, and, until/ unless the electorate feels safe, secure, and confident, they will only make a rhetorical difference, but will probably implement little change, for the better!
3. Focus on the middle: While those moderates, often feel, like they aren't considered, too much emphasis, on the middle, might be perceived, as pandering. In addition, those, who are most active (a.k.a. activists), might not vote, if they believe, their priorities are not being considered! Therefore, if this is the focus, it must address, a step - by - step, approach, rather than one, which many consider, radical!
4. Move further to the right: Some may feel, they need, to move, further to the right, to defeat their political opponents. However, if this is the approach, why would it matter, who was in control?
If the Democrats wish to regain control of the Congress, they must articulate a compelling, positive reason, and approach, which calms, but addresses the needs, concerns, and priorities, of many, who feel oppressed, politically. They must carefully decide, how to do that, because while idealism is wonderful, if they are to make a difference, it must be accomplished, in a somewhat, pragmatic way!
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development seminars, and worked on political campaigns, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. Website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for common sense politics: http://facebook.com/commonsense4all
Article Source: Democratic Party: If They Are To Regain Control, They Must Make 1 Of 4 Choices