- It’s been said, but not in a complimentary way, that Joe Biden has the appealing persona of a 1960s TV dad. There’s some charm to that, but Ward Cleaver for president can’t resonate.
- Enough of the infighting over health care. Dems are on the correct side of the issue, whatever the labeling, whatever the rhetoric. So, instead of “Medicare for All,” which plays into Republican-speak about undefined “socialism,” just call it “Medicare Option For All.” As in, “If you can do even better, opt for it; we’ve got you covered.”
- The whole “Trump vs. ‘The Squad’” fight should be seen for what it manifestly is: A racist president leading his loud, deplorable base in demonizing the Dems and trying to further fuel opposition party infighting. Advantage Trump campaign if the Dems don’t rally around the right cause in the right united way.
The Dems need to get smart about what to do about this existential threat to America. We don’t need a revolution; just the best strategy for removing Trump then pivoting to what’s best for Americans—from climate change, health care, humanitarian border security and living wages to infrastructure, free trade and international allies. Revolutions are best directed against the entrenched status quo, not against a perverted populist anomaly.
- Odd Squad: Here’s hoping at some point we see a truly well-reasoned, well-strategized press conference by “The Squad” that puts the onus where it squarely belongs: on the racist, xenophobic, faux populist Trump presidency. A couple of suggestions, starting with having Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, 46, taking the lead. It should be well-scripted because nobody is immune from off-the-cuff remarks too easily turned into oppo-memes. To wit:
“Fellow Americans. My progressive sisters and I come before you today to put into perspective what we as the Democratic Party stand for—and stand united against.
“We want secure borders and believe that goal is not incompatible with our humanitarian better angels. We want health care considered a right–not an ad hoc, emergency-room bail-out. We want serious, go-for-green, climate change legislation now—for all of us and all those generations yet to come. We want living wages for those not impacted by the tax-cut bill and those not swooning over stock buybacks, inroads on a budget deficit ratcheting up at an alarming rate, and a relationship with the world that is not at odds with our country’s best interests. It’s a formidable—but doable—agenda.
“And while too much limelight has been shed on myself and my congressional sisters, make no mistake, every congressional Democrat is behind this agenda. We have our differences on details and strategies—of course we do, and it’s part of democratic sausage-making–but ultimately we will funnel our priorities through our Speaker, Representative Nancy Pelosi. We are not the face of this Democratic Party. We are part of this greater body politic that looks out for all Americans—regardless of race, gender or ethnicity. And we stand united against any devious attempt to divide us—and our country. The Democratic Party stands tall and proud that we will never waver in advocating for a just cause. And we will never back down to would-be racist intimidation. Never. It’s who we are—and who the other side isn’t.
“In his North Carolina campaign pep rally, President Trump said, as only he can say, that maybe I was ‘related to Elvis. Who knows?’ Well, for the record, I am not related to Elvis, but, frankly, his iconic song “Don’t Be Cruel” has never resonated more. Thank you, fellow Americans, and we now have work to do—to get us to post-Trump America.”
- While “impeachment” may be a rallying cry for a number of Democrats, it’s hardly a pragmatic political tool right now. We saw the upshot of that recently with that ill-considered impeachment resolution introduced by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas. That Trump is “unfit to be president” and “unfit to represent American values” is more than manifest. But also obvious is that odious character flaws are hardly high crimes and misdemeanors. No wonder it was shot down—including by a majority of Democrats. Trump then spiked the failed effort in his Twitter end zone. Hardly helpful. Impeachment should definitely be on the Dems’ agenda, but it’s about moving relentlessly forward on investigations of abuse of power and obstruction of justice—not about presidential propriety.
- Don’t lose hope. The Democrat’s demographically-favorable coalition still outnumbers the Trump base. It’s a matter of getting the vote out—and no unforced errors. Recent history reminds us that it’s a formidable parlay, but the reality is that a re-elected Trump can’t happen without Democratic complicity.