So stupid. The Dems didn’t create heaven on earth for me (remember it’s always been divided government as well as a pluralistic society??) so we’ll vote for someone who is actively hostile to me and my interests? Enjoy!
I can’t argue that the Dems need to articulate bolder visions and demonstrate more grit. However, what stands out to me concerning your focus groups is a misinformed public. The realities of razor thin elections and undemocratic congressional rules is that one side can block all the good the other side is attempting to accomplish for the American people. Throw in a Manchin and a Sinema, and all bets are off. For example, the For the People Act of the 116th congress would have expanded voting rights and changed campaign finance laws to insure fair elections–blocked by the GOP, Manchin, and Sinema. Also, the “strength” that the Republicans project happens to be illegal. The Dems appear weak, partly, because they tend to follow the law. How do the Dems convince the public the importance of credible information sources and the huge impact of politics on their daily lives?
Thank you! What a perfect example of the belief in misinformation I spoke of!
If you are attempting to debate the relative quality of life and responsiveness of governments to their constituents between red states and blue states, then you will (and, obviously, on other subjects) lose that debate every time. Even a cursory, objective examination of the data will not support your position.
The deeper and more existential questions other than Republican gains ahead of the 2030 census, however, include: How will life be in an America transformed to mimic Russia, Hungary, China, Saudi Arabia, or North Korea? What freedoms will exist in an American authoritarian state after the scapegoating of minorities, journalists, and immigrants? After the undermining of the judiciary, delegitimizing of opponents, and the politicizing of law enforcement? After expansion of mass surveillance and purging of institutions? After the executive overreach and illegitimate emergency powers? After the election manipulation and voter suppression? After the legal harassment and intimidation? After the rise of Christian nationalism, co-opting of education, and rewriting of history? After the Dark Enlightenment and Network States? After the oligarchic capture of power, and the kleptocratic use of public funds? This is only a partial list.
Also, due to the necessity of spending much more time protesting the current criminal administration, I will only respond to serious dialogues in the future.
See my Substack, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/governing-put-pedal-to-the-metal. I'm focusing on putting together the information that candidates, activists and voters need to combat disinformation, misinformation, lack of information and outright lies --- plus ineptitude in communication complex policy issues. Check it out.
I encourage everyone to visit my Substack, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-advice-for-candidates-and-831. As that post demonstrates, I'm trying to give sound advice to Democrats on how to do a better job communicating with their constituents and all voters. I also do a lot of posts about income inequality, economic and employment issues that everyone should find of interest. (Look under the News to Know tab.)
Has the party considered a relaunch of its website as part of the election season kickoff? New window dressings which include animated graphics and an updated layout with video features could increase site traffic.
This came to mind when I was signing up for the newsletter.
Having read more articles than I care to remember about the Democratic Party’s struggles to develop a new image and/or framework for governance, I decided to offer up my advice to help focus the discussion. As a disgruntled voter with the benefit of more than 50 years of participation in the political process, I’d suggest “Partnership for America’s Future” as an organizing theme for the Democrats (or any other party looking for one). Here how I’d pitch that to the American people.
Partnership for America’s Future
Government isn't Them. Or some scary Deep State set out to destroy our way of life. It is US. It is US working together to make life better for us individually and collectively. Core building blocks of that effort are:
An Educational System Second to None
Jobs to Build a Life On
Justice and Respect for All
Communities to Feel Safe In
A Helping Hand in Times of Need
Preservation of Our Constitutional Freedoms & the Rule of Law
An Economic System That Fosters Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Jobs for All
Stewardship of Our Precious Natural Resources
Global Leadership to Promote Peace and Prosperity
We still believe in the power of the American Dream and know that you do too. Let’s work together to make certain that dream becomes a reality for each and every one of us.
Sixth, voter education is imperative. I'm the only person I know who has talked about the voting rights of those with autism, ttps://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-may-people-with-autism. On my Substack, I have an extensive series of materials that explains to the average voting all the nuances of the process. Look at the DNC and state party websites --- they just push people to a voter registration website (usually a Secretary of State's office - with the SOS being a Republican who supports voter suppression efforts). So how's that working out for you?
The best part is -- I've done all of this work already. I'm happy to license it to state parties and candidates for cheap. But no one will listen. They just want our money and for us to shut up and go away otherwise. How's that working out for you?
Fourth, Dems need to do voter education. I'm doing a series of Issue Insights to help explain the basics ... first and foremost to the candidates themselves so they can counter disinformation, misinformation, lack of information & lies. Here's a sample: https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/issue-insights-preventing-social.
You can not count on the media fixing these problems. I was FLOORED when I was watching Pete Buttigieg on one of those bro brothers podcasts, and the host asked about why people who were dead were getting Social Security (a question that grew out of the misstatements from DOGE/Musk).
Pete simply replied "Just because they are in the database doesn't mean they are getting benefits." The light bulb went off in the heads of the guys on the panel. This was SIMPLE information that should have shot down the "150 year old people getting Social Security" misstatement within hours of when it was made - yet it was days/weeks before Pete provided that key bit of information to the public.
The Democratic "rapid response" team is an embarrassment of the highest order. They just do 15 - 30 second attack ads that actually make matters worse because independents like me just tune out that partisan noise.
I continue to be astonished/floored/appalled that the Democrats don't talk about wage theft, misclassification, unemployment compensation reform, and other policy issues that DIRECTLY affect workers and that they understand well.
I am part of the electorate that knows how uninformed voters are. This article is a perfect example. I would point out that almost every policy and law and executive order by president Joe Biden improved the financial situation of Black men and black women. And in our system of government it also improved the financial situation for all Americans and others in the country and improved the financial situation for the citizens of the world. We have a Republican propaganda machine and a financial news network that sells propaganda and of course even democrats repeat the propaganda not realizing it is wrong. The Democratic Party does not have the resources to compete with uninformed voters with the barrage of propaganda from the republicans.
John - This infuriates me too. The problem, as I see it, is that Democratic Party consultants are focused on 15 - 30 second attack ads. No one thinks they need to EXPLAIN anything to the public. Read the article in this post about "skim" and you'll get the idea of the scope of the problem, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/governing-issue-insights-political-858.
That's why I launched Information Bank - the whole purpose being to EDUCATE the public on federal, state, and local government operations; key public policy issues; and the electoral process. You have to educate the public ... it's dull, boring, and probably won't move 25 percent of the voting public but it can move enough to swing elections. And that's what counts.
AS I've mentioned, anytime a member of Congress or a statewide elected official (Democrat) goes to a public event or a town hall he/she should have one-page handouts on the key issues. Those one pagers should carry the link to the officials website where more detailed info is available. This gives people information they can study, share, and refer back to. That's what you need to be relentless in doing - all across the board at the federal/state/local government level.
Does anyone truly recognize what were up against? Has anyone truly looked at the cast of characters underpinning the MAGA movement? Google Curtis Yarvin to gain more of an understanding of the philosophy behind this movement. I don't think that many have given full consideration to what awaits us all with the further entrenchment of a structural vision that once set -- will not be undone. I believe that this hasn't been considered because, if it had, we wouldn't be belaboring the political purity tests flooding social media threads. I'm not here to relitigate the political contests of 2016 or 2020, other than to say that, at a minimum, we enjoyed a wonderful but brief course correction.
What I care about now, is how we are going to move forward. We have a commonly shared concern with all democratically- minded brethren no matter race, creed, religion or ethnic origin. My question is whether we're going to sit down and deal with it collectively or be picked off one by one. (And, for those that think that they can somehow manage it...if your not playing on the back nine at the golf course...you're not.)
Now, I don't want to get out ahead of any efforts that are being made to give structure to the 2026 and 2028 election cycles by the party leadership. However, I would submit that your outline, as well as others, could make up an invaluable pool of submissions that could inform decision-makers on future courses of action.
If our objective is to seek electoral consensus, the objective should exist as well, in the program planning. How that's structured should be determined by leadership. Nevertheless, that leadership should be intentional and reflective of the myriad groups within the tent.
So stupid. The Dems didn’t create heaven on earth for me (remember it’s always been divided government as well as a pluralistic society??) so we’ll vote for someone who is actively hostile to me and my interests? Enjoy!
I can’t argue that the Dems need to articulate bolder visions and demonstrate more grit. However, what stands out to me concerning your focus groups is a misinformed public. The realities of razor thin elections and undemocratic congressional rules is that one side can block all the good the other side is attempting to accomplish for the American people. Throw in a Manchin and a Sinema, and all bets are off. For example, the For the People Act of the 116th congress would have expanded voting rights and changed campaign finance laws to insure fair elections–blocked by the GOP, Manchin, and Sinema. Also, the “strength” that the Republicans project happens to be illegal. The Dems appear weak, partly, because they tend to follow the law. How do the Dems convince the public the importance of credible information sources and the huge impact of politics on their daily lives?
Thanks for your comment. We hope you keep following along to learn more as we’re listening to working class voters to help inform future policies.
I agree that's the case at a national level. But what about in heavily blue states and big cities.
Democrats have unchecked power there, and yet consistently fail to deliver results.
Maybe if they start delivery results there people would trust them to do it at the national level.
Instead we consistently see people fleeing those places, and that's why Republicans are going to make those big gains come the 2030 census.
Thank you! What a perfect example of the belief in misinformation I spoke of!
If you are attempting to debate the relative quality of life and responsiveness of governments to their constituents between red states and blue states, then you will (and, obviously, on other subjects) lose that debate every time. Even a cursory, objective examination of the data will not support your position.
The deeper and more existential questions other than Republican gains ahead of the 2030 census, however, include: How will life be in an America transformed to mimic Russia, Hungary, China, Saudi Arabia, or North Korea? What freedoms will exist in an American authoritarian state after the scapegoating of minorities, journalists, and immigrants? After the undermining of the judiciary, delegitimizing of opponents, and the politicizing of law enforcement? After expansion of mass surveillance and purging of institutions? After the executive overreach and illegitimate emergency powers? After the election manipulation and voter suppression? After the legal harassment and intimidation? After the rise of Christian nationalism, co-opting of education, and rewriting of history? After the Dark Enlightenment and Network States? After the oligarchic capture of power, and the kleptocratic use of public funds? This is only a partial list.
Also, due to the necessity of spending much more time protesting the current criminal administration, I will only respond to serious dialogues in the future.
See my Substack, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/governing-put-pedal-to-the-metal. I'm focusing on putting together the information that candidates, activists and voters need to combat disinformation, misinformation, lack of information and outright lies --- plus ineptitude in communication complex policy issues. Check it out.
"They do not speak for us." We are not a monolith.
PS - A decent written recitation on The American Political Party of Violence https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/p/the-american-political-party-of-violence
I encourage everyone to visit my Substack, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-advice-for-candidates-and-831. As that post demonstrates, I'm trying to give sound advice to Democrats on how to do a better job communicating with their constituents and all voters. I also do a lot of posts about income inequality, economic and employment issues that everyone should find of interest. (Look under the News to Know tab.)
Has the party considered a relaunch of its website as part of the election season kickoff? New window dressings which include animated graphics and an updated layout with video features could increase site traffic.
This came to mind when I was signing up for the newsletter.
Having read more articles than I care to remember about the Democratic Party’s struggles to develop a new image and/or framework for governance, I decided to offer up my advice to help focus the discussion. As a disgruntled voter with the benefit of more than 50 years of participation in the political process, I’d suggest “Partnership for America’s Future” as an organizing theme for the Democrats (or any other party looking for one). Here how I’d pitch that to the American people.
Partnership for America’s Future
Government isn't Them. Or some scary Deep State set out to destroy our way of life. It is US. It is US working together to make life better for us individually and collectively. Core building blocks of that effort are:
An Educational System Second to None
Jobs to Build a Life On
Justice and Respect for All
Communities to Feel Safe In
A Helping Hand in Times of Need
Preservation of Our Constitutional Freedoms & the Rule of Law
An Economic System That Fosters Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Jobs for All
Stewardship of Our Precious Natural Resources
Global Leadership to Promote Peace and Prosperity
We still believe in the power of the American Dream and know that you do too. Let’s work together to make certain that dream becomes a reality for each and every one of us.
Sixth, voter education is imperative. I'm the only person I know who has talked about the voting rights of those with autism, ttps://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-may-people-with-autism. On my Substack, I have an extensive series of materials that explains to the average voting all the nuances of the process. Look at the DNC and state party websites --- they just push people to a voter registration website (usually a Secretary of State's office - with the SOS being a Republican who supports voter suppression efforts). So how's that working out for you?
The best part is -- I've done all of this work already. I'm happy to license it to state parties and candidates for cheap. But no one will listen. They just want our money and for us to shut up and go away otherwise. How's that working out for you?
End of rant from frustrated voter.
Fifth, highlight the unique perspective that people from rural areas have on the issues. I have a series on that, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/governing-issue-insights-rural-child.
Fourth, Dems need to do voter education. I'm doing a series of Issue Insights to help explain the basics ... first and foremost to the candidates themselves so they can counter disinformation, misinformation, lack of information & lies. Here's a sample: https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/issue-insights-preventing-social.
You can not count on the media fixing these problems. I was FLOORED when I was watching Pete Buttigieg on one of those bro brothers podcasts, and the host asked about why people who were dead were getting Social Security (a question that grew out of the misstatements from DOGE/Musk).
Pete simply replied "Just because they are in the database doesn't mean they are getting benefits." The light bulb went off in the heads of the guys on the panel. This was SIMPLE information that should have shot down the "150 year old people getting Social Security" misstatement within hours of when it was made - yet it was days/weeks before Pete provided that key bit of information to the public.
The Democratic "rapid response" team is an embarrassment of the highest order. They just do 15 - 30 second attack ads that actually make matters worse because independents like me just tune out that partisan noise.
Third, you have to communicate well. I've done a series of posts with recommendations in this regard, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-advice-to-democrats-communications-003
Second, you need to supplement the basic statement with real world policy actions that you are committed to achieving. Here's the list I put together, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-advice-for-potential-candidates-95e. Note that I'm heavy on employment/labor related items.
I continue to be astonished/floored/appalled that the Democrats don't talk about wage theft, misclassification, unemployment compensation reform, and other policy issues that DIRECTLY affect workers and that they understand well.
First - Get a basic statement of values/governance philosophy. Here's my cut at that, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-advice-to-anyone-willing. (FYI - Mitch saw posted & reshared so I assume I'm on the right track.)
I am part of the electorate that knows how uninformed voters are. This article is a perfect example. I would point out that almost every policy and law and executive order by president Joe Biden improved the financial situation of Black men and black women. And in our system of government it also improved the financial situation for all Americans and others in the country and improved the financial situation for the citizens of the world. We have a Republican propaganda machine and a financial news network that sells propaganda and of course even democrats repeat the propaganda not realizing it is wrong. The Democratic Party does not have the resources to compete with uninformed voters with the barrage of propaganda from the republicans.
Thanks for the comment!
John - This infuriates me too. The problem, as I see it, is that Democratic Party consultants are focused on 15 - 30 second attack ads. No one thinks they need to EXPLAIN anything to the public. Read the article in this post about "skim" and you'll get the idea of the scope of the problem, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/governing-issue-insights-political-858.
That's why I launched Information Bank - the whole purpose being to EDUCATE the public on federal, state, and local government operations; key public policy issues; and the electoral process. You have to educate the public ... it's dull, boring, and probably won't move 25 percent of the voting public but it can move enough to swing elections. And that's what counts.
AS I've mentioned, anytime a member of Congress or a statewide elected official (Democrat) goes to a public event or a town hall he/she should have one-page handouts on the key issues. Those one pagers should carry the link to the officials website where more detailed info is available. This gives people information they can study, share, and refer back to. That's what you need to be relentless in doing - all across the board at the federal/state/local government level.
Let me get this straight-you are not so hot about the Democrats, so you're going to vote for Trump!?
I stand by my previous comments.
Does anyone truly recognize what were up against? Has anyone truly looked at the cast of characters underpinning the MAGA movement? Google Curtis Yarvin to gain more of an understanding of the philosophy behind this movement. I don't think that many have given full consideration to what awaits us all with the further entrenchment of a structural vision that once set -- will not be undone. I believe that this hasn't been considered because, if it had, we wouldn't be belaboring the political purity tests flooding social media threads. I'm not here to relitigate the political contests of 2016 or 2020, other than to say that, at a minimum, we enjoyed a wonderful but brief course correction.
What I care about now, is how we are going to move forward. We have a commonly shared concern with all democratically- minded brethren no matter race, creed, religion or ethnic origin. My question is whether we're going to sit down and deal with it collectively or be picked off one by one. (And, for those that think that they can somehow manage it...if your not playing on the back nine at the golf course...you're not.)
Here's my suggestions for a game plan, https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/governing-put-pedal-to-the-metal
Thank you for your reply. It's truly appreciated.
Now, I don't want to get out ahead of any efforts that are being made to give structure to the 2026 and 2028 election cycles by the party leadership. However, I would submit that your outline, as well as others, could make up an invaluable pool of submissions that could inform decision-makers on future courses of action.
If our objective is to seek electoral consensus, the objective should exist as well, in the program planning. How that's structured should be determined by leadership. Nevertheless, that leadership should be intentional and reflective of the myriad groups within the tent.
All the best...,