Democratic Fix

Democrats at all levels have been trying to figure out what happened and what can be done to fix it. Over the last few months I have thought of three things that we can do that might make a difference next time. They will all cost money. But, the investment is likely to make a difference.


1. Voter Suppression
2. Red State Invasion
3. Better Candidates


Voter Suppression

Basically every Republican governor has done something to keep Democrats from voting. They target Democratic areas to make voting very difficult. Too few machines, inconvenient times open, strict voter ID laws, and anything else they can think of.

What we as a party need to do is invest in combating that. At any Democrat campaign location or office have the ability to provide the required ID in your state. Preferably for free or, at minimum, really cheap. Invest in more voting machines if possible in areas with short times and few machines. Start sending out mail in voting paperwork two months before they usually go out.

Less then half of the people who could vote actually do. This problem goes back for years. I don't think it's because there are more Republicans. I think it's because the voter suppression tactics are working. They make it too hard for Democrats to vote. We need to do everything within the law we can do to combat that!!!


Red State Invasion

There are some states and counties that Democratic candidates just never visit. It's considered too red to waste resources on. But, one complaint has been that Democrats don't understand these voters. I think there is truth to that. Even if they leave the town hall disagreeing with the candidate, they heard what the candidate had to say. And the candidate heard them.

They leave feeling like this candidate was interested in their message. Over time, they might be more willing to not just listen to respond to the Democratic candidates, but listen to understand. Because they feel heard too. When it's time to vote, that town hall might be a difference maker.

We need to define the party. We are the party for the people. That means we need to hear people out. We can't let our candidates be bought and paid for like the Republicans. That makes it harder to earn money.
 
To me, unions aren't corporations so they are safe. In fact, they fight for the people like we are. My ideas will cost money and already almost every rich donor in the country is donating to the Republicans. Democrats get donations, but we have had trouble earning as much as Republicans.

We need to do everything  to embrace that identity and make it obvious. There is probably a source for possible donations that we haven't tapped into. Legally of course. But, 10 voters donating $10 each is the same as 1 donor donating $100. Except at the polls we have 10 votes to their 1. The point of these ideas is to bring in more votes. From those Democrats who haven't been able to vote as well as new voters.


Better Candidates

Hillary has a great resume for president. But, she has a lot of baggage. Bernie is awesome and baggage free. But, look how Presidents age through their Presidency. It's a very hard and very stressful job. Much harder then the Senate. I think he would be a good President. But, I'm not so sure how his health would be by the end. I think this might prevent swing votes from choosing him.

Martin O'Malley
Beto O'Rourke
Tim Kaine

Those are strong Democrats that have good potential against Trump in 2020. That would be a better field to start out with. Little to no controversy, supportive of legislature that benefit the poor and middle class. These are the rising stars in the party we should invest in. NOW!!! Start lobbying for them to run. They need to start having 2020 town halls around Thanksgiving of 2018 at the latest!

As for 2018, Look into the red state state governments such as state senates. Encourage these Democrats to run against the Republicans in Congress. Invest in these candidates now. Because this is how we build voters in our weak zones. Candidates that speak the rural, suburban, and urban languages.

But, we can do something right now. We have the identity, for the people. Democratic Governors and Democrats in Congress are in a position to unify the party now. Support each other, have town halls everywhere in your district or state and extras in the ultra red zones! As well as voting and writing legislature showing you are honestly trying to do what you said you want to do in those town halls.

Even if they know a bill they propose will never pass, write it. Let the media release what it's about. Not just vague things like "public preschool and caps on college tuition". But, details on how it will be paid for and who it will help. Statistics on why it is needed. Anything to show how this bill is for those who need it.


It will take time. But, we can do it. Nevertheless, we persisted.