Democrats Upcoming Conundrum
Now that the potentially-most significant midterm election in recent memory has concluded, and Americans turned-out to vote in much-larger- numbers than we usually witness during non-Presidential years, and the so-called Blue Wave was larger than nearly-anyone expected and anticipated, instead of the Democrats celebrating, and/or feeling embolded, etc., they must waste no time, and fully consider what to do next! It would probably be a mistake for so-called progressives to believe this victory was an indication that most Americans wanted what the progressive movement seems to prioritize, and it would also, probably be a mistake for centrists to proceed overly-safely, at least from their perceived political perspective. We must remember that Donald Trump and his so-called MAGA movement came to prominance, to a significant degree, because many in this country were not satisfied with Democrats leadership, and seemed to have concerns about, especially, foreign policy and immigration fears, and Trump expertly rode-these-doubts, by offering campaign promises, and using rhetoric which seemed to appeal to many people’s fears, resentments, disappointments, perceptions, and even-misunderstandings. It would be a mistake to forget that, in politics, there is often an ebb-and-flow, that many voters are somewhat-fickle, and that many still maintain the perception of the Democratic Party being a so-called toxic brand. So, the real question should be, how should Dems proceed now, how should they articulate their ideas, what should be their priorities, and why, and how should they proceed, now, as soon as possible? With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, examine, review and discuss the complex Democratic Party’s conundrum, and attempt to explain what I consider the best-path forward.
Democrats must use these several weeks before the new Congress takes over on January 3, 2027, wisely, effectively, and in a well-considered, focused manner, and create a strategic and action plan, which clearly explains its priorities and reasoning, and seeks to address what most polls and surveys seem to indicate are most concerning and important to the vast majority of Americans, including affordability, healthcare costs and accessibility, Social Safety Net programs, and a gradual return to a more stable, and normal, traditional embracing of historically-American ideas and ideals. It is important that this process be done without leaning-on biases and perceptions, but rather one which clearly analyzes election results thoroughly, and do so, understanding what progressives seek while recognizing that for idealist ideas and progress to be achieved, it will take a willingness to proceed as pragmatic idealists, because even-the best idea, unless it can be acceptable to more people, will not move forward towards achieving desired results. This analysis must recognize the results occurred for several reasons and because of more-than one factor, and that a desire for progressive forward-looking ideas was indeed a component, so was the fact that many centrists and independents were dissatisfied with what they viewed as excesses, corruption, graft and ignoring affordabilty, by Trump and his Republican minions.
How to balance this appeal, proactively, without shooting-themselves-in the leg? Can Democrats come-together for the greater good, agree to disagree, but proceed forward, in a unified and unifying manner, for the greater good, and to achieve signfiicant progress towards needed, necessary and desired goals and priorities, for the American people? Will progressives be willing to embrace an orderly, appealing degree of progress, focused on gradually addressing priorities, in a well-considered way, or will they be adamant about so-called purism in regards to their idealism, and sacrifice step-by-step progress by doing so? Will centrists accept pragmatic idealistic concepts, especially: making quality affordable accessible healthcare an inalienable right, regardless of one’s socioeconomic status; creating a balanced immigration policy, which addresses safety concerns and fairness, deports violent, criminal undocumented people using due process, and recognizes this nation’s economy (many segments especially) needs immigrants and immigrant labor, etc.; public health common sense; a gun policy which recognizes the rights of the legal gun owner while creating a system, similar to motor vehicles regulations, where guns are registered and owners are licensed and proficient, so any right-minded gun owner realizes no one seeks to take away their right to bear arms; election and voter integrity measures which are fair and free, so not to unduly harm those least able to afford extra costs; a fairer tax program, which benefits the middle class most, rather than widening the wage gap even-more, and to create federal budget priorities which protect Social Safety net programs, shore-up and secure Social Security in the long-run and the present; and to create a fairer system, for all. Will Dems be able to convince more people that they will serve and represent all constituents, and not just those who voted for them? Will common sense be less-rare? Will the politics of hate be replaced by a fairer system, for all?
Dems must realize that while most Americans believe healthcare administration and costs must become more, under control, but avoid polarizing by insisting that single-payer (Medicare-for-all) is the only path-forward? Will the Dems be ready, willing and able to proactively address some key relevant issues and questions, including: What happens to those who presently receive health benefits via their employers, etc., and how will the extra costs be balanced and fair?; Why would a sufficient number of physicians be willing to accept for their entire practice, the very-low fees presently paid by Medicare, and what about the current-20% Part B costs currently experienced?; How will citizens be able to continue seeing their current doctors, if they wish?; How would the costs of doing this, be explained and achieved?; etc. Providing quality affordable accessible healthcare should and must be a priority, but it must be presented carefully, thoroughly, and address the above concerns and others! In other words, how will this be implemented in a way which alleviates some of the many concerns, certain people have? Beware, because when we call for Medicare-for-all, it is essential to realize the existing Medicare system is far-from ideal, because individuals pay-into for-their entire working lives, and then must pay co-payments, as well as acquire coinsurance to cover the full costs, and how would this program impact the medical profession, and hospital care, etc.?
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There is a risk that the coalition won’t even reach a point of trying to move-ahead for the greater good, because the potential conflicts regarding Chuck Schumer as potential Senate Majority Leader, and Hakeen Jeffries, as potential Speaker of the House, risks create a significant split. Will the infighting create dysfunction? Will it remind citizens of the former toxic Democrat brand?
Some say Democrats must choose what their priorities might be. Should eliminating corruption proactively and demanding ramifications for offenders, or should this be secondary to prioritizing focusing on affordability, immigration policies and fairness, budgetary priorities, Social Safety net programs, amending the current tax plan with one where middle class, etc., are focused on, rather than enhancing the wealthiest, and thus, making the wage gap even-larger? Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md), who will probably become Chair of the House Judiciary Committee asks why can’t they do both!
Clearly, it seems Dems must be ready on January 3rd to introduce their plan, and explain their reasoning, to the satisfaction of the American public. This strategic and action plan must address the economy, inflation, affordability, tariffs and trade wars, war powers, healthcare and public health, medical and scientific research/programs, and a saner foreign policy. They must explain how they plan to attempt to restore the reputational damage done in foreign relations, these past 2 years. Dems must reassume their Constitutional duties and responsibilities, especially in terms of negating Executive overreach (and restoring checks and balances). Basically, they must clearly demonstrate they deserve and will earn the public’s trust and respect!
Instead of introducing megabills, Dems should introduce a series of single issue bills, in order to make Republicans and Trump respond, either by agreeing and supporting a measure, or going on the record to oppose and create a clear differentiation. This process will not be easy because so much is at-risk, including: healthcare costs and options; Iran; Russia/Ukraine; Middle East — Israel/Hamas, using a balanced approach and fairness doctrine, seeking to facilitate better discussions without prejudments, if possible; SNAP, Medicare, Social Security, Social Safety net programs; reevaluating and rebalancing OBBB and taxation issues to ensure a more-balanced approach, instead of the current Welfare for the Wealhiest at the Expense of the Rest; Immigration police which ensures safety, compassion, common sense, etc.
Hopefully, Dems will proceed forward in a more-unified way, to achieve in a step-by-step way, to enhance and improve the greater good. What might we experience, and will Dems realize, if they don’t prioritize the greater good, they will be punished in the 2028 elections, including for US Presidnet?
