Democrats Should Focus on the Economy and Forget the Woke Stuff
by John Lawrence
The only message that resonates for Democrats is the one of Bernie Sanders and AOC. Democrats should focus on this message and run as far as possible from cultural messaging. As far as possible neutralize Republican messaging by agreeing with them. For instance, regarding the border, this was a major Democratic screwup. The majority of American citizens did not want people illegally flowing across the border and then asking for and getting asylum. Regardless of the fact that that was acceptable in terms of international law, it just wasn't right, and most Americans did not accept it. This was a major factor of Trump's appeal. While entering the U.S. without authorization is illegal, individuals can still apply for asylum in the U.S. The legality of asylum applications is separate from the legality of entry. If an individual is apprehended by immigration authorities after entering the U.S. illegally, they can apply for asylum as a defense against deportation. Individuals can also apply for asylum affirmatively, meaning before being caught by authorities.
Americans did not accept the part about entering illegally and asking for asylum as a way of staying in the US until some court procedure way in the future regardless of the legality. Trump was bold and seized on this, and no one has even spoken recently of this "law." Americans like "bold." Biden, on the other hand, being a good boy, followed the law no matter how unpopular it was. BIG MISTAKE. In a democracy it matters where the majority of the people are regardless of the law. Do the Democrats get this now? I think it was the fact that Trump was on the side of the majority of Americans while Democrats were on the side of the law, regardless of the fact that the law had been made a mockery of by the prevailing situation. It had been exploited by the traffickers and those who decided it was in their best interests to enter illegally rather than legally.
Democrats should start to realize that the major issues in this country are economic. This is their strong suit. Ignore the accusations about Bernie being too far to the left. They are irrelevant. This is the gilded age on steroids. Invoke the spirit of FDR and the New Deal. Consider best practices of other industrialized western countries - our former allies. Trump is a populist who promises everything to his base and then delivers for the rich. Democrats have to hammer on delivering for the middle class and rebalancing economic power so that the rich don't control everything with their money. A democracy can't continue to exist under those conditions. Take a second look at Biden's Build Back Better plan. Some of the bill's proposed provisions included extending free school meals, investing in affordable housing, and expanding access to childcare and healthcare. Eliminating student debt. Increasing social security payments for the elderly. Medicare for all. It's about the social safety net, stupid. It's not just about affordable housing; it's about home ownership because that's the way the middle class builds wealth. Democrats, ACT BOLDLY!
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