The Democratic party since FDR has been the part of the common man/woman

[andym]

But that theme has receded since Reagan. It's still there, but in the background. The Republicans' focus on being the party of "freedom" has caused a lot of mischief. Americans need to know that the Democratic Party is with them in their daily struggles, that it has their backs first and foremost. While the GOP is focused on freedom abstractly, Democrats should be countering that we really are the party of freedom for ALL (why Democrats support civil rights for everyone so strongly) and are the real party of opportunity. More focus on how Democratic policies can help SMALL business and individuals succeed in America. That's why policies such as affordable health care and education are so important, as well as consumer protection and the small business administration (which should be expanded). More focus on Democrats being more truthful than Republicans-- How powerful billionaires and corporations are subverting America though unchecked misleading marketing and propaganda. We need to counteract the GOP theme that government is evil-- rather that the government is us working together to potentially achieve great things like curing diseases or reaching the moon.

While DUers know these things as second nature, I find that the message of the common man has faded when talking to those not intensely political. The current debates about socialism and moderation are distractions that further weaken the message.

[pecosbob]

1. The current debates about socialism and moderation are distractions that further weaken the message

Last edited Mon Jul 23, 2018, 04:06 PM - Edit history (1)

I agree. We all should put aside labels for the time being, particularly ones that demagogues have maligned for decades and regularly use to frenzy their base. The Republican Party should rightfully be branded the party supporting freedom for rich white male capitalists to trample all over everyone else. The Democratic Party should be referenced as the party supporting freedom for everyone...economic freedom as well as cultural freedom.

Edit...with all the brains that belong to this party you would think they could come up with something as simple and effective as 'a chicken in every pot.'

[andym]

2. Arguments about labels have been a real problem for Democrats

ever since Reagan helped make "liberal" a dirty word. That's why the word "progressive" made a comeback from the early 20th century

[Nitram]

5. Republicans know the power of negative labels, and they are good at making them stick.

At least we've managed to reclaim the word "liberal". Now we've got to remove the label "thugs" from unions, the label ""job creators" from the wealthy, and the negative connotation that has been applied to taxes of any kind for any purpose.

[JI7]

3. Republicans made clear they are the party of white christian hetero bigots in 2016

[JI7]

4. many white people don't support civil rights for everyone, that's why they supported

trump

[andym]

6. Bigots are not going to be attracted to the Democratic Party

Archie Bunker types gravitate to the Republican Party and have for years-- since the late 60's. There is no surprise that the fictional Archie Bunker loved Nixon and thought of Reagan as the next great American leader in the 70's