Barack Obama Gives Crucial Advice To Democrats Following 2025 Election Wins

[Bluetus]

5. Litmus tests?

Last edited Fri Nov 7, 2025, 11:35 AM - Edit history (1)

I think that is a bit hyperbolic. I haven't seen anything I would call a "litmus test". But I do think that every Dem candidate should be fully committed to a set of policies/changes/progress we want to achieve for our country. There is a list floating around that looks like a very good starting point to me. I'd like to know what is on this list that any Democrat cannot strongly support.

• Overturn Citizens United
• No personal use of PAC money, even after retiring
• Codify Women's Right to Choose
• Term Limits and highest code of ethics for SCOTUS
• Get Rid of the Electoral College
• Outlaw Gerrymandering Nationwide
• Return Fairness Doctrine in Media
• Universal Healthcare for ALL
• Ban Stock Trading While in Congress
• 5 year wait before taking jobs in industries overseen/regulated when in office
• Cap Congress Salary at 1.5x Median Income of Their District
• Tax Billionaires Out of Existence
• Tax Unrealized Gains Used as Loan Collateral
• Tax Mega-Churches involved in political activity
• Raise Federal Minimum Wage to $20/hr
• Eliminate the Presidential pardon privilege

If a candidate cannot enthusiastically support practically all of these things, I wonder why they would even want to run as a Democrat. And if there are some things on this list that the majority of Dems can't strongly support, then take them off the list - for EVERYBODY. It is a simple issue of branding. You know what you are getting when you walk into a Wal*Mart, Applebee's, Apple store, NBA arena or Disney movie. People need to know what a Democrat is and what they can expect from any Democrat they vote for.

One person's "litmus test" is another person's set of core values.