Without addressing the real problem for the extreme political division of today, any plan to offer voters is a waste of time. Big Money owns our government, and our nation.
Reversing Citizens United wouldn't cure America's ills of being corporate owned, but it is an essential first start.
Yes, educating the voters on what the parties traditionally tackled and are still aiming to address is important, too - preferably more in line with the benefits of having each maintain its basic intentions rather than the Alternative Truths of today's politics. Republicans traditionally aimed for more and better business success; Democrats, more investment in what would serve everyone -- more opportunities for more people, better education, scientific studies ahead of the time businesses could afford to delve into, etc.
As Senator McCain pointed out today, in perhaps his greatest speech ever, our parties in Congress can get nothing done in this extreme divisiveness. If his fellow Republicans in Congress dare be good servants of the people more of the purchasers of their offices, it's almost guaranteed that Democrats would dare work with them.
Imagine -- we might even be able to have a government of, by an for the people again!
Reversing Citizens United wouldn't cure America's ills of being corporate owned, but it is an essential first start.
Yes, educating the voters on what the parties traditionally tackled and are still aiming to address is important, too - preferably more in line with the benefits of having each maintain its basic intentions rather than the Alternative Truths of today's politics. Republicans traditionally aimed for more and better business success; Democrats, more investment in what would serve everyone -- more opportunities for more people, better education, scientific studies ahead of the time businesses could afford to delve into, etc.
As Senator McCain pointed out today, in perhaps his greatest speech ever, our parties in Congress can get nothing done in this extreme divisiveness. If his fellow Republicans in Congress dare be good servants of the people more of the purchasers of their offices, it's almost guaranteed that Democrats would dare work with them.
Imagine -- we might even be able to have a government of, by an for the people again!
Can the Democrats do something about our decaying infrastructures? No progress has been made on this dire need.
Even Krugman near the end was begging Clinton, "Just say $15!".
Unbelievable that the DNC still won't require their candidates to insist, "Medicare for all!"
Drug prices are out of control because they shopped them away long before ACA was law.
Unbelievable that the DNC still won't require their candidates to insist, "Medicare for all!"
Drug prices are out of control because they shopped them away long before ACA was law.
2
Mr. Axelrod said, “Hillary Clinton’s myriad economic policy prescriptions failed to overcome Mr. Trump’s battering-ram nationalist message.” Great for Democrats to develop policies that speak to the poor and middle-class and shatter the perception of the “elites.” But don’t make the mistake of seeing Trump’s win as an appeal to “economic anxiety.” The populist message Trump voters heard wasn’t economic nationalism. It was White nationalism. It was their entitlement to their racial resentment and religious intolerance. The majority of Trump voters are white and affluent. They heard permission to bully, to be “politically incorrect,” to hate Muslims, Mexicans, and Blacks. The problem was compounded not by the wrong message, but a better messenger. Trump’s flamboyancy, soundbites, charismatic bluster drowned out Democratic policy. He was mesmerizing; a savior for whites who fear their loss of privilege; a savior (with Pence) for Christian supremacy and domination. Like a train wreck, even Dems couldn’t look away. So, Democrats, yes, create wonderful economic policy, speak to those suffering, deliver the message with greatness, by an expert in speaking with the common man/woman. Dems must have better, louder, fool-proof policy to get voters to the polls. And the deplorables? Send them scampering back under their rocks. Let’s get back to a country with dignity, and get back to the business of serving the people.
3
The Democrats message: every day is Christmas and your birthday! We'll give you this, that, and the other thing all for free! Free! Everything for everyone at no cost to anyone! Free! What deficit? What national debt??
4
The Democrats lost their way by catering to the rich, and to business interests. The lot of working and poor Americans, black, brown and white, grows more dire every year. Trump promised a change but will not deliver. Can the Dems deliver? We shall see.
9
Keep trying Democrats! Maybe someday you'll conjure a plan that keeps freedom, democracy and capitalism
2
Are any of the Democratic leaders mentioned in this article, and others of the same persuasion, reading these comments? Are they listening to Americans' voices? Because if they are, they can see that a huge number of us want politicians we can believe and trust, who speak for us, who know our needs and want to meet them, human beings with heart and charisma and passion--in other words, people like Bernie Sanders.
Hillary Clinton wasn't like that in any way and that's why we're stuck with trump. I'm not sure what she stood for, other than the divine right of Clints. The Democratic leaders, and especially Debbie W. Schultz, shoved her down our ballots and silenced Bernie, the only honest and caring candidate voters could have rallied behind without feeling they were voting for the lesser of two evils.
Her motto, "Stronger together," was as exciting as "A better deal." Why should we think that anything has changed, that the Democrats have something new? Why should we believe they're for us and not for Wall Street, as she was?
If they're sincere about standing for something voters want, get Bernie to run in 2018 and write down what he stands for. Then they'll see what devotion is. They'll get everyone involved, especially the young. I'm not one of them, but I'd go to the wall for Bernie.
Hillary Clinton wasn't like that in any way and that's why we're stuck with trump. I'm not sure what she stood for, other than the divine right of Clints. The Democratic leaders, and especially Debbie W. Schultz, shoved her down our ballots and silenced Bernie, the only honest and caring candidate voters could have rallied behind without feeling they were voting for the lesser of two evils.
Her motto, "Stronger together," was as exciting as "A better deal." Why should we think that anything has changed, that the Democrats have something new? Why should we believe they're for us and not for Wall Street, as she was?
If they're sincere about standing for something voters want, get Bernie to run in 2018 and write down what he stands for. Then they'll see what devotion is. They'll get everyone involved, especially the young. I'm not one of them, but I'd go to the wall for Bernie.
4
End Citizen's United FIRST! It will be impossible for Americans to take our country back from the 1% without it.
10
First you break the free market economy with taxes, rules and regulations. Then you use that as an excuse for a complete government takeover of the economy. This is nothing new. Same failed Democratic Party policies going back to FDR.
1
I swear they just copied one of Brezhnev's 5 year plans
1
Considering that the Democrats are peddling Bigger Government snake oil ideas that have already been tried 1000 times and have failed 1000 times maybe their slogan should be, "This time it'll work"
1
The Democrats are far too conservative for me--Republican light--so I will never vote for them. Hillary is a neocon and so are half the Democrats. Green Party here I come.
1
"Too many Americans don’t know what we stand for,” Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, told a sweat-soaked crowd of about 100 at a park here off Main Street. “Not after today.”
Sorry, but I'm not impressed. I'm waiting for democrats to talk about their values, not merely their policy suggestions They have a chance to differentiate themselves from the current administration by talking about their concern for the common good, the ethical responsibility of elected officials, a social responsibility to those most vulnerable, fair elections etc. and then discuss the policies that support these values. Critics such as George Lakoff have pointed out that the democrats talk only about specific rationalized policies - what some consider boring and what the Greeks called logos - when what is needed is an appeal to the hearts and souls of Americans - some pathos - in addition to all the intellectualizing. Obama knew how to do this. I suggest they ask him for some tips.
Sorry, but I'm not impressed. I'm waiting for democrats to talk about their values, not merely their policy suggestions They have a chance to differentiate themselves from the current administration by talking about their concern for the common good, the ethical responsibility of elected officials, a social responsibility to those most vulnerable, fair elections etc. and then discuss the policies that support these values. Critics such as George Lakoff have pointed out that the democrats talk only about specific rationalized policies - what some consider boring and what the Greeks called logos - when what is needed is an appeal to the hearts and souls of Americans - some pathos - in addition to all the intellectualizing. Obama knew how to do this. I suggest they ask him for some tips.
7
It's a simple message - 'give money to us so we can give it to those who won't work, while we party and have banquets with our Hollywood friends'.
3
Democrats are concerned about working class Americans? Sure. In the mean time, they have done everything possible to aid foreign illegal workers who have saturated the entire blue collar sector to the point that citizen working class are overwhelmed by illegal competition. You have got to be kidding me if this motley crew thinks they are getting the working class vote back anytime soon.
1
The Dems have finally hit on the secret to winning again - adopt the Republican's platform, lie that you believe in it, and con the voters just like you did with your old story. Only problem with this strategy(?) is that only the dyed in to wool left will buy it and they already drank the cool aid.
1
What kills me is that the lack of a hard left message is what is costing them branches of government. Do building a multi-billion dollar wall, deporting 11 million people or cutting medicaid for 30 million Americans sound like a centrist message to you?
1
After reviewing their nonsensical plan, it's obvious they're still trying
Going further left than 99.9% of Americans will guarantee even more defeats for the geriatric party
1
Don't trust Schumer, he's another lifelong politician looking for the lime light and ravaging against any and all politicians (red) regardless of who they are and what they stand for. An opportunist to the max.
And this 'better, better, better... deal' falls completely flat on this voter. How can Dems come up with this after 8 years in the WH and 2 years control of both branches is beyond me. The ACA, regardless of how the NYTimes paints it, should never have been signed - needed to move in baby steps and go after cost control before adding millions to Medicade and subsidized insurance that is at best highway robbery. The finance reform was overly complicated, filled with pork, and never even brought back glass seagull or capped bailed out company CEO/executive bonuses. Thanks Dodd and Frank.
No, the Dems don't have a better deal. Just a divisive platform that many voted against in the last election (Dems, you gave us Trump).
And this 'better, better, better... deal' falls completely flat on this voter. How can Dems come up with this after 8 years in the WH and 2 years control of both branches is beyond me. The ACA, regardless of how the NYTimes paints it, should never have been signed - needed to move in baby steps and go after cost control before adding millions to Medicade and subsidized insurance that is at best highway robbery. The finance reform was overly complicated, filled with pork, and never even brought back glass seagull or capped bailed out company CEO/executive bonuses. Thanks Dodd and Frank.
No, the Dems don't have a better deal. Just a divisive platform that many voted against in the last election (Dems, you gave us Trump).
1
Here is a great idea to keep jobs in the U.S.-for the Democrats to support.
Any company that moves jobs abroad,at least 10% of their jobs- loses all Income tax breaks and subsidies.
America is economically dying because of 20 years of Republican presidents and Bill Clinton-helping corporations to move millions of manufacturing jobs to China and Mexico.
Any company that moves jobs abroad,at least 10% of their jobs- loses all Income tax breaks and subsidies.
America is economically dying because of 20 years of Republican presidents and Bill Clinton-helping corporations to move millions of manufacturing jobs to China and Mexico.
Brilliant! Let's tax companies for being efficient!!!
1
Comrade Lenin is very please with his minions' plan
1
Are they blind, deff and dume. Bernie Sanders has shown the way! Why can’t they follow?
7
I mean... Sanders lost to the lady who lost? How can you say he "showed the way" when all he did was divide the party? I voted for Clinton. I would *not* have voted for Sanders. It's pretty clear he would just lose more and harder than if they ran someone more moderate. If he represents anything at all, Sanders represents the way the democratic party *must avoid* if they want to remain at all relevant.
I can't believe this article never mentions Bernie Sanders. Schumer is promoting Bernie's policies in Bernie's language, and you're saying that these are Clinton campaign proposals. Nonsense! To list one example, $15/hr minimum wage was a Bernie priority; Hillary wasn't for it (as another article on the same page of the print edition acknowledges).
This "Better Deal" is not motivated by Trump's populism, because Trump is not a populist. He's a con man who used populist rhetoric to dupe voters. The only real populist in the 2016 race was Bernie Sanders, and Schumer et al. are following in his direction while being careful not to say his name.
It's also laughable that you decribe the Democrats as not "lurching too precipitously toward the left or the center." Where do you think they are now? They're in the center. You can't lurch to where you already are. And yes, this Better Deal is a leftward lurch. But the fact that they're trying to deny it makes one fear that this is nothing more than an exercise in rebranding, as opposed to real change.
This "Better Deal" is not motivated by Trump's populism, because Trump is not a populist. He's a con man who used populist rhetoric to dupe voters. The only real populist in the 2016 race was Bernie Sanders, and Schumer et al. are following in his direction while being careful not to say his name.
It's also laughable that you decribe the Democrats as not "lurching too precipitously toward the left or the center." Where do you think they are now? They're in the center. You can't lurch to where you already are. And yes, this Better Deal is a leftward lurch. But the fact that they're trying to deny it makes one fear that this is nothing more than an exercise in rebranding, as opposed to real change.
10
Nah, this is okay, it's actually really good if they can actually sell it. Just need to make it much, much more credible and inspiring.
No one around here likes being embarrassed and shamed outside of the bedroom. You convince people you're actually going to build a future that requires their special something and you're off to a great start.
We need _our_ wall though, it just has to be smart, just, and good business sense as well as something natural to chant.
Tall order, but we're all stuck with each other till we die.
No one around here likes being embarrassed and shamed outside of the bedroom. You convince people you're actually going to build a future that requires their special something and you're off to a great start.
We need _our_ wall though, it just has to be smart, just, and good business sense as well as something natural to chant.
Tall order, but we're all stuck with each other till we die.
Democrats...Republicans....everyone of these 535 inept and clueless so-called legislators are politicians...first and last....and, since the rules makes this a lifetime job, these wankers will always do what is necessary to defend their domain. Democrats....Republicans....these reprobates are so off in their own orbits in the ozone layer that they do NOT know what are the issues which are of paramount importance to the citizens of this country. Yet, they always include in their public appearances and speeches the phrase 'what the American people want". The only solution to this vicious cycle which exists on Capitol Hill is term limits. Listen, folks, if the president is limited to two term, this should be the applicable law to anyone who is voted into legislative office.
6
Did Bernie Sanders'name appear in this article?
4
He's listed under the bank fraud section
1
At the end of the day, whether you're Democrat, Republican or what-have-you, we all pretty much want the same things out of life. Safe, clean communities. A decent roof over our heads and three square meals a day on the table for our families. Overall good health and the freedom from worrying about being wiped out financially by unforeseen accident or illness. And a stable, honest job that can pay for it all. These are reasonable desires. Reasonable expectations. Perhaps this is where we should collectively begin the discussion - on things we can ALL agree on. Let's put partisan politics aside and see how we can realize these things for EVERYONE in our great country. Both the decision and implementation are certainly within our means.
9
Keep raising the minimum wage. It is accelerating the pace of automation. These guys are dumber than stumps.
2
This is how you pretend to deliver to your prospective voters while continuing to deliver to your donors. Sorry Chuck, Tom and Nancy, that dog don't hunt.
6
“Too many Americans don’t know what we stand for,”
No it’s not that what democrats stand for but which way you’re going to walk to get there.
How are you going to get there while pandering to China, Mexico, Octomoms and career bureaucrats?
No it’s not that what democrats stand for but which way you’re going to walk to get there.
How are you going to get there while pandering to China, Mexico, Octomoms and career bureaucrats?
1
What do we want? A better deal.
When do we want it? Now.
Who's gonna give it to us? We don't care.
We just know we want it.
When do we want it? Now.
Who's gonna give it to us? We don't care.
We just know we want it.
1
Why wasn't Bernie there? He may be considered an independent, but he is far more of a Democrat than what was standing on the podium.
I miss him already...
I miss him already...
9
It would have been easier for Chucky to say the Democrats would do everything exactly as Venezuela has done
2
For too long the Democrats' "economic message" has been built upon the politics of envy: demonizing "the rich", "the 1%", "billionaires", "fat cats", "greedy corporations", and other rhetorical appeals to self-centered emotions. Will they finally improve upon that? Not likely, but we should hope so.
1
This seems more like an economic message crafted for the age of FDR, than for the modern era. It seems exactly like the New Deal. The only problem is, it's not the 1930's anymore.
1
"the party needed to be more attentive to voters’ close-to-home concerns, without lurching too precipitously toward the left or the center."
Wrong, wrong, wrong. Being "attentive"? What's that? Mouthing the popular platitude? Not lurching to the left or to the center? What's that mean? Stay right if center?
Anyway, these vague labels get us nowhere. A revolution is in the works. Get the corporate hands off Congress!!
Wrong, wrong, wrong. Being "attentive"? What's that? Mouthing the popular platitude? Not lurching to the left or to the center? What's that mean? Stay right if center?
Anyway, these vague labels get us nowhere. A revolution is in the works. Get the corporate hands off Congress!!
5
From my observation point as an outsider, the fundamental problem here is that US politics on the pseudo-left has not attracted any superstar performers in decades.
One reason the current so-called President of the USA did so well last year is that like a trumpeting elephant, he performs engagingly in front of the crowds who throng the Circus.
Call me cynical, but success in US politics is not in fact a result of the fine detail of your economic policies. When half the US electorate has an IQ of 100 or less, the complex details of affordable and efficient sickness care for all, say, are too complex for the average, economically illiterate Joe or Jill to grapple with.
Rather, to win back political power in both Houses and in the White House, the Democrats need large numbers of youthful, energetic, feisty candidates with star appeal. The Dems need electrifying performers who can think on their feet, who can counter effectively the razzmatazz appeal of the Great Con.
The American pseudo-left needs to cross-appeal, in short, to the vast numbers of Americans who care much more about showmanship than they do about substance.
One reason the current so-called President of the USA did so well last year is that like a trumpeting elephant, he performs engagingly in front of the crowds who throng the Circus.
Call me cynical, but success in US politics is not in fact a result of the fine detail of your economic policies. When half the US electorate has an IQ of 100 or less, the complex details of affordable and efficient sickness care for all, say, are too complex for the average, economically illiterate Joe or Jill to grapple with.
Rather, to win back political power in both Houses and in the White House, the Democrats need large numbers of youthful, energetic, feisty candidates with star appeal. The Dems need electrifying performers who can think on their feet, who can counter effectively the razzmatazz appeal of the Great Con.
The American pseudo-left needs to cross-appeal, in short, to the vast numbers of Americans who care much more about showmanship than they do about substance.
4
Once again, the Democrats try to say nothing, so they don't offend the wealthy or business. Again Axelrod ignores the problem, by "noting that Hillary Clinton’s myriad economic policy prescriptions failed to overcome Mr. Trump’s battering-ram nationalist message." Instead of laying the blame at the feet of the DNC and the Democratic Party for making sure that Bernie lost to a very flawed political hack he blames the voters for not understanding.
If they are looking for a message they should be hearing it from Bernie who still draws huge crowds of voters betrayed by the Democrats. Unfortunately, the Democrats and DNC are populated by old time politicians, who like "pay to play" and "to the victor go the spoils". There is never a question about what would benefit Americans. They tiptoe around that and focus on the weather if that comes up.
If they are looking for a message they should be hearing it from Bernie who still draws huge crowds of voters betrayed by the Democrats. Unfortunately, the Democrats and DNC are populated by old time politicians, who like "pay to play" and "to the victor go the spoils". There is never a question about what would benefit Americans. They tiptoe around that and focus on the weather if that comes up.
17
This is the best Schumer and the old Democratic Party elite can come up with? The political system is melting down under Trump and the Republicans and the Dems (and the NY Times editorialists) want to take nice little baby steps. Too little, too late, too pathetic. Medicare for All is the starting baseline. You can find better politicians with winning strategies in the Reader Comments every day.
21
To our beloved but uninspired Democratic Party: A "Better Deal"? What, exactly does that mean? How about a theme of honesty, action and fairness in addressing America's challenges, in contrast to the Republican's dishonest, manipulative and obstructionist Inaction. The Party of "NO" has produced NO-thing for the struggling lower and middle segments of society, and obviously does not care about them; it has succeeded only in duping enough of us through lies and broken promises into electing them. By contrast, they continue to coddle and enrich the obscenely wealthy 1%, as though financiers and fat CEO's need to be rewarded for their greed. The Dem's should capitalize on these now obvious Republican failures of character and performance and differentiate themselves at every opportunity. A tag line like "Honesty. Action. Fairness." resonates with me, especially in these times. Other concepts like Vision, Leadership and Stewardship come to mind. Like President Obama, they pledge to a cynical world that we can and will do better. A "Better Deal"? Ho-hum.
11
I agree with Sam Butterfield that 'A Better Deal' is myopically economic in its focus & that the Democrats need a broader platform with which to distinguish themselves from Republicans & provide an inspiring vision for the future. Yes, Democrats have failed to take economic issues seriously enough, but there are also broader issues that concern the populace. I like Sam's alternatives: 'Honesty. Action. Fairness ' or 'Vision. Leadership. Stewardship.'
Bigger Government, higher taxes, more regulations, Bigger Government, lower wages, more welfare, higher deficits, Bigger Government, more illegal immigration, thought control, Bigger Government, gun confiscation, speech control, Bigger Government, housing control, more dependency on Big Government, Bigger Government, Bigger Government, Bigger Government.
Is there any failed idea the Democrats didn't trot out?
Is there any failed idea the Democrats didn't trot out?
8
Obama tried to break this great country, 8 years of a tepid recovery, Democrats voters switching sides in record number to vote for a showman. Might be a crude showman but he got across that he "liked the little people" you know the ones Hillary hated. She lost because she was an arrogant elitist who believed that we who choose to live in the fly over part of the country never once believed her lies. Call them what you want she flat out broke the law and lied to us. Now we may look the other way to some of the more tasteless parts of your campaigns you run but trust me we watch and talk among us. But this roll out? Schumer, Warren and Pelosi? Really? Three classic "do nothing, preen in front of the cameras, already haveing to backtrack on lies, and all you can come up with is this? Are you really going to be serving Pizza at all your rallies?
9
The Democrats need to focus on one obvious issue: We have a liar in the White House . His " populist" message was a phony baloney scam designed to fool unsophisticated voters, brainwashed by watching reality TV, into thinking he was a leader who could improved their sad and very frustrated lives.
Some are still fooled - some are waking up and realize it was all a hoax to WIN! Trump has no intention to help anyone but himself and his clan.
Schummer needs to channel the anger about all the destructive, selfish and cruel decisions that the Republhcans have made in the first few months of this term and turn it into a ferocious backlash to return the Dems to power.
Some are still fooled - some are waking up and realize it was all a hoax to WIN! Trump has no intention to help anyone but himself and his clan.
Schummer needs to channel the anger about all the destructive, selfish and cruel decisions that the Republhcans have made in the first few months of this term and turn it into a ferocious backlash to return the Dems to power.
4
Think bigger
Single payer
National ID with voter registration
2T for infrastructure
Zero rates for student loans
Tax all income as ordinary income
Limit deductions to 30%
Saturday voting for national elections
Single payer
National ID with voter registration
2T for infrastructure
Zero rates for student loans
Tax all income as ordinary income
Limit deductions to 30%
Saturday voting for national elections
15
Secure border. Make outsourcing harder. Improve education for non-college people. Limit importation of cheap labor.
College loan idea not good. Already have too many people pursuing worthless degrees.
College loan idea not good. Already have too many people pursuing worthless degrees.
2
National insolvency within a decade. . . and unlike Italy, we won't have a continent of other nations whose taxpayers will have to bail us out.
You do realize California just tried to pass Single Payer. . .a state with a supermajority in the Democratic party. . .and in spite of having all the votes they needed, failed because they couldn't manage to come up with a remotely plausible plan to find the $400 billion (over 3x the total annual state budget) to fund the program. The legislation's authors didn't even include a system to fund it in the legislation, because they KNEW it couldn't be funded.
You do realize California just tried to pass Single Payer. . .a state with a supermajority in the Democratic party. . .and in spite of having all the votes they needed, failed because they couldn't manage to come up with a remotely plausible plan to find the $400 billion (over 3x the total annual state budget) to fund the program. The legislation's authors didn't even include a system to fund it in the legislation, because they KNEW it couldn't be funded.
1
Sunday voting. Saturday is Shabbat and that would keep observznt Jews away from the polls (assuming Democrats want to keep us away :) but since Christians seem to have few, if any, restrictions on Sunday, let's vote then. Make it a family affair!
1
Democrats need a much more concrete message on the economy. Start with no increase in minimum wage since 2009. What does that mean? I would start with the change in value of the stock market since 2009 - in both percentage increases and what that means in actual dollars. Then ask: "Where is all that money going?" Next, give examples of how much salaries/income for corporate executives has increased, again in percentages and average annual $ increases compared to the average salary increases for the workers making or selling the company goods (hence helping make profits). Then ask "Why aren't the workers getting equivalent raises?" Then provide the obvious answer: the owners and executives are keeping the money for themselves, and they can provide a prime example of corporate greed: The sitting president.... and then ask: "Do you really think he is going to help the working middle class?"
3
"Yet if Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Schumer were plainly a long way from her home cities on Monday"
the rare NYT grammatical faux pas...
the rare NYT grammatical faux pas...
1
Keep looking Democrats. Now as then you will find NOTHING.
1
The issues and opportunities are staring in the face of democrats: free college education in exchange for social service, viable jobs and job growth for all - not just for metro areas on the two coasts, woman's health and rights, and sustainable health care model for all of us. These are the key issues, the rest is just a sensible management of issues.
A better deal is a terrible slogan. We need a better America.
3
And where's Bernie? If he continues to only mind his own, personal image rather than support a larger agenda of taking back Congress from the GOP, he's once again helping Dems lose.
3
Bernie's been on the front lines for months - what have your arm chair warriors been up to? Establishment/Hillary Democrats are becoming more fact-free than the GOP, and that's quite an accomplishment. Congrats or something. http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/22/politics/bernie-sanders-moveon-health-care...
2
He's busy committing bank fraud and stealing his neighbor's newspaper
1
It’s a start. What a lot of the rank and file will misunderstand is that Democrats need to get support from somewhere besides their urban strongholds, which means sincerely becoming a party of the people, the people across this country. This obviously means that what is perceived as important in San Francisco or Ney York City doesn’t always hold true elsewhere. One of the first things that needs to happen is to drop the ‘ignorant racist’ meme that crops up in about every other discussion of anyone living elsewhere in the country, as otherwise it doesn’t matter what else is done.
3
The Democratic platform should be so obvious, that I am appalled that they are having trouble agreeing about it. "Try to find an economic message?" How about starting with no Big Money, no Oligarchs? Good grief!
8
The staging used to create the image of working men is a set up taken from the same worn script used by the better dressed actors across the aisle.
"A Better Deal" consists of no more than the same old tired promises in the same old package with new wrapping.
I was a Democrat for almost fifty years before my disgust with them approached the disdain in which I held their counterparts in the GOP. Neither party and few politicians exhibit more than a theatrical acceptance of responsibility to the citizenry. The air of sanctimony exhibited in the enclosed photo-op borders on cynicism and is an insult to those of us who earn our living offstage.
At one point early in every politician's career it is possible the desire to speak on behalf of us remained the focus of their outlook, but when the huge amounts of money "donated" by special interests began to fill their easily rerouted campaign coffers, that idealistic voice was put into the closet and is only taken out every two or six years.
The doubt given to myself and others, before I realized our representatives were using war, famine and other images of death to keep us in a line, was replaced with the cynical thought every person holding elected office may have sought it for idealistic reasons, but holds on to it as a means of lasting financial benefit.
I have little faith in any representative's professed motivation and none in the staged presentation. This is an old tiring act performed by old tiring players.
"A Better Deal" consists of no more than the same old tired promises in the same old package with new wrapping.
I was a Democrat for almost fifty years before my disgust with them approached the disdain in which I held their counterparts in the GOP. Neither party and few politicians exhibit more than a theatrical acceptance of responsibility to the citizenry. The air of sanctimony exhibited in the enclosed photo-op borders on cynicism and is an insult to those of us who earn our living offstage.
At one point early in every politician's career it is possible the desire to speak on behalf of us remained the focus of their outlook, but when the huge amounts of money "donated" by special interests began to fill their easily rerouted campaign coffers, that idealistic voice was put into the closet and is only taken out every two or six years.
The doubt given to myself and others, before I realized our representatives were using war, famine and other images of death to keep us in a line, was replaced with the cynical thought every person holding elected office may have sought it for idealistic reasons, but holds on to it as a means of lasting financial benefit.
I have little faith in any representative's professed motivation and none in the staged presentation. This is an old tiring act performed by old tiring players.
7
The Dems lost the last election largely because Trump connected with people and energized them: He spoke from the heart and grabbed people by the gut, while the Dem candidate seemed to be nothing but a collection of soundbites handed to her by consultants and focus groups, that weren't even consistent with each other. So what are the Dems doing now, to recover? Searching for just the right program, the right set of soundbites, calculated to reach the largest number of voters. Don't they get it?
I have a proposal that is modest, though it may seem bizarre: That candidates think about what they believe, then come out and say it, from the heart, loud and clear; and that the party chiefs and kingmakers support and encourage this. Sadly, this would be a radical change, but it is a needed one.
I have a proposal that is modest, though it may seem bizarre: That candidates think about what they believe, then come out and say it, from the heart, loud and clear; and that the party chiefs and kingmakers support and encourage this. Sadly, this would be a radical change, but it is a needed one.
7
I agree wholeheartedly that the Democrats need to change the message and reach out to those who felt so betrayed by the party that they took the hopefully not fatal step of voting for The Fool on The Hill. What concerns me, however, in addition to the message, or lack thereof, is the messenger. I like and respect Sen. Schumer, not so much Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton, though I did vote for her, and I do mean "for" her. I feel the current leadership of the party is lacking a forceful and dynamic voice to promote whatever message they hope will win the day. The voice I would like to hear is a strong, resounding and articulate one, not a voice like Schumer's or Pelosi's. I feel the weakness of their voices is such that the people they're trying to reach just won't, and don't, listen to them. I long for a voice like Kennedy's or Bill Clinton's or Obama's or Biden's. One that, when heard, will make people sit up and, not just listen, but pay attention to the words and divine their meaning. Currently, I don't think the party has such a voice. If there's one thing we democrats should have learned from trump during the election, is that the sound of the voice is as important as the content of the message. We need to find that voice. We must find that voice. America needs that voice.
4
Elizabeth warren, perhaps?
"...said Mr. Axelrod, noting that Hillary Clinton’s myriad economic policy prescriptions failed to overcome Mr. Trump’s battering-ram nationalist message."
Ms. Clinton's policy prescriptions were in fact deeply mired in mud and filled with contradictions. Her pronouncements of overly complicated policies were equally uninspiring and lacked sincerity. You don't speak the "policy wonk" language to people who do not speak that language so voters were very much turned off by her. Indeed, when asked a relatively straight forward question she would ramble on seemingly into eternity with no regard for her audience, as if we are all policy wonks and lawyers! Sometimes it is best to simply answer yes or no.
But the so-called new slogan is a non-starter, stale to the core. How about "get real".
Ms. Clinton's policy prescriptions were in fact deeply mired in mud and filled with contradictions. Her pronouncements of overly complicated policies were equally uninspiring and lacked sincerity. You don't speak the "policy wonk" language to people who do not speak that language so voters were very much turned off by her. Indeed, when asked a relatively straight forward question she would ramble on seemingly into eternity with no regard for her audience, as if we are all policy wonks and lawyers! Sometimes it is best to simply answer yes or no.
But the so-called new slogan is a non-starter, stale to the core. How about "get real".
7
"Railed against?" That seems to be the term of art right now, from the Times to NPR. I do not recall hearing any democrats "rail." I wish they would do more so. They have articulated, objected, responded, demystified, de-constructed and fact-checked. "Railed against" projects a position of an unreasonable response of the powerless. I would say the response has been admirable and slowly picking up steam. Sorry, journalists, but before you conjure up your next story line, THINK!!!! Does what you want to say portray a true picture or what is easy and cheap?
2
How is eliminating freedom and capitalism good for Americans?
3
Time to face the truth and deal with it--Americans don't trust their system and its political representatives anymore. Tweedledum and Tweedledee are only ghosts and shadows in the pulpit. The bulk of American presidential votes in the Nov. election were votes against the other candidate. Trump is hopeless (or "so sad" as he might say). Hillary and DWS rigged the DNC which was thankfully revealed to us by the intercepted emails. Bernie caved into DNC demands to step aside for Hillary. Corruption is endemic. The dems. and repubs. won't tolerate sharing power with a viable third political party. The world laughs at the American acceptance of such a visibly corrupt and uncaring system of government. "Checks and balances" are running a near terminal deficit. The banksters are preparing for their next bailout extortion. The only thing we have now are larger nukes. Doom.
1
The DNC just announced its platform for 2018:
1. Improve HEALTHCARE with Universal Medicare and preserving the subsidies.
2. Reform the personal and corporate TAX CODES, eliminating all loopholes and reducing rates to make it revenue neutral, but truly progressive.
3. Reinstate all REGULATIONS that protect workers, consumers, borrowers, and investors.
4. Fight CLIMATE CHANGE by instituting a carbon tax, with a 100% refund to the people.
5. Guarantee GUN OWNER RIGHTS and require background checks for all purchases.
6. Enhance SECURITY with large increases in personnel to protect borders, inspect imports, and guard all critical targets; and make those positions available to all honorably discharged veterans who want them.
7. Then provide a carefully constructed path to US citizenship for law abiding, English speaking, UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS.
8. Improve job opportunities by publicly financed vocational TRAINING and education from child care through college.
9. Create better jobs by investing in research and INFRASTRUCTURE, making it the world's finest once again, and avoiding ultimately more expensive privatization.
10. Pass the $15 MINIMUM WAGE, adjusted by the CPI.
11. Support TRADE DEALS that lift workers in partner nations, rather than harm our own laborers, professionals and managers.
12. Invigorate NATO and cease the sale of advanced weaponry to non-democratic countries.
Just kidding. I wish the Democrats were a more effective, coordinated political party.
1. Improve HEALTHCARE with Universal Medicare and preserving the subsidies.
2. Reform the personal and corporate TAX CODES, eliminating all loopholes and reducing rates to make it revenue neutral, but truly progressive.
3. Reinstate all REGULATIONS that protect workers, consumers, borrowers, and investors.
4. Fight CLIMATE CHANGE by instituting a carbon tax, with a 100% refund to the people.
5. Guarantee GUN OWNER RIGHTS and require background checks for all purchases.
6. Enhance SECURITY with large increases in personnel to protect borders, inspect imports, and guard all critical targets; and make those positions available to all honorably discharged veterans who want them.
7. Then provide a carefully constructed path to US citizenship for law abiding, English speaking, UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS.
8. Improve job opportunities by publicly financed vocational TRAINING and education from child care through college.
9. Create better jobs by investing in research and INFRASTRUCTURE, making it the world's finest once again, and avoiding ultimately more expensive privatization.
10. Pass the $15 MINIMUM WAGE, adjusted by the CPI.
11. Support TRADE DEALS that lift workers in partner nations, rather than harm our own laborers, professionals and managers.
12. Invigorate NATO and cease the sale of advanced weaponry to non-democratic countries.
Just kidding. I wish the Democrats were a more effective, coordinated political party.
9
As long as they keep calling it "messaging," the Democrats will remain in trouble. The term indicates they are clueless.
9
The economic message, no matter how great, will never have the impact they want as long as they continue to be openly hostile to socially conservative issues. It is not that they just disagree, but they make sure they run out of the party anyone that values religious liberty and who are pro-life. To use a phrase from the past, with a twist, “It is not just the economy, stupid!” Those voters feel disenfranchised by the Democratic Party.
1
"Two Brooklynites and a San Franciscan"
Too funny!
DEM leaders just don't get it. We don't want to be talked at by politicians. We want to be heard.
Put the agenda away. Start over. Use local talent. Pelosi and Schumer should NOT be the faces of the party, especially when addressing swing constitituencies. This summer recess, DEM representatives should hold town hall meetings all over the country and ask for voters' feedback on the top 4-5 issues. LISTEN.
Americans want to be heard.
THEN put the new agenda together. Don't try to sell us some agenda put together in a back room.
And while we're at it, how about if all DEM candidates for 2018 commit to accepting no contributions from the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. I know it's hard to quit. But cold turkey is the only way.
Too funny!
DEM leaders just don't get it. We don't want to be talked at by politicians. We want to be heard.
Put the agenda away. Start over. Use local talent. Pelosi and Schumer should NOT be the faces of the party, especially when addressing swing constitituencies. This summer recess, DEM representatives should hold town hall meetings all over the country and ask for voters' feedback on the top 4-5 issues. LISTEN.
Americans want to be heard.
THEN put the new agenda together. Don't try to sell us some agenda put together in a back room.
And while we're at it, how about if all DEM candidates for 2018 commit to accepting no contributions from the pharmaceutical and insurance industries. I know it's hard to quit. But cold turkey is the only way.
6
The Democratic Establishment has come a long way since the DNC in Cleveland.
They came from the Hamptons. They came from Silicone Valley. They came from Hollyweed. They came from Wall Street. They came from Martha's Vineyard. They even came from Omahaha.
They planted their clay feet in the fertile dirt of Berryville RFD and proclaimed their epiphany of a new future built on the backs of those who not that long ago were unmentionables. They didn't feel the bern in 2016, but they sure feel it today with promises of a free chicken in every pot.
But their little hearts are still up at the Big House with the Davos Folks. Citizens United serves both sides of the aisle.
The reply from many of us to Senator Schumer's "Not after today" is a resounding
"Not After Yesterday", Chuck.
They came from the Hamptons. They came from Silicone Valley. They came from Hollyweed. They came from Wall Street. They came from Martha's Vineyard. They even came from Omahaha.
They planted their clay feet in the fertile dirt of Berryville RFD and proclaimed their epiphany of a new future built on the backs of those who not that long ago were unmentionables. They didn't feel the bern in 2016, but they sure feel it today with promises of a free chicken in every pot.
But their little hearts are still up at the Big House with the Davos Folks. Citizens United serves both sides of the aisle.
The reply from many of us to Senator Schumer's "Not after today" is a resounding
"Not After Yesterday", Chuck.
6
Until Dems and Republicans can make laws together, I don't feel comfortable with either party. When you eat with one chopstick, the food gets pretty mangled.
5
$15/hour minimum wage. That's the Dem fix?
Drug prices: not exactly a huge grass-roots issue, though it's a significant one.
Monopolies? Zzzzzzz...... Sounds like anti-capitalism. Is that the root cause of the stagnancy of middle-class wages or the massive lower-income defaulting to Walmart-type jobs?
Nothing here, absolutely nothing, to get younger people and college students jumping. Heck, not even a life-long tree-hugging progressive such as me sees a one-beat-per-minute rise reading that stuff.
B E R N I E Sanders. Dems need to listen to this guy. Warren has gone into blah-land. Her government-heavy ideas (minimum wage; bash corporations) are fine as counter-thrusts, but they're NOT major policy platforms.
Release the Bern! Feel the Bern!
Drug prices: not exactly a huge grass-roots issue, though it's a significant one.
Monopolies? Zzzzzzz...... Sounds like anti-capitalism. Is that the root cause of the stagnancy of middle-class wages or the massive lower-income defaulting to Walmart-type jobs?
Nothing here, absolutely nothing, to get younger people and college students jumping. Heck, not even a life-long tree-hugging progressive such as me sees a one-beat-per-minute rise reading that stuff.
B E R N I E Sanders. Dems need to listen to this guy. Warren has gone into blah-land. Her government-heavy ideas (minimum wage; bash corporations) are fine as counter-thrusts, but they're NOT major policy platforms.
Release the Bern! Feel the Bern!
21
And why should we believe that this is more than a slogan? Where were all these insights when the dems had some power?
3
Same OLD same OLD.The Democratic Party has a real opportunity here to propose something big, in a time when the Republican Party is at its most vulnerable. Moreover, they need to get younger!
The two age groups that voted for HC were Millennials (55 to 37) and Gen X (50 to 42). Yet these two groups were also the least enthusiastic to vote, in an election that was supposed to see astronomical rates of voter turnout. Maybe because the Democratic Party was running on the same OLD issues with the same OLD leaders at the helm.
Maybe if the leadership this past week came out with an energetic plan to, as it had been mentioned within the comment section, provide Medicare for all or with a comprehensive plan to combat CLIMATE CHANGE putting the US in a leadership position, then they could truly energize the YOUNGER generations. No need to chase after Obama/Trump voters. Just get the YOUNGER none voters.
The two age groups that voted for HC were Millennials (55 to 37) and Gen X (50 to 42). Yet these two groups were also the least enthusiastic to vote, in an election that was supposed to see astronomical rates of voter turnout. Maybe because the Democratic Party was running on the same OLD issues with the same OLD leaders at the helm.
Maybe if the leadership this past week came out with an energetic plan to, as it had been mentioned within the comment section, provide Medicare for all or with a comprehensive plan to combat CLIMATE CHANGE putting the US in a leadership position, then they could truly energize the YOUNGER generations. No need to chase after Obama/Trump voters. Just get the YOUNGER none voters.
8
How about how about a gradual rollout to single payor healthcare, you know medicare for all. How about campaign finance reform, you can't represent the little guy when your candidates have to grovel to wealthy donors. Tax reform, tort reform, training and work programs for unemployed and underemployed youth, subsidize and reform higher education, a gradual rollback of trade with authoritarian dictatorships like China and the Saudis. That would be a nice start.
4
The 2016 election was between a policy wonk and a grifter. It's always easier to believe the grifter. Now the mark (the American people) regret their actions.
The health and lives of Americans is hanging by the thread of a FEW Republican senators who actually represent their constituents and not mega donors and corporations. Financial slieght of hand and tax tricks are already in the pipelines, along with pipelines and destruction of our precious national lands.
I doubt that any candidate has been demonized by the opposing party for two decades and then managed to still win the popular vote as Mrs. Clinton did.
Buyers remorse will not sway the far right but clearly stated economic solutions will sway the middle. The future of the United States as a place of opportunity for all depends on it.
The health and lives of Americans is hanging by the thread of a FEW Republican senators who actually represent their constituents and not mega donors and corporations. Financial slieght of hand and tax tricks are already in the pipelines, along with pipelines and destruction of our precious national lands.
I doubt that any candidate has been demonized by the opposing party for two decades and then managed to still win the popular vote as Mrs. Clinton did.
Buyers remorse will not sway the far right but clearly stated economic solutions will sway the middle. The future of the United States as a place of opportunity for all depends on it.
4
Schumer still hasn't articulated what it means to be a Democrat. He just listed off some things the party supports. Waste of time.
7
How is stating goals a 'waste of time'?
Both parties know (as we, the people should know) that neither can make 'promises' -- they can only define 'goals' and set up strategies to get to those stated goals. Too often, we turn the goals into 'promises' in our minds then get upset when they aren't realized.
It's our job to listen to, understand and react to those strategies with our voices and our votes. Too bad we don't question the strategies--our attention may reveal that the goals are not realistic or perhaps we could help with more support during the process. In any case, we do need to hear a party's goals but we also need to have them explain how they intend to reach those goals.
Both parties know (as we, the people should know) that neither can make 'promises' -- they can only define 'goals' and set up strategies to get to those stated goals. Too often, we turn the goals into 'promises' in our minds then get upset when they aren't realized.
It's our job to listen to, understand and react to those strategies with our voices and our votes. Too bad we don't question the strategies--our attention may reveal that the goals are not realistic or perhaps we could help with more support during the process. In any case, we do need to hear a party's goals but we also need to have them explain how they intend to reach those goals.
Let me guess Dems will slightly alter the message they have been using for decades, but in the end it will boil down to the same garbage promises of free healthcare, college, childcare, car, housing, job training, and we will make those evil greedy rich people and corporations pay for it all.
Same stuff different day/decade. Pathetic
Same stuff different day/decade. Pathetic
7
You don't seem to like the Dem's ongoing 'garbage promises' (which are stated GOALS, not promises) so what should their message be, in your opinion? Don't make us guess.
Meanwhile, the Reps have promised (or rather set as their GOAL) the destruction of everything the Obama administration accomplished-- with no plans of their own beyond enriching the rich. That is what is 'Pathetic'.
Meanwhile, the Reps have promised (or rather set as their GOAL) the destruction of everything the Obama administration accomplished-- with no plans of their own beyond enriching the rich. That is what is 'Pathetic'.
Okay Chuck, Bernie, Elizabeth, and all the rest of you, it's time to deliver on the promises this time. In the past, when you have had a message that is filled with ideas and has resonated with voters, those ideas have not turned into realities!
I have been a lifelong Democrat and used to believe that our party had ethics, morals, and values that were advantageous to all, not just the top 1%. It's up to you to make it work this time and turn your ideas and ideals, into legislation and laws.
Only then will the public start to believe in, at least one of the parties in the legislative branch of our government!
DO MORE, GRANDSTAND LESS!
I have been a lifelong Democrat and used to believe that our party had ethics, morals, and values that were advantageous to all, not just the top 1%. It's up to you to make it work this time and turn your ideas and ideals, into legislation and laws.
Only then will the public start to believe in, at least one of the parties in the legislative branch of our government!
DO MORE, GRANDSTAND LESS!
2
It sounds like the Democrats, once again, are going to try to have an adult conversation about economic issues in a room full of children.
The Democratic Party loses elections because it tries to walk a slightly-left-of-center line rather than take an aggressive stance on facts, reality, or what's right and wrong. The Republicans take an aggressive stance on an alternative reality, and they win because their confidence convinces the poorly informed. That's what Democrats need to take note of, not walk two steps behind Republicans with a gently populist message. The people Democrats are trying to convince already view social programs as handouts or entitlements, and they think giving "job creators" more money is the solution to all problems. They don't want a mild-mannered better deal; they need to be shown that the Republican rhetoric is all lies designed to take advantage of them.
Democrats need to wield the same anger Republicans have been using, but redirect it where it belongs -- as Bernie Sanders did very effectively. Vague "Republicans are terrible" and "our way is slightly better -- look, we have more handouts!" messages aren't going to cut it. There's an easy path in the angry "these people are trying to cheat you" lane for Democrats to gain ground, and that doesn't even involve identity politics, which will win over no one and should be dropped as a strategy. Women and people of color are not dumb, and they know who's on their side just fine based on policy.
The Democratic Party loses elections because it tries to walk a slightly-left-of-center line rather than take an aggressive stance on facts, reality, or what's right and wrong. The Republicans take an aggressive stance on an alternative reality, and they win because their confidence convinces the poorly informed. That's what Democrats need to take note of, not walk two steps behind Republicans with a gently populist message. The people Democrats are trying to convince already view social programs as handouts or entitlements, and they think giving "job creators" more money is the solution to all problems. They don't want a mild-mannered better deal; they need to be shown that the Republican rhetoric is all lies designed to take advantage of them.
Democrats need to wield the same anger Republicans have been using, but redirect it where it belongs -- as Bernie Sanders did very effectively. Vague "Republicans are terrible" and "our way is slightly better -- look, we have more handouts!" messages aren't going to cut it. There's an easy path in the angry "these people are trying to cheat you" lane for Democrats to gain ground, and that doesn't even involve identity politics, which will win over no one and should be dropped as a strategy. Women and people of color are not dumb, and they know who's on their side just fine based on policy.
5
I read this of modest roll-out and say ,"so what? " The Democrats tip their hat to the pressing issues of working-class life, as they have for decades, other than passing the ACA, have done almost nothing to address the very issues they name. This is a street-fight for our future. Put down the folder of government reports and fire up the chain saw.
12
Well, it's a start...
The $15 minimum wage is a strong policy proposal. Busting monopolies and growing small businesses could have punch if expressed properly-- which they have not been.
But this rollout seems too timid by half. A Better Deal lacks the weight and substance of FDR's New Deal or Harry Truman's Fair Deal.
We need more of Warren's boldness-- and (at least in spirit) Bernie's.
As for the references to the Yankees and Brooklyn: understood why the Times would be pleased, but very little resonance for the rest of the country.
The $15 minimum wage is a strong policy proposal. Busting monopolies and growing small businesses could have punch if expressed properly-- which they have not been.
But this rollout seems too timid by half. A Better Deal lacks the weight and substance of FDR's New Deal or Harry Truman's Fair Deal.
We need more of Warren's boldness-- and (at least in spirit) Bernie's.
As for the references to the Yankees and Brooklyn: understood why the Times would be pleased, but very little resonance for the rest of the country.
4
this is so pathetic. the Democrats have learned nothing since Michael Dukakis rode a tank down the streets of Boston. staging an announcement in front of a not particularly friendly audience of 100 people does not project an image of strength or progress.
and the Democratic slogan: a better deal. haven't the Democrats learned yet that you don't win elections by comparing yourself to somebody else. a better deal then what? the New Deal? Donald Trump's deal? better than "stronger together?"
the Democrats in the very true sense of the word are a reactionary party. They don't have a new idea. They don't have a new slogan. and they don't have any new faces.
and the Democratic slogan: a better deal. haven't the Democrats learned yet that you don't win elections by comparing yourself to somebody else. a better deal then what? the New Deal? Donald Trump's deal? better than "stronger together?"
the Democrats in the very true sense of the word are a reactionary party. They don't have a new idea. They don't have a new slogan. and they don't have any new faces.
11
I still don't get what the message is.
8
It's almost 7 a.m. on the west coast and mine appears to be the first comment. The Better Deal isn't exactly setting the world on fire.
8
The fatal mistake of the Clinton campaign was burying the electorate in white papers instead of developing a set of catch phrases---like "build a wall"---that was shorthand for---the middle class is being crushed by Wall Street. Watching last year's campaign, I noted that Trump's rally's were supercharged with emotion while Sec. Clinton seemed to drain emotion out of the arena. Sen. Schumer's policy outline is filled with possible campaign frames that could resonate with the electorate. They need to decide on a message early, and then, like Trump, just repeat it over and over again. If I were a strategists, I would take a hard look at monopolies, wages, and unions as talking points for a fair deal message.
2
Democrats, the message is good. We need other Democrats to deliver the message. I suggest Cory Booker and Heidi Hietkamp instead of Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. Schumer and Pelosi represent the New York and California, we need representatives that the mid west can relate to.
5
What Democrats need, IMO and I'm no expert, is a good slogan": short, memorable, preferably monosyllabic words, using only superlatives - not comparatives, example: "Yes we can." To borrow from that, how about "Yes we will." Or as in the past during the Depression - "A chicken in every pot." They need to come up with a slogan that goes straight to the gut, and to the brain only by way of the gut. And for those who want to know the details of policy, make that information available too, but first of all -- a strong, optimistic, simple, memorable slogan with punch. "Better" doesn't do it; why "better" and not "best"? It smacks of lack of confidence And better than what? "Better" sounds like a cop-out for not believing the "best" is possible or not be willing to fight for it.
Please, Democrats, get a good, no great, Madison Avenue guy (or gal).
Please, Democrats, get a good, no great, Madison Avenue guy (or gal).
8
So lower drug prices, higher minimum wage, and fewer mergers is the recipe for electoral success? Seems kind of tepid.
The truth is that neither Democrats nor Republicans have a good remedy for the forces of globalization and automation that have dropped so many jobs down the economic ladder or eliminated those positions altogether. To be brutally frank, there may not be any viable solution.
Have a happy Tuesday.
The truth is that neither Democrats nor Republicans have a good remedy for the forces of globalization and automation that have dropped so many jobs down the economic ladder or eliminated those positions altogether. To be brutally frank, there may not be any viable solution.
Have a happy Tuesday.
1
The party needs to adopt the slogan "We Care About You!" and make it clear that they in fact do, both with programs and with deeds.
One seemingly overlooked issue of great importance to all of us is the continuing care of our elderly. Consider an "earned income for elder care" benefit for those who home-care for otherwise nursing home bound senior citizens.
And another is the enormous benefit of early Mom-hood intervention by visiting nurses who help young Moms cope and care for their newborns and toddlers.
A few well targeted programs can really go a long way! But they must go that long way!
One seemingly overlooked issue of great importance to all of us is the continuing care of our elderly. Consider an "earned income for elder care" benefit for those who home-care for otherwise nursing home bound senior citizens.
And another is the enormous benefit of early Mom-hood intervention by visiting nurses who help young Moms cope and care for their newborns and toddlers.
A few well targeted programs can really go a long way! But they must go that long way!
8
Even though these issues won't lend themselves to a major unified rallying call, I'm very pleased that they are appearing here. The daily tasks of family caregiving to the elderly and people with disabilities goes on with inexorable effort.....quiet in its cause because of its exhausting demands. While saving government entities (taxpayers) billions of dollars, their costs (emotional and economic) are stunning to these family care providers.
A carefully crafted message could be built, along with very powerful TV ads, for the elder-care issue. I think that could be true for the teen pregnancy issue too, but it would be more challenging. But I bet the latter issue would attract significant financial support.
Wish I were not such an old dog, so I could give it a try.
Wish I were not such an old dog, so I could give it a try.
1
A little less talk, and a lot more action.
14
Everyone, regardless of race, creed, orientation, etc., wins when people work for common goals that make sense. I've felt for years that the Dems have tried to isolate groups from one another..."the black vote", "the gay vote", "the pro-choice vote", "the Hispanic vote", etc.
They think that by adding up enough parts, you can win. It doesn't work that way in national elections anymore. Most of those votes lie in the metropolitan areas, and it's clear that you can win nationally without winning the cities.
How about working for "the American vote"?
They think that by adding up enough parts, you can win. It doesn't work that way in national elections anymore. Most of those votes lie in the metropolitan areas, and it's clear that you can win nationally without winning the cities.
How about working for "the American vote"?
16
Medicare for All ---
30
I applaud the move to actually stand for something and to articulate what that is.
Have those who shaped the message listened enough, though, to "voters' close -to-home concerns?" I encourage them to listen more closely. I read these proposals and found them tepid. As my costs for health care and rent soar, my government salary continues to stagnate. As I rode a ferry on Sunday, I was struck by how dirty it is. There are frequent delays because the boats break down. We'll hold hearings on whether or not to raise the fares, making this outing unaffordable to more families who seek fun in a tense time that may feel hopeless to some. I teach many foreign students who are on edge and may feel unwelcome in our country.
Mark Warner is described as a "centrist, business-friendly Democrat". I am a life-long Democrat who has lost faith in the party to do what people need when business interests take them in a different direction.
Be bold! Maybe single-payer isn't possible just now, but I think this is the moment to rally around a vigorous exploration of the idea with the goal of health care as a right for every citizen. Medicare for Allj! Advocate vociferously for taxing the rich so there is the money we need to make education affordable for all, turn around the infrastructure decay. And my gosh - no mention of climate change, the biggest threat to our country and the planet where we must urgently make changes?! I'm underwhelmed.
Have those who shaped the message listened enough, though, to "voters' close -to-home concerns?" I encourage them to listen more closely. I read these proposals and found them tepid. As my costs for health care and rent soar, my government salary continues to stagnate. As I rode a ferry on Sunday, I was struck by how dirty it is. There are frequent delays because the boats break down. We'll hold hearings on whether or not to raise the fares, making this outing unaffordable to more families who seek fun in a tense time that may feel hopeless to some. I teach many foreign students who are on edge and may feel unwelcome in our country.
Mark Warner is described as a "centrist, business-friendly Democrat". I am a life-long Democrat who has lost faith in the party to do what people need when business interests take them in a different direction.
Be bold! Maybe single-payer isn't possible just now, but I think this is the moment to rally around a vigorous exploration of the idea with the goal of health care as a right for every citizen. Medicare for Allj! Advocate vociferously for taxing the rich so there is the money we need to make education affordable for all, turn around the infrastructure decay. And my gosh - no mention of climate change, the biggest threat to our country and the planet where we must urgently make changes?! I'm underwhelmed.
32
If a "Better Deal" does not include "single payer, universal healthcare" financed by tax reform - finding the money where it has been redistributed over decades, then it is just another blah, blah, blah Democratic waffling.
The GOP is most vulnerable on this single issue. People of all stripes are fed up with the healthcare debate. They don't care what you call healthcare, they just want some for themselves, their kids and their parents. Just do it.
The GOP is most vulnerable on this single issue. People of all stripes are fed up with the healthcare debate. They don't care what you call healthcare, they just want some for themselves, their kids and their parents. Just do it.
27
Dems need to get off the collusion delusion train and focus on America's problems. Time to act like adults and not 4 year-olds (Mommy, that mean ole Mr. Trump took my toys...waaah, waaah). It has become obvious that there are perhaps 10% of the population who get tingly and wet whenever someone bashes Trump...but 90% are sick of it.
2
What happened to single-payer health care? Isn't that what most Americans want?
32
Surely you understand that two of the most fanatically left states, Vermont and California, tried and rejected single payer snake oil because there's no way to pay the outrageous, back-breaking, bankrupting and unsustainable cost
"Hillary Clinton’s myriad economic policy prescriptions failed to overcome Mr. Trump’s battering-ram nationalist message. "
And this article demonstrates the reason for that all too well: political reporters ignore policy proposals for the easy quotes describing messaging and spin.
And this article demonstrates the reason for that all too well: political reporters ignore policy proposals for the easy quotes describing messaging and spin.
6
The Democrats are still failing to recognize that this is a mid-term election. The messages they send need to be brought to the people at the local levels, "How can YOU help ME" is now the cry in the Convoluted Economy we are in.
They have been promising to regulate Industry and Wall Street forever and nothing has come of it. Bill Clinton made things worse, Hillary Clinton played up to the brokers and NOTHING came of Obama's promises in that direction. STILL these things are beyond the day-to-day, hand-to-mouth existence too may Americans are in these days.
We need someone to represent the INDIVIDUAL Man and Woman in Everyday Life at LOCAL levels, THIS was the reason for the House of Representatives. Where has the concept gone? Congress is supposed to be a Caucus where people discuss the best way to solve problems of the nation, NOT (as James Fennimore Cooper so aptly described our Congress) “Party leads to vicious, corrupt and unprofitable legislation, for the sole purpose of defeating party. “
They have been promising to regulate Industry and Wall Street forever and nothing has come of it. Bill Clinton made things worse, Hillary Clinton played up to the brokers and NOTHING came of Obama's promises in that direction. STILL these things are beyond the day-to-day, hand-to-mouth existence too may Americans are in these days.
We need someone to represent the INDIVIDUAL Man and Woman in Everyday Life at LOCAL levels, THIS was the reason for the House of Representatives. Where has the concept gone? Congress is supposed to be a Caucus where people discuss the best way to solve problems of the nation, NOT (as James Fennimore Cooper so aptly described our Congress) “Party leads to vicious, corrupt and unprofitable legislation, for the sole purpose of defeating party. “
10
Yep.
We've squandered our credibility too. We'll need to cut loose all the investment bankers that infest the power centers of the party and keep it from actually building a system that works better for more people (if they still persist in letting us rot for the sake of the next quarter, screw the quarter after that).
Also need to make their money toxic, 'cause that's most of the money and if they don't spend it on us they spend it on Trump Ryan McConnell..
We've squandered our credibility too. We'll need to cut loose all the investment bankers that infest the power centers of the party and keep it from actually building a system that works better for more people (if they still persist in letting us rot for the sake of the next quarter, screw the quarter after that).
Also need to make their money toxic, 'cause that's most of the money and if they don't spend it on us they spend it on Trump Ryan McConnell..
1
“We’re here today because the economy is broken,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren
President Obama complained he inherited an economic mess from Bush. Is Senator Warren now stating Trump inherited a broken economy from Obama?
Politics the the place where facts go to die a miserable and convoluted death.
President Obama complained he inherited an economic mess from Bush. Is Senator Warren now stating Trump inherited a broken economy from Obama?
Politics the the place where facts go to die a miserable and convoluted death.
5
The elections of Mr. Obama and Mr. Trump reflect a lot of things including racial issues, but they underscore that star power and personality sell in politics as much as in other spheres. Unfortunately for us, at the presidential level, we have gone from being sold on a reasoned, nuanced, well-intentioned leader to a knee-jerk, crass, self-serving lout.
In addition to continuing to plan and flesh out economic and other policies that enhance the common good of our nation, Democrats need to put forward folks (at all levels) with star power that can deliver their proposals in easily digestible sound bites. That unfortunately is all that many addicted to a 140-character world are willing to focus on.
In addition to continuing to plan and flesh out economic and other policies that enhance the common good of our nation, Democrats need to put forward folks (at all levels) with star power that can deliver their proposals in easily digestible sound bites. That unfortunately is all that many addicted to a 140-character world are willing to focus on.
9
When you watch too much TV and the only glitz high you get is from a showman like Trump, you naturally miss the fine points of the Democratic plan.
Whenever I hear the right say the Dems have no message, I know I am face to face with people who only understand reality TV that is all too well choreographed and has the most naive and impressionable believing fake reality is their only reality. No surprise that a great showman/salesman like Trump could sell them property on Saturn.
Whenever I hear the right say the Dems have no message, I know I am face to face with people who only understand reality TV that is all too well choreographed and has the most naive and impressionable believing fake reality is their only reality. No surprise that a great showman/salesman like Trump could sell them property on Saturn.
4
Do you mean that those who actually believe Trump are suffering from testosterone poisoning?
Nothing is more boring than reality TV or that disaster of a show that had Trump in it, Your'e fired.
Please help those of us who can see through his bullying and BS send him back to Brooklyn.
Nothing is more boring than reality TV or that disaster of a show that had Trump in it, Your'e fired.
Please help those of us who can see through his bullying and BS send him back to Brooklyn.
1
Eleanore,
I'm way on the left, and I say that the Dems have no message. Really, who and what do they clearly stand for, both in terms of message and in policy? We are in political crisis in this country with an impeachment-worthy president and an enabling Republican-controlled Congress trying to advance its own extremist agenda. And all the Dems can come up with in response is "a better way"?
Tone deaf in the extreme.
I'm way on the left, and I say that the Dems have no message. Really, who and what do they clearly stand for, both in terms of message and in policy? We are in political crisis in this country with an impeachment-worthy president and an enabling Republican-controlled Congress trying to advance its own extremist agenda. And all the Dems can come up with in response is "a better way"?
Tone deaf in the extreme.
10
Democrats shouldn't be offering a better deal, but a different one -- one that pushes the country in a socialist direction. Such a change would have to acknowledge the legitimate grievances of the working-class people the Democrats have so callously ignored.
It would help if the Democrats explained the Labor Theory of Value, so that workers understand that wealthy people have always been redistributing income by appropriating the wealth created by the working class. Socialism simply puts the money back where it should have remained.
It would help if the Democrats explained the Labor Theory of Value, so that workers understand that wealthy people have always been redistributing income by appropriating the wealth created by the working class. Socialism simply puts the money back where it should have remained.
2
I want you to go to google and look up the meanings to the words of Socialism and Fascism. Then look up the countries who have tried Socialism and how many of them have a viable and stable country. And before you start spouting Switzerland remember that a loaf of bread is $5.00 and a gallon of milk is $6. and everyone get to join the military for two years. Ready to sign up? Something else you might want to check out is out of the 100+ billionairs in the world how many came from Wealth. Not the counple of milions dad had but real wealth. Buffett, Gates, Jobs, Cuban, Greiner. All billionaires, all come from non wealthy normal families, all give multi-millions away.
1
Where was Bernie Sanders? Maybe if the democratic party elites would take him seriously, as so many of us voters do, then the democrats might be successful.
10
I want a yard sign that says "Republicans are Hazardous to your Healthcare."
6
One would think that finding any new message to counter the disastrous trump presidency so far would be easy, obvious even. Come on Democrats, this is your opportunity to shine again.
If Trump is removed solely due to a handful of brave - albeit perhaps too late - Republican politicians rather than them coupled with a Democratic counter force, it would be a true political crisis. A coherent Democratic message might help this move gather acceleration because it would show a united front with a concrete proposal for a better future.
If Trump is removed solely due to a handful of brave - albeit perhaps too late - Republican politicians rather than them coupled with a Democratic counter force, it would be a true political crisis. A coherent Democratic message might help this move gather acceleration because it would show a united front with a concrete proposal for a better future.
13
yawn. what's the position on immigration? security?
2
The Democrats need to dig deeper for a more compelling message. Now is the time for Universal healthcare to be on the platform. Now is the time for campaign finance reform. Now is the time for an end to gerrymandering and to begin redistricting to give people back their vote. Now is the time for making public universities affordable and accessible. The lack of passion in this current message conveys a deep and horrifying apathy toward fixing the underlying problems of the country. Think big or go home! (Again.)
49
Carol Egan, you say it all in few words. Thank you.Now, I wonder, how do we "sell" each of the items you mention?
Regarding universal healthcare, or everyone on Medicare, do we have panels of people from England and Canada and other countries to expose the lies that Republicans tell every day about how unhappy they are, how they can't choose their doctors, about their having to wait months for appointments, about how the US system is better? 17% of GNP puts us tops on healthcare cost but 31st in longevity.
About gerrymandering, how do we explain how this system steals voters' votes from them? Do we tell about the Rove/Koch etc campaign in 2010 to take over state legislatures and the reason for it? Do we show some maps of the results? Do we ask why Koch Bros get to dump huge millions into multiple state legislature campaigns? This isn't any kind of democracy.
About campaign reform, do we create a post office wall of photos of bad guys who put hundreds of millions into campaigns all over the nation? The Democratic big donors can come out and express how they hate the system. And how about the tax-advantaged status of political non-profits, many with agendas that move more wealth to the rich?
How about getting rid of charitable deductions altogether, showing with graphs how the wealthy get almost all the tax breaks? We make it clear that charitable tax breaks mean rich folks get to choose what charities get supported--and what they choose is the arts (okay fine, but...)...e
Regarding universal healthcare, or everyone on Medicare, do we have panels of people from England and Canada and other countries to expose the lies that Republicans tell every day about how unhappy they are, how they can't choose their doctors, about their having to wait months for appointments, about how the US system is better? 17% of GNP puts us tops on healthcare cost but 31st in longevity.
About gerrymandering, how do we explain how this system steals voters' votes from them? Do we tell about the Rove/Koch etc campaign in 2010 to take over state legislatures and the reason for it? Do we show some maps of the results? Do we ask why Koch Bros get to dump huge millions into multiple state legislature campaigns? This isn't any kind of democracy.
About campaign reform, do we create a post office wall of photos of bad guys who put hundreds of millions into campaigns all over the nation? The Democratic big donors can come out and express how they hate the system. And how about the tax-advantaged status of political non-profits, many with agendas that move more wealth to the rich?
How about getting rid of charitable deductions altogether, showing with graphs how the wealthy get almost all the tax breaks? We make it clear that charitable tax breaks mean rich folks get to choose what charities get supported--and what they choose is the arts (okay fine, but...)...e
2
David X - these are good ideas and point out the challenges that the complexity of these structural problems create for the Twitter soundbite reader.
We also need to add Term Limits.
We also need to add Term Limits.
1
"Better Deal" - bad tagline - Democratic Leadership - come up with something better :)
4
If the Democrats want to win in future elections they need to buy up a couple hundred radio stations and get their own 24/7 propaganda channel on TV. Being rational and having a plan for the future seems not to be the formula that moves people toward a positive vote. Also, they need people in every neighborhood and apartment building advocating for the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party--the Party with a Heart!
9
Looks like populism is the new trend for Democrats.They're saying all these just because it's trendy an not because they actually believe in it.
4
Isn't that odd... They used to be THE Party of working men
The Dems are selling the same old sandwich in a shiny new wrapper, By next week you'll get Two sandwiches for the price of One just pay extra shipping of jobs, handing over more taxes, and open border
The Dems are selling the same old sandwich in a shiny new wrapper, By next week you'll get Two sandwiches for the price of One just pay extra shipping of jobs, handing over more taxes, and open border
1
Switching on a single issue could save the Democrats, but they won't listen because their whackadoo fringe won't have it. It's illegal immigration. Until the Dems are on board against illegal immigration, and actually tough about it, they'll keep losing. The flyover country middle class understand clearly the social, economic and moral woes brought on by illegal immigration and are fed up. Enter Trump.