Only Party Worth a Damn: 2018
Democratic Voters Speak Out
Anyone who wanted to understand Trump voters in 2017 — or 2018 — only needed to read an American newspaper or magazine. Trump voter profiles were everywhere. “Who Were Donald Trump’s Voters? Now We Know” to “Cultural Anxiety That Drive White, Working-Class Voters” to “The Obama-TrumpVoters Are Real. Here’s What They Think”. I’d scroll Twitter and besides the rare “resistance” profile, I’d never hear the voices of those who rejected Trump — otherwise known as the American Majority. I’d open the New York Times on the weekends and never see local residents — especially immigrants, so many traumatized by current policies — interviewed, unless they were getting married or trying to buy a co-op.
In 2017, I surveyed over 46 Democratic voters from all over the country and the project resulted in four “The Only Party Worth a Damn” articles focusing on voter demands of the Democratic Party, Lessons from 2016, #Resistance, and Advice to the DNC Chairs for 2018. In August 2018, I reached out to participants to see if they’d like to give their “one year later” update in 2018. Via email, I spoke with eleven Democratic voters, representing New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, Texas, and California. Here is what I learned.
Active and Engaged
All respondents, except one, reported political activity over this past year. Respondents reported donating money. Two hosted fundraising events in their homes, including a 45 year-old woman in the Lansing MI area, who’d hosted a fundraiser for the very first time. Two respondents — both women in New York, reported canvassing activities. One respondent, a woman in Pennsylvania, rejected political party activity and spent time engaging colleagues in “work to save the planet.”
“I’ve been deputized to register people to vote,” said a respondent in Houston, TX. “That’s new for me, and I’m a little nervous, but I have a plan on trying to engage the LGBTQ community and get them to the polls.”
One respondent spent the past year in Italy, observing American politics from afar by reading the New York Times, The Washington Post, Haaretz, and other papers online. She observed how Italians processed our news: “I am in the country that brought us the noxious (Prime Minister Silvio) Berlusconi and now people are joking bitterly that America always does things in a bigger way and has returned the favor with Trump — an even more disgusting, know-nothing media mogul.”
Motivating Issues
Supreme Court…immigrant family separation…healthcare…violence against women…civil rights, including rights to marry…gun control…clean water…civility…the Trump Presidency itself. Several different answers, but all connected to human dignity, and its many violations.
Three respondents spoke to Trump’s immigration policies. “Healthcare reform brought me to the table, but I’m also concerned about the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers and threat to DACA recipients,” said the woman from the Lansing area. A New York City woman noted “the ‘illegal immigration’ issue that devolved into infants and children being separated from their parents at the border.” An Ohio respondent suggested that all Democrats should be committed to the “compassionate treatment for immigrants seeking asylum with assurances in law that parents will not be separated from children and all asylum seekera will be treated with respect, dignity, and will be assured of their safety.”
Two respondents directly cited violence again women as a top issue. A woman from Del Mar, California declared “media and governmental indifference to women getting killed is what continues getting women killed.” The Pennsylvania woman said she is working to “help people see the connections among climate change, veganism, misogyny and oppression.”
Many respondents cited the political culture’s lack of civility as a motivating issue. “Pandora’s box of racism, bigotry, and hatred has been opened,” said the respondent from Houston. “The overall political climate, and particularly combatting the facilitation of hate, motivates me more than anything else, and exponentially so,” said a man from Detroit who has been deeply involved in Michigan politics for decades.
One New York respondent focused clearly on the actions of elected Democrats. “The most pressing issue that motivates me is getting the national Democrats to oppose (not to mention perhaps stop) any of the Trump administration’s extensive activity on behalf of the 1%.”
The New York respondent continued: “It’s not about the tweets, people. It’s not about the vulgarity, though the vulgarity has entered the public sphere and permitted shocking hateful behaviors and speeches that would otherwise have been restrained and disparaged. It’s about what the Trump supporters have done. By “supporters” I include the feckless and dishonest Democrats who feel the need to be reasonable, to work across the aisle. Chuck Schumer, I’m looking at you.”
What Should We Want from the Democratic Party?
Respondents reported, much like they did in 2017, that they need boldness from the party. A respondent from suburban Detroit said he wanted “more progressive candidates and leadership.” He asserted that the party and its leadership “cares more about the people” but not enough. “They need to be tougher, much tougher,” he said.
Vision and solidarity remained important. The Bronx respondent wrote: “I want [Democrats] to have a bold vision for the future, to say what they believe in and go for it without worry of offending moderates. I want there to be unity between working class people of all kinds, and the ‘elite’ academic, cultural, financial to show that we are all on the same page and need each other.”
“Anti-Trump” is not enough. The Michigan respondent with extensive political experience reminded us that policy is key: “The Democrats will win if they are proactive in proposing solutions,” he said. “We are too often defined by what we oppose…but it’s not enough.” The Ohio respondent spoke to Anti-Trumpism as well. He said that we must “show that Dems aren’t just anti-Trump, that we are focused on making voters’ lives better.”
Concerns about money and corporate ties came up more than once. The Virginia respondent wrote: “I would prefer a more equitable process where money does not do all of the talking. It isn’t realistic to take all money out of politics but average people should be able to run and succeed without having to cater to PACs or compromise their stances on issues because of campaign contributions.”
The Pennsylvania and California respondents spoke bluntly about Democratic leadership. “There is a bias in the electoral system that is reinforced by the DNC,” said the Pennsylvania respondent. “In my opinion, until the leadership is removed, until those who are not tied to banking, corporate and the billionaire class are removed, the Democrats stand no chance of being involved in people’s lives; they will pay lip service but never lead or reform.”
“I would like them to stop using the same people they’ve been using for years,” said the California respondent.
Two respondents spoke “50-State Strategy” — to not give up on voters across the country. The Bronx respondent said: “I want them to remember that even in ‘Red States’ there are a considerable number of Democrats.”
Grassroots and the Democratic Party
I asked the respondents to assess the relationship between the grassroots and the Democratic Party. Ultimately, respondents felt the grassroots had little input in national decision-making, but with recent primary wins, there could be a shift. “I know for a fact that lots of wins between the presidential election and now have been due to grassroots efforts, more than help from the party,” said the suburban Detroit respondent.
The Bronx respondent wrote that grassroots Democrats don’t have the voice in the party they should have, but could be changing. “The Ocasio-Cortez story makes clear that gumshoe work can make all the difference. I am very proud of my son who did Volunteer Go-Pro and the door-to-door work for [Ocasio-Cortez].”
“I think at some point they have no choice but to listen,” said the Long Island respondent.
The Michigan respondent with political experience wrote the grassroots have already made their impact on the establishment: “The [Michigan] endorsement convention which picked an outsider for Attorney General over the establishment’s choice demonstrates that [impact].”
Election Integrity
Half of respondents reported concern about election integrity — if not for their region, than for other parts of the country. “I’m convinced that Russia and conservative forces will interrupt the elections,” wrote the Bronx respondent. “But they will be invisible as they do so….which is the point.” Another New York City respondent said: “I am very concerned about voter suppression and election integrity. I don’t feel as if it’s being taken seriously enough.” The Long Island respondent said: “Not in my area but very concerned.” The Michigan respondent with the extensive political history was not worried about Michigan but overall, reported he was “very” concerned.
What Will Be the Key Tactics for a Successful 2020 Candidate and Party?
Respondents spoke to policy and solidarity. “Candidates need to speak to the working class more in plain language — offering helpful solutions not moral judgment or ways that can foster them to create their own solutions or help themselves rise up economically,” said the Virginia respondent. “Too much of the party’s line is talking down to these people or telling them what to do.”
The Ohio respondent’s solution was to focus on Democratic solutions as well as hammer on what Trump hasn’t delivered to the voters. Democrats should focus on “jobs/economy, healthcare, education as opposed to making them afraid of anyone different. Our diversity is our strength.” He continued: “Bash Trump for what he has failed to deliver, much more so than for his immature lunatic rants. Promise a different kind of Congress when we win, one that works for the people in tangible ways.”
The Michigan respondent with political experience warned against electing candidates that can win primaries and not general elections: “Think outside the box. Work backward from November and not from what it takes to win the nomination. Just ask Hillary Clinton and Al Gore how much fun winning the primary if you don’t win the general. All candidates need to be focused on ‘November, First!’ if the proper tone is to be set for winning.”
“Do not look for the oldsters,” wrote the Bronx respondent (who is 62). “Forget about Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and, goodness no, not Joe Biden. Look to people who can energize new voters.” The Long Island respondent advised the party to “look for young candidates especially vets, women, someone from the fishing industry and unions.”
Many respondents spoke about global warming — “global cooking” said the California respondent — but the Pennsylvania respondent said it was bigger than presidents and party. “As we are seeing in great big letters this summer, the planet is going through an extremely dangerous time and we may indeed be heading toward extinction but there is no mention of this anywhere. We play “gotcha” politics. And no matter who the candidate is, this topic has become taboo. No one mentions it. No one dares.”
Advice to DNC Chairs
From “50 state strategy” to simply “listen”, respondents had urgent advice for the DNC chairs. The Michigan politico focused on spreading the resources: “Howard Dean employed a 50 state strategy. Do the same. After all, we have a Democratic Senator in Alabama, and a Democratic Governor in Louisiana. Vote 51 in the Senate could be Mike Espy (Mississippi)”.
“Spend lots of time working with State, County, and City Dem chairs,” said the Ohio respondent. “Make sure you’re doing more listening than talking. Ensure they have all the funds and staff you can provide. GOTV is always critical: Make it a focus. Small dollar donors are the Dem lifeblood. Work diligently to inspire Dems and reluctant R’s to give to their local Dem organization.”
“Unify the moderates and the progressives,” said the Lansing-area respondent. “Make sure there’s enough room for both moderates and progressives in the party. Please understand that a Democrat archetype that is worshipped in NYC may not always win votes in other parts of the country — and visa versa. Leave some room for variation.” The Virginia respondent voiced the same concerns: “I worry that the party will lean too far left in candidates. I think more central voices are needed and from states that are not traditionally Democratic.”
But the Long Island respondent suggested that our language is key. That we need to “find a way to make social democracy sound less socialist to not scare people off, maybe using the words ‘public’ or ‘collective’ more, showing people that some of their favorite program are government funded. Also reclaim the term ‘freedom’ more. Americans love freedom.”
And don’t forget the GenX women, said the Lansing-area respondent. “I’m definitely excited about all the Gen X women who are running. It’s difficult to get hyped up about another middle age white male candidate.”
The California respondent took aim at lobbyists. “People can’t get appointments with their ‘representatives’ who are too busy talking to lobbyists who are crafting legislation. Lobbying defeats Democracy.”
Candidates Listed as Possibilities for 2020
Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand, Joe Biden, Corey Booker, Eric Holder, Amy Klobuchar, Sylvester Turner, Pete Buttigieg, Mark Cuban, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Matthew Dowd.
“Too early for list making,” said the Michigan respondent with political experience. “Biden would make the best President, in my view, because he’s Fired Up, and Ready to Go! But will he run and who is he paired with who adds the sizzle that new activists bring?”
The Houston respondent said he wanted a moderate conservative to run a primary challenge in 2020: I want the GOP to be forced to reckon with party and country. I want them to look at the White House and say to themselves, I’m not willing to put up with this shit anymore. Matthew Dowd, Meghan McCain, Paul Ryan, and John Kasich should get out there and get rid of this scourge.”
List of All Issues Mentioned in 2018 Surveys
Healthcare. Economic fairness. Global warming. Humane immigration laws. Commitment to forever secure civil rights for minorities, women, LGBTQ, and undocumented immigrants. Environmental Justice. Social Justice. Domestic violence. Living wage. Health insurance. Four years of post-secondary education at little or no cost. Gun control. Unifying the Country. Lobbyists. Sentencing reform. Black Lives Matter. Sustained infrastructure investment (roads, bridges, communications, airports, etc.). Commitment to fair trade policies that protect American workers, but recognizes that consistency in fair trade lifts global economy. Commitment to forever secure voting rights for minorities. Severe restrictions on access to automatic weapons and ammunition. Repeal of “Shoot First” or “Stand Your Ground” laws by invalidating them via federal statute.
“Do not talk about Social Security,” said the Bronx respondent. “Only old people like me care about that.”
Advice for American Voters
Respondents advised clear action. “Vote your heart, vote your dream, vote for the world you want to see,” said the Bronx respondent. “Do not worry about whether your person will win.” The Michigan respondent with political experience said: “Don’t sit on your … hands. Don’t let your family and friends sit on theirs. Elections have consequences. Own up to that and do something about it this fall.”
“Demanding perfection is the enemy of expecting excellence,” the Michigan respondent continued. “95 percent would be a High A in most schools. Don’t demand straight 100s.”
Two respondents commented on media consumption. “I’d tell voters to stop being manipulated by the media and to focus on what is necessary for planetary survival,” said the Pennsylvania respondent. “I’d tell them to make that their key demand. That candidates spend all their time working in their communities making sure they will survive.” The Long Island respondent said to “consumes news from multiple sources. Don’t be afraid of change.”
Stacy Parker Le Melle is the author of Government Girl: Young and Female in the White House(HarperCollins/Ecco) and was the lead contributor to Voices from the Storm: The People of New Orleans on Hurricane Katrina and Its Aftermath (McSweeney’s). She chronicles stories for The Katrina Experience: An Oral History Project. Her recent narrative nonfiction has been published in Callaloo, The Offing, Apogee Journal, The Nervous Breakdown, Entropy, The Butter, Cura, The Atlas Review, and The Florida Review where the essay was a finalist for the 2014 Editors’ Prize for nonfiction. Originally from Detroit, Le Melle is the founder of Harlem Against Violence, Homophobia, and Transphobia, and the co-founder of Harlem’s First Person Plural Reading Series. She received her B.A. in Political Communication from The George Washington University.
Read her interview pieces on the Pre-Trump Inauguration Concerns (“Disaster Can Be a Tweet Away”) and the 2017 Women’s March (“To Be a Force of Positivity, To Be Everything Trump Is Not”).
