1. I've said this before, but it bears repeating. The socialized programs that we see in Europe didn't simply emerge as successful programs. These programs were committed to and refined across administrations. This passing of the baton is excruciatingly rare in American politics.
2. Instead, cling to the pendulum swing. A swing from majority ideology to ideology - a continual construction and destruction of progress. Granted, it has rarely been as blatant as we see with the current administration- where destruction of the previous admin is paramount.
3. Any new program is going to have problems. If the response to these problems is to attack not only the creators, but the premise, then the opposing party can rally enough support to take a majority and, effectively, do a 180. We do this over and over.
4. While I'm discussing this phenomenon in terms of oppositional parties, make no mistake that it is central WITHIN parties, as well. The entire premise of the 'far Left' (correct me if I'm wrong) is that voters have lost enthusiasm because of 'centrism'.
5. In this sense, 'centrism' is the attitude that the electorate must be brought along to support the key policy proposals that 'progressives' are readily advocating for. And, yes, I'm using quotes purposely - these terms are hardly ubiquitous.
6. There are always exceptions to the rule, but to say these views break along generational age is fairly accurate. And before you hold up Bernie as the leader, ask yourself what he's actually accomplished in terms of policy.
7. In the end, what we can accomplish in terms of policy is what REALLY matters. Not just that, but the ability to adapt and perfect these policies over time. This should be obvious at this point in time as we watch the systematic dismantling of previous generational progress.
8. If you're inclined to see it, we're also witnessing an interesting phenomenon when it comes to healthcare. Leading up to the 2016 election feelings regarding the ACA included disappointment and outright hostility. Let's set aside those who hated "Obamacare", but liked the ACA.
9. Obama made concessions that we're in the original plan in order to pass the legislation - this isn't unusual. He believed it would be fixed after. He didn't count on a complete stonewall from the GOP - perhaps he should've, but then nothing would've passed.
10. And people bitched. A lot. And a lot of those people who bitched bought into DT's rhetoric and the GOP choir. Then, they were faced with the actual destruction of the ACA. Nothing like losing what you already have to foster a bona-fide freak-out.
11. Now, you have all these DT voters trying to wrap their minds around the loss of coverage for pre-existing conditions, the lack of Medicaid funding and rising premiums. Will those fears overrun their tribalism? It will for some, but not the many.
12. Those of you who've bought into the idea that Dems lost the election because they weren't progressive enough will be familiar with these ideas. If we support Medicare for All then people will come out of the woodwork to vote. White working class in red states will stampede.
13. Well, first, they've got to get past their anti-regulation, anti-social support mentality that the GOP has long cultivated. Then, you've got to convince them that pesky issues like civics and budget won't get in the way.
14. We are fighting tooth and nail to regain a majority right now. Let's me very clear that without that majority NOTHING happens in terms of Dem policy. Let's also be clear that we'll be lucky to get through by the skin of our teeth in the Senate.
15. Do #Democrats want to see an adequate social healthcare plan for everyone? Absolutely! Free university education sounds great! But, there are oceans between where we currently stand and those eventualities. If and when they do happen, we'll need to prepare for a long road.
16. Careful not to condemn those in the trenches before you have entered the battlefield and don't misread strategy as weakness. If you truly believe in these programs that could create a better world for the American people, then be willing to fight for the long haul.
