Thread by @WajahatAli

Some unsolicited thoughts on the #DemDebates:

I reject this “moderate” vs “progressive radical” Democrat framing. It’s established by the Republicans, which is now an extreme party. The center has shifted right. Anyone to its left is always radical, socialist, Muslim Kenyan. 1/

Compared to Trump, every single Democratic candidate is...wait for it...a MODERATE. Just look at their comments on race, pluralism, national security, even income inequality, climate change, health insurance COMPARED to Trump's comments and policies.

Who’s the extremist? 2/

Democrats need to stop being hijacked by Trump’s base that will never, ever vote for them. Court your base, which is the majority & the diverse multicultural coalition. Blacks, women, immigrants, asian americans, latinos, educated whites, now independents, youth…3/ #DemDebate

Democrats keep talking about “ordinary Americans” which is code for Rust Belt whites. Guess what? We’re also ordinary and real and drink real coffee. Don’t compromise your values and base out of fear.

4/ #DemDebate

Democrats haven’t won the majority white vote in ages. Obama lost it and still won 2 elections, won the popular vote and is beloved. You just need enough, and Dems will not win the majority of whites in 2020. Energize the base. GOTV. 5/

#DemDebate

Play to win, don’t play not to lose. I sense defensive posturing, timidity, fear of this white Rust Belt voter - making assumptions about what they fear or want. Clinton only lost by 78K votes across 3 states - that’s NOTHING. Win over the rest. 6/

#DemDebate

Trump is historically unpopular. Look at the latest numbers, he’s losing support from independents, women and educated whites. The Republican Party is shrinking. He is vulnerable. Attack, attack, attack. 7/

#DemDebate

Attack Trump’s hateful vision of America. Use the 13 second clip from North Carolina - the nativist chant. Then, PIVOT.

Create a NEW, bold vision of America. Be passionate. Sell us on it. Fight for it. 8/

#DemDebate

Stand by your progressive policies. Have some spine. Communicate it to the rest of America. Go on the campaign trail. Play to win. Democrats, support the candidate YOU want, not what you THINK a Trump Rust Belt voter wants.

9/

Finally, if you're not excited by your candidate, but support them because you think some unicorn voter will vote for them...why would anyone vote for them? Recipe for disaster. See 2004, even 2016.

That's all for now. Enjoy the #DemDebate!

10/10