by By Richard McDaniel and Kevin Harrishttps://www.forwardtimes.com/ Forward Times
In the hip-hop world, there is an ancient proverb that goes, “Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.” Working families require statistics that support them, particularly in terms of the economy and their financial well-being, in this political environment of deceit, corruption, and disinformation.
However, the most recent data presents a stark reality that Democrats cannot ignore. More than six out of ten Americans have a negative opinion of the Democratic Party, according to a recent Wall Street Journal poll. It’s the lowest performance in more than three decades. Simply put, there are two people who disagree with what Democrats are doing for every one who does.
The fact that voters still trust Republicans more than Democrats to fix the economy, despite their disapproval of Trump’s economic policies, should keep every Democrat up at night. It’s similar to saying that even though you don’t trust the technician who fixed your automobile, you would still rather have him do it than someone else.
The Democratic brand is so poor that they lack the credibility to criticize Trump or the Republican Party, as Democratic pollster John Anzalone blatantly acknowledged.
With the exception of Black women, it is understandable why Democrats lost the 2024 election. Trump’s record gains among Black and brown voters reflect less genuine enthusiasm for him and more waning faith in the Democratic Party.
There remains optimism despite the depressing favorability figures. Voters are prepared to give Democrats another opportunity if the party can demonstrate that it deserves one, according to a Wall Street Journal survey.
Now that Congress is on recess in August, lawmakers go back to their homes to reestablish contact with voters. This month is a lifeline for Democrats, not a time for vacation. Democrats can demonstrate that they are paying attention by holding town halls, knocking on doors, and interacting directly with working families who have lost faith in the party, while Republicans avoid difficult questions.
Democrats need to keep in mind that simply opposing Trump is insufficient to demonstrate our worth. In three presidential elections, we have run on that theme, losing twice as Republicans were able to establish governing majorities.
Democrats should instead state our positions and our plans for when we regain power. Nancy Pelosi’s successful Six for 06 campaign in 2006 brought Democrats back to power by emphasizing affordable healthcare, college, retirement security, and wages.
Voters must be met where they are by Democrats. This entails sticking to a recurring theme of affordability rather than reacting to the daily Trump scandals. Black and brown Americans, who make up the core of our coalition, are among the working-class voters who are anxious about growing expenses. We must reject tariffs because they increase the cost of everything from food to cars, not just because Trump favors them. We must resist ICE raids because they disrupt supply networks and increase costs for working families, not only because they are nasty.
Democrats must set an example of bravery rather than fear. Democrats have been too devoted to a status quo that has been failing us, according to a recent statement by Pete Buttigieg. He is correct. Democrats should take bold stances that support communities of color and working families instead of allowing fear to control our messaging. We need to stop apologizing for the people we are fighting for.
Republicans are carrying out a thorough plan to secure power for decades, while Democrats argue over messaging. Vice President JD Vance is traveling to Indiana to press redistricting efforts as part of Trump’s team’s intense pressure on red states to alter congressional maps by 2026. In addition to Texas, Republicans are aiming to win 10 or more House seats by gerrymandering alone in Ohio, Missouri, Florida, and other states.
Trump’s ideas for a new census that would exclude undocumented immigrants from congressional apportionment are much more worrisome because they would drastically alter representation and take seats away from Democratic-leaning, diverse areas.
The Republican playbook is this. When you can’t win the game fairly, change the rules. Too many Democrats are still playing checkers while they’re playing chess.
It’s time to take a stand; this August break is more than just a chance. In order to fend off an unprecedented attack on democratic representation, Democrats must use this month to forge the alliance and trust necessary. Whether Democrats can bounce back is not the question. When will we begin to capitalize on Trump’s overreach by being clear about our beliefs, our positions, and our plans for the future if we regain power?
Together, seasoned Democratic strategists Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel have worked on more than 100 campaigns, including the last five presidential contests. The Southern Comfort Podcast is co-hosted by Maroon Bison Presents.
