A friend wrote to me expressing concerns about trends in the Democratic party. I replied:
I understand your concerns that the Democratic Socialists (the DSA) may become fodder for the conservative juggernaut. Some members of the DSA do have some crazy ideas, and Fox News will harp on them endlessly. But those candidates identifying as Democratic Socialists who have been successful have not run on those ideas but on more mainstream concerns: healthcare, affordability, and anti-war sentiment. Some have questioned the U.S.’s ongoing support of today’s Israel. I am not concerned about the Fox watchers. No matter what, they will vote only for candidates who support Trump. The concern should be what appeals to independents, what will inspire non-conservatives to vote, and who will set the conversations among those non-conservatives. For example, while the numbers vary on how the question is phrased, Medicare for All (advocated by the DSA) is supported by most Americans. And, of course, the majority of Americans are unhappy with gas and grocery prices and tax cuts that have benefited the rich. Republicans will turn off voters if they concentrate on criticizing the DSA members who, e.g., advocate getting rid of the Senate. That isn’t going to happen, and people are far more concerned about bread and butter issues. Republicans would do well to realize that. Democrats, however, have not been adept at setting the terms of the political debate. If they do, the Democratic Socialists will not be detrimental. On another hopeful note: While things remain somewhat fluid, so far the polls indicate that the Democratic Socialists are leading by small margins in swing states like Michigan and Maine. And I have seen nothing that indicates that Democratic Socialists are hurting non-DSA candidates in close races elsewhere, like Texas.
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“If the rich could hire other people to die for them, the poor could make a wonderful living.” Yiddish proverb.
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A mantra says that elections are about the economy, but they have never been just about the economy. Partisan elections almost always tap into some sort of fear–from a missile gap to civil rights to crime in the streets, and more recently, to those extremely dangerous transgender people. Today there is a new fear that was not anticipated even a year ago—data centers. Unlike many other concerns, this one does not seem to have partisan roots. Instead, it appears to be a grassroots movement. I have no idea how the data center issue will play out in the coming elections, but history shows that fear affects votes. And an increasing number of people fear data centers.
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Query: How many citizens should find it harder to vote or even be blocked from voting so that one noncitizen is prevented from casting a ballot?
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I also have a non-election-related question: How does a security guard at a nudist colony pin on the badge?
