How to tell if you’re in Blue MAGA; and how to get out
Below are three reflections designed to free the Democratic Party of its Blue MAGA trajectory.
Ground Rules for Our Written Exercise:
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Show up like a winner and talk/write like a winner. Approach this with confidence and the belief that success is within reach. This is not an opportunity to air grievances or express upcoming perils. We’re seeking new information.
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In this exercise, go out of your way to write down an idea that you believe may be unpopular.
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Expect, and search for, ideas that you disagree with.
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Never compromise your values when compromising on a position or policy. Flexibility is valuable, but our core principles must guide us.
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Consider this a marketing exercise, not a moral exercise. Allow yourself to think outside of “the right thing to do” and explore what works.
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Avoid blaming the electorate, and that includes not blaming other Democrats for not voting. It’s our job to convince both sides that we’re right. (This may be the hardest rule, so really try not to break it).
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Consider new leadership and fresh approaches without compromising the Party’s core mission. Trump’s rise was built on unorthodox strategies; there’s something to learn from that.
With the above ground rules in mind, here is your task:
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Reflect on why you believe we lost the election: Write down a personal opinion on the missteps or missed opportunities of the Party, candidate, or messaging which influenced the loss. (How we lost the election, not how they won).
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Choose two Democratic or Progressive policies you support that also benefit Trump voters. Specifically explain how they help current right-leaning voters (e.g., “expand debt relief to trade schools” vs. “one day they might go to college”). If you can’t find common ground, reconsider if it’s a winning policy, or if its framing needs to be reimagined. Bonus: Use a ’Murican name instead of the official term (e.g., “abortion” vs. “REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM”).
(a) Local example: In our town of Alameda, we have the CARE non-emergency crisis and de-escalation department. For the Left, it strengthens criminal justice reform. For the Right, it strengthens law and order by freeing police to focus on serious crimes while supporting first responders’ effectiveness. ‘Murican name: Neighborhood Resilience Unit
- How Your Political Activity Might Change (or not) Under Trump: If Kamala had won, what would your involvement have looked like? Write down the work you would have done to advocate for her promises and policies. Then consider how this involvement will change under Trump. What will your personal approach look like now? Think about how you’ll adapt your goals.
If you’d like to continue the discussion please respond here. The views expressed in this post only reflect my personal opinion and are not representative of any local or national political groups or initiatives that I am part of.