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SUMMARY: Democrats must not accept that Trump had a mandate in the 2024 election to destroy our economy, cover the country in concentration camps, violate our civil rights, and ethnically cleanse America. Instead, Democrats should focus on use Trump’s issues against him and run on a sane reasonable immigration policy, repairing our badly damaged economy, and returning to our traditional foreign policies. Emphasizing American democratic values will help reclaim trust and drive voter engagement as they prepare for the critical 2026 mid-terms.
KEY TERMS: Democrats Election 2026 Jimmy Carter Immigration Economy Foreign Policy Climate Democracy Mid-terms Jesse Jackson
COMMENT: What issues do you think Democrats should run on? How should we approach the 2026 mid-term elections?
I was listening to Alex Wagner interview Heather Cox Richardson on her podcast, Runaway Country, At the end of the show, Richardson posed the question, “What is the positive case for American democracy?” She expressed her desire for Democrats to make that case as part of the reason they should control Congress..
Serendipity: I was corresponding with friend of Ye Olde Blogge, Chuq, and read his excellent post, What of the Democrats? He lamented the lack of answer from the Democrats to Trump’s authoritarian corporatist push.. This led me to read a year-old post of his with a similar topic. Long story short, I started thinking about Jimmy Carter’s loss to Ronald Reagan in 1980, oft cited by many pundits and scholars as the beginnings of our long descent into anti-democratic single-party minority-rule autocracy.
Ghosts of Elections Past
The Ghosts of Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale
In answer to Carter;s landslide loss and the even bigger shellacking that Reagan gave Woefully Mundane in 1984, Democrats went full Reagan-lite with Clinton’s own corporatist New Democrats and Third Way bullshit. Remember, the shift in our political focus resulted from Nixon’s destruction of our economy through the temporary stimulus of slashing interest rates, Carter’s struggles in both foreign and domestic policy, Reagan’s dirty Iranian tricks, and Clinton’s craven capitulation shaped our political landscape.
The Democrats looked at the losses suffered in 1980 and 1984 and thought, the only way forward is to become more like the Republicans. The progressive base will have to stay with us because there’s nowhere for them to go, and we’ll pick off enough Democratic and Republican centrists to win! And, winning, after all, is the only thing that is important in a democracy, so ends justify the means.
The Ghost of Jesse Jackson
It’s no coincidence that Jesse Jackson ran in 1984 and 1988 and did well. He finished second in the 1988 presidential primary. It’s almost as if his dying wish was to remind us of our folly in the 1992 election, urging us not to repeat the same mistake now. Jackson’s candidacy and success should’ve reminded us that Reagan’s victory was rooted in racist dog-whistle politics and not corporatist pro-business “conservative” fiscal policy. In fact, Reagan blew up the deficit through Voodoo Economics better known as Trickle Down.
The Ghosts of Lord Nelson, Karl Rove, and Rick Wilson
As Lord Nelson allegedly said, “Never mind maneuvers, go straight at them!” Or as the despicable Karl Rove’s Swift Boating of John Kerry’s honorable Viet Nam wart service against him or Rick Wilson’s disparagement of Max Cleland’s literal loss of limbs in Viet Nam shows how to use an opponent’s strength against them. While we don’t need to use the strategy as fuel for rat-fucking our opponents as those two unapologetic unforgivable bastards, may they both die broke, cold, alone, and miserable and land in a very deep and richly deserved level of hell.
The Ghost of Election 2024
At best Trump had a modest electoral college win in Election 2024,. Even though the electoral college margin of victory for the winning candidate has been growing since W won by five EC votes in 2000, his 86-vote margin still ranks as modest historically. The shift in the popular vote may have netted him a majority of votes for the first time since W in 2004, he still only won by one and half percentage points. And while he may have won all seven swing states in some cursed coincidence, the shift in voting ranged from one and a half points in Wisconsin to 5.8 in Arizona. This is hardly the stuff of mandate or resounding defeat. In fact, most pundits acknowledge that Harris was making up ground rapidly as the election drew to a close, causing many to speculate that if she had had a campaign longer than 107 days, she may very well have won.
What Should the Democratic Agenda Be?
There’s no reason to throw in the towel on our policy beliefs and remake ourselves in Trump’s image. We shouldn’t be afraid of taking on the issues that he won on — the economy and immigration. In fact, givenTrump’s record, Democrats should run on those issues. Instead of hiding behind vague promises — not that Democrats have said fuck all about what they’d do if given control of Congress — they should be working on the bills or at least the concepts of the bills that they will produce in two weeks they will pass if given control of one of the chambers.
In my view it should break down like this:
The Corruption Commission
Democrats should propose a Warren Commission-type investigation into corruption affecting our politics, dating back to Obama or W. The emphasis should be on getting to the truth and being fair. If Obama and Biden have nothing to hide, an independent commission of out-of-office reputable Democrats, Republicans, and Independents could examine the evidence. It seems to be the only sane path forward.
A Joint Committee on the Epstein Files
We need a big splashy investigation into this complicated matter. It should be similar to the Joint Committee on #COVID19 or the Select Committee in the House that investigated the 6 January Insurrection. Even if it doesn’t happen, just proposing it demonstrates that Democrats are serious about prosecuting whatever malfeasance is hiding in the files no matter who committed it
Immigration
Democrats need an immigration policy that closes the border and deals with the undocumented immigrants that our economy depends on. Trump has exposed the inanity of mass deportation. We need those people to do jobs that most Americans won’t take and to pay taxes ($97 billion). Most Americans resoundingly reject the cruelty of his immigration policies, the prison-industrial complex, and the concentration camps. Democrats should pound Trump and the Republicans with that from now until we are rid of these despicable practices and advocate a humane practical solution that gives the undocumented a path to legality.
The Economy
Democrats should pledge to return to sane economic policies. Most voters realize that tariffs are driving inflation and that Republicans are transferring the nation’s wealth to the one percent. To counter Republican disinformation, Democrats need to get out in front and proactively drive the narrative.
Foreign Policy
We should be screaming about the dangers that weakening NATO puts us in. We needn’t be decrying siding with Putin and the favors that Trump’s done for Xi and the Saudis. Republicans can just soil our wits with lies, accusations, and bothsidesism. We should point out that Europe paying for more of its defense and becoming more independent of our military protection is a good thing, but that we should reinforce our mutual defense. We can’t commit superpower suicide and retreat off of the world stage and limit ourselves to a regional power. We don’t need a detailed Foreign Affairs wonky explanation of it all, we just need an appeal to common sense.
Climate Change
It is clear that Trump and Republicans are prolonging the agony of climate change by promoting fossil fuels. A clear, common-sense approach is needed: because everyone can see the increasing severity of weather events. We can and should lead the world towards renewable energy. However, we don’t need an overly detailed scientific approach here. We don’t need to get bogged down in arguments about being beholden to Putin and the Saudis, either. We need to appeal to common sense.
Democracy
We don’t need Chicken Little running through the streets screaming about fascism and Nazis. Such an approach only leaves us vulnerable to disinformation and wildly combative counter arguments. We do need to emphasize American values: voting, equity, and a more perfect union. We need to emphasize the lack of voter fraud. We shouldn’t engage in nitpicking about voter ID laws but rather champion the fairness of past elections.
What’s wrong with the leadership of the Democratic Party that they can’t seize the moment and make the bold moves necessary to right the sinking Ship Wreck of State that Trump and the Republicans have saddled us with.
These are my thoughts on what the Democrats should be doing. I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments!
Image Attribution
The image was found on Citizen Jack using a Creative Commons search.
The Psy of Life 
If the Democrats want to show the voters that they’re the BETTER choice than the Republicans, they should focus on doing things that better the U.S., in the social welfare programs, the programs to help young children get education, and get the programs of social services (i.e. food stamps, and other welfare programs) back, to SHOW the voters that they CARE, about the wellbeing of the people, instead of becoming more like the opponent party, with their president, running schemes, to SCAM everyone, to benefit himself. And, be genuine about their campaign proposals, and if they win, they need to, implement these laws, put them into action, to SHOW the people that they’re better than the Republicans, that they’re the ones that the people can rely on.
Then maybe, they have a chance, to overturn the Republican CULT’s control of the people.
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Howdy Taurus!
That pretty much was the Biden plan. Biden was one of the most successful presidents in the history of the country. He passed more substantive bills and implemented an impressive array of programs that benefitted the people everything from infrastructure and green energy to increasing Internet access. He oversaw an increase in domestic manufacturing and investment in schools and hospitals. Fat lot of good it did him.
I think you’re right. Democrats have to have a slate of policy offerings. The Republicans don’t. Since 2016 their platform has been whatever Trump wants. They have no policies beyond frameworks and concepts of policies. Mass deportations. Tariffs. Tax cuts for the wealthy. No new wars. Lowering prices. Those were the Republican promises in 2024. 2025 put the lie to them.
Democrats can’t just run on the traditional policy ideas that you’ve outlined. They have to analyze the appeal that Trump and the Republicans had (racism and misogyny) as seen through mass deportation and promoting the traditional nuclear family and coopt them. Not by advocating mass deportation, but by providing a common sense (pathway to legality) for the undocumented that our economy relies on, for example.
Huzzah!
Jack
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I think right now they should focus on the real economy not the economy of the their wealthy donors….fix that then move on to other policies. chuq
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Howdy Chuq!
What is clear is that the middle class is suffering mightily, which should make them easy low-hanging fruit to be picked. The Republicans have made it abundantly clear that they are only about the Epstein class.
Jack
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I am worried about the vote….I can see how it can be ‘stolen’ and I want too believe that voters will be more concerned about the country than they appear now. chuq
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Howdy Chuq!
Historically, when Americans have been deeply angered by government action — think Great Depression — they turn out to vote in droves. Thus, for the mid-terms, we’re likely to see a huge turn out, especially if Trump tries to use ICE to intimidate voters and keep them from the polls. I rate the USE of ICE as fairly high.
The problem comes from what Trump will do if he fails to suppress the vote, which he is likely to do. After all, he instigated an insurrection that had assassinating his VP and Congressional leaders as its explicit goals. I still maintain that Maddog Greene is deeply disappointed that she don’t get to shoot Pelosi dead on the House floor or in their hidey hole after Boobert kept tweeting Pelosi’s location.
You can and should expect extreme shenanigans by Republicans when they lose the House up to and including Johnson refusing to swear in newly elected Representatives, challenges to votes from specific precincts, and attempts to have federal forces count the vote.
Hopefully, in the face of that kind of challenge, she’ll see even larger mass peaceful protest including national strikes and the shutting down of highways and bridges.
Huzzah!
Jack
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Historically that is the trend….but these days I worry that Americans have become too lazy to care. There will be shenanigans it is a given….massive protests is the best idea and start now. chuq
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Howdy Chuq!
I don’t think of it as being too lazy but too confused or ignorant about how the government and politics actually works. There is a huge disconnect between voting and policy and laws. The general public clearly does not understand what the federal government can and cannot do. A good example is Trump’s demand that Republicans take over the elections. It’s forbidden by the Constitution, but to the average American, it sounds reasonable. In fact, I’d be surprised if most people don’t already believe that the federal government doesn’t run elections.
Huzzah!
Jack
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Jack…..that has been the problem for decades laziness in the voter. I would like to see the old “Schoolhouse Rock” explain government in the time of Trump. chuq
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Howdy Chuq!
And the solutions that we’ve proposed for our lazy voters, term limits, which have been enacted, and age limits, which are being talked about, are in some ways ridiculous. Voters should be able to discern when someone is no longer working in their best interest or capable of doing the job and vote in someone who is. Of course, that hasn’t stopped the Louisiana voter from continuously voting for Republican governors — they have a two consecutive term limit — that keep them living in Cancer Alley and giving the states very limited wealth to corporations.
I would love to see some Schoolhouse Rock on government. Not just how elections work and bills get passed, but how the budget gets spent, who does what and for whom. We desperately need to understand how our votes connect to our daily lives. Luckily, a Republican vote is clearly connected to ICE atrocities.
Huzzah!
Jack
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They should indeed but the lack of a good civics education and they are just voting stupidly.
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Perhaps it is one thing that the Founding Fathers meant when they warned us against mob rule.
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First and foremost, if you see your enemy as unbeatable, you’ve already lost. So, no matter how powerful the fascists and oligarchs and Trump may appear, let’s be Ukraine, not Neo-Libs.
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In a world full of neo-libs, be Ukraine?
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No, to be as Ukraine is to Russia rather than admitting defeat and becoming like the enemy.
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Which was more Bill Clinton’s solution to Reaganomics.
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It was. What really pissed off the Republicans about him was his remarkable ability to dog whistle out of both sides of his mouth.
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The Clinton-era was the beginning of win at any cost and the realization of the benefits of demonizing your opponent. It was also the beginnings of the unending forty-year smear campaign of Hillary Clinton.
Jack
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Yes, their dislike of Bill was mild compared to their hatred of Hillary. I’ve never quite gotten a handle on exactly what it was/is about her that terrifies them.
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Competence
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Female competence
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Something every Republican hates. Just look at Nikki Haley and the Republican women in Congress. Haley went no where after being governor and UN ambassador (we all know what they think of the UN). And, the “quality” of woman in Congress — Maddog Green, Boobert, Nancy Face — and the admin — Kosplay Kristi, Blondi, GrabHer.
Huzzah!
Jack
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Exactly. Maybe that’s what MTG wants to become, the leader of the Revolution of the Conservative Women. She’s pissed off enough.
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I won’t be surprised if she runs for president in 2028. Even as an independent. I’d be more surprised if she didn’t just go the way of Michele Bachman and quietly collect her Congressional pension.
Jack
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She would probably that an offer to be a professional TV talking head commentator.
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Howdy Bob!
Being a sought after personality and having celebrity certainly feeds the ego. God knows, she thinks highly enough of herself to believe she’s earned such a status.
Huzzah!
Jack
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At least she’s got to the right side on the Epstein stuff. Maybe she’s got some abuse history.
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From what I understand MTG, Mace, and Boobert all have histories of sexual abuse in one form or another, and I think that motivated them to push on the Epstein files. Also, they all have a history of dealing with Republican men and their sexism if not their sexual harassment, so that probably motivated them, too.
Jack
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Survivors got to stick together.
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