Many political observers see the Democratic presidential candidates as veering to the left. As veteran political journalist Thomas Edsall writes, “Leading Democratic candidates are supporting bold progressive policy initiatives.” Even the supposedly moderate Joe Biden is proposing policies that are more liberal than Hillary Clinton’s, according to a recent study. […] Read more »
Why won’t Democrats say they want government to solve problems?
They didn’t come out and say what they really mean. AP Photo/Eric Gay Jennifer Mercieca, Texas A&M University All 10 Democratic candidates in the Houston debate Sept. 12 spoke about investing public money – taxpayer dollars – in education, health care and economic opportunity for Americans. Those ideas depend on […] Read more »
The Question of “Electability”
There is an underlying tension shaping the Democratic presidential primary. Ninety-seven percent of Democratic primary voters say it is extremely or very important to beat Donald Trump, but less than half think it is extremely or very likely that we will do so. The effect of this divergence is that […] Read more »
No One Should Take Black Voters for Granted
The African-American electorate has been undergoing a quiet, long-term transformation, moving from the left toward the center on several social and cultural issues, while remaining decisively liberal, even radical, on economic issues, according to a series of studies by prominent African-American scholars. … Contemporary polling provides evidence of moderation among […] Read more »
Moderate Democrats Fared Best in 2018. One Gets Another Chance Today.
… As Democrats mull what kind of candidate has the best chance against President Trump, it may be worth considering which candidates fared best in last year’s midterm elections. Over all, moderate Democrats who disavowed Ms. Pelosi and Medicare for all fared better than those to the left of them, […] Read more »
Democrats, Stop Obsessing Over Base Turnout. Remember 2018?
For years, left-wing candidates and pundits have complained that the big problem with the Democratic Party is that it just doesn’t energize progressives. The argument goes like this: If you nominate a self-described socialist or a true champion of far-left policies, you’ll mobilize a hidden treasure trove of progressive voters […] Read more »