I dread this November’s midterm elections. And not just because most pundits predict Republicans will take control of the House and Senate. Rather, I fear the elections will highlight the unfortunate reality of today’s politics. Many of us are voting out of fear rather than hope. We vote to keep “the bad people” out of government rather than to endorse a specific agenda.
My statement, of course, does not apply to everyone. I know several principled Democrats and Republicans who study agendas and vote in the belief that one party is better for America than the other. Unfortunately, for every one of these voters, there seems to be three or four others who simply want “to keep Nazis out of power” (meaning Republicans when voiced by Democrats) or “stop socialism” (meaning Democrats when voiced by Republicans).
Voters using their precious franchise to vote against something or somebody rather than the opposite is nothing new, but today, the trend is becoming dominant.
I no longer expect to uncover a coherent Republican policy agenda. There has not been one since 2016. Trump was never a Republican in the true sense of the word and threw the legacies of the likes of Reagan and George H.W. Bush into the trash. Free trade, reasonable regulation of the economy, and world leadership were replaced with tariffs, deregulation at any cost (celebrated as dismantling the “deep state”), xenophobia, and outright racism. Trump championed the new agenda, vilified his opponent, and won the election.
Democrats won back the White House not because of the left-leaning agenda reflected in the 2020 Democratic platform, but because voters were sick or afraid of Trump. I know no Democrats who voted for President Biden who proclaimed that Biden was their first choice as the party’s nominee. All my Democratic friends wanted someone “who could win,” and Biden was deemed as “less toxic” or “more electable” than the alternatives, especially after Representative Jim Clyburn (R-SC) endorsed him and locked-in the African American vote.
Biden’s polls for the first year and a half of his presidency tell us that there is little enthusiasm for him. Unfortunately, there is also little confidence in his vice president. This brings us to a troubling truth: Absent somebody to hate at the top of the Republican ticket in 2024, the Republicans are likely to retake the presidency.
The prospect of a Republican president with a Congress controlled by legislators who still embrace the Trumpian strategy of “America First” should frighten every American. America First means ignoring the necessity of progress in the areas of human rights, economic justice, fighting climate change, and maintaining democracy. If the current Republican agenda returns to power, democracy as reflected in the constitution will be living on borrowed time.
The Democrats to date have not put forward an agenda that can win elections without the boost that hatred of Trump and all that he represents provides. The progressive agenda reflected in the President’s “Build Back Better” agenda and his 2023 budget are not likely to win over voters who are more afraid of inflation than of increasing billionaires’ wealth. Biden’s efforts to promote diversity and racial justice, unfortunately, have alienated many white voters, including Democrats. One such Democrat asked me recently, “As a white man, do you think they are focused on you?”
As a supporter of things like addressing income inequality, eliminating racism, and cleaning up the environment, I see a lot of appeal in the Democratic agenda. But I am more motivated by fear of what Republicans will do if they return to full power in Washington. I wake up at night worrying about a President DeSantis trampling civil rights to create a “Christian America,” locking down borders, and making isolationism the centerpiece of American foreign policy.
I am concluding that both political parties are broken because both have lost the ability, and the interest in, running on policy rather than fear. Books have and will be written about how the parties have gone astray, but I have yet to see a blueprint for reversing the trend. And if our two-party system collapses, where does that lead us?
I fear that the emphasis on the negative, practiced to an art by today’s Republicans, but also embraced by many Democrats, will convince voters, especially younger ones, that our system is broken—that democracy no longer works. If our parties collapse under their own weight, where will that leave us?
A few weeks ago, I passed a house with a “Let’s Go Brandon!” banner proudly displayed. We all know what that banner means. Do you need more evidence that our political parties are broken?
J.E. Dean is a retired attorney and public affairs consultant writing on politics, government, birds, and other subjects.
DEIRDRE LAMOTTE says
How depressing that millions have been doped into thinking universal health care, living wages, paid family leave,
protecting our natural resources for all to enjoy, better educational opportunities for all, privacy rights,
reproductive freedoms are dangerous “leftist” policies. These are all mainstream in every other democracy on this planet. Perhaps that is why
the GOP wants to abolish democracy? “Radical Democrats”? Abbie Hoffman was a radical leftist. The GOP attempted to
overturn 250 years of US Government. That is Radicalism. And the “reasonable” Republicans are twisting themselves into moral pretzels to
accommodate their leader Trump. They are all treasonous and cowards.
I will give the GOP leaders one thing, they could sell ice to Alaska. For generations they have convinced millions of Americans it is their patriotic duty to make rich people richer and they lap it up. Do people know about Rick Scott’s
new proposal? Lower taxes at the top, raise taxes on the working class. And he wants to eliminate social security and Medicare in 5 years when he hopes to be the Senate leader. But by golly, that Uncle Joe is ruining this nation.
Vote Republican and say bye bye to things we care about . Republicans run on fear; the real fear will come to reality
if the right-wing gets it’s way.
We live in a country of morons.
Stephen Schaare says
You are indeed consistent. Everything upside down. All of your harsh criticism exactly describes the Dems.
DEIRDRE LAMOTTE says
Yes, the Republican Party is the party of lies. No question about that.
John Dean says
As always thank you for reading my piece and commenting.
It looks like I’ve managed to anger both Democrats and Republicans with this article.
I’m not sure I’m ready to describe everyone that is not on board with the full Democratic agenda “a moron.” One of the reasons many voters are alienated from the Democrats is the perception that the party leaders don’t listen to them.
In any case, thank you for reading the piece.
DEIRDRE LAMOTTE says
People who do not believe facts and are let by lies are, yes, morons. Ehen these lie affect our Nation’s democracy, they are even bigger morons.
Dave Taylor says
Wow, a critique of the two major parties and not one mention of the Democrats far-left agenda that we ought to be worried about. Open borders, open hatred of capitalism, identity politics run amok, diversity over competency, hatred of police, appeasement of violent criminals, the failure of public education in our cities, globalism (and its deleterious effect on the supply chain), etc., etc. I could go on. Oh yes, the disgusting, toxic character assassinations of Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett during the confirmation process and the demand for abortion on demand. As an American, these are the things I and millions of others are afraid of if the Democrats stay in power. At lease Maryland Democrats got their hand smacked with their ridiculous attempt at gerrymandering.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Dave, Where have you and your voice of reason been?
Thank you sir. I feel so much less alone. Yes, “warm and fuzzy”.
Delightfully in your debt-Steve
John Dean says
Thank you for reading the piece and commenting.
As I commented to Ms. LaMotte, I’ve managed to anger both Democrats and Republicans.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but let me politely say that I found your summary of the Democratic agenda a bit over the top. I like to think that somewhere between the extremes of the two parties is a middle position that might end some of today’s political acrimony.
In any case, thank you for adding to the discussion,
DEIRDRE LAMOTTE says
Wow Dave, time to turn off the loony tune network and get you facts straight. What you call “Far Left Agenda” is what? Your issues above are false. What is it with the GOP? They love their pejorative labels…left wing, woke,
socialist, anti-American. When I was a Republican, my Members of Congress battled for what they believed in but
never spouted reactionary untrue lies. They’d work to build consensus, not repeatedly poisoning the well to make a sound bite while creating collateral damage for us all. So now no more dog whistles, the GOP promotes racism, anti-Semitism,
woman animus, anti-teacher. Anti,Anti,Anti so they think they can “purify” America.
Gosh poor Brett. It will be a life long embarrassment, this experience of his own making. It must
be tough knowing that many women in his college, as well, accused him of black-out sexual assault. What a guy.
Oh, and Barret? The hand picked, underqualified jurist who promised to remain true to “precedent”. Sure,
she has her marching orders from the Federalist Society who put her there.
Abortion is none of your business. A fetus is not a child and if you do not want an abortion, that is your CHOICE.
Open hatred of Capitalism? Oh that’s rich. What I hate is off-the-charts laissez faire capitalism: you know, exploiting underpaid workers until they drop and the fruits of the system are siphoned off and pumped straight into the asset portfolios of billionaires. Corporations are now “human”, according to John Roberts, so that
has sailed. So why are you complaining? We have ourselves a US Corporatocracy, happy?
Our nation is in a death spiral that can only be fixed with more democracy and more personal privacy, less
guns and religious fanatics keeping their views inside their mega churches.
It is not democrats who homeschool their kids and tell them that the earth is 5000 years old and Jesus played with dinosaurs. And it was not democrats who assaulted our Capital trying to overturn the securest election
in our history.
L Baker says
Deirdre, I can’t believe some of the things you say. SMH! You actually say a fetus is not a baby!! Have you EVER looked at a sonogram of a “fetus”? Some people are aborting children at 20 weeks and above! I’ve seen a baby born at 21 to 22 weeks, only about a lb survive. That was a child. A human being! No one has a “right” to take another life!
Now to your whose lying, hmmm, time will tell and we will all see who the “morons” as you say, are.
Stephen Schaare says
Mr. Dean, Early on,with “outright racism” of Republicans, and mentioned again later, I call upon you to expand on this regular theme.
What “outright racism” are you referring to? What do you mean?
You are critical of “America first” Why? Only a strong America can help the rest of the world. Providing covid vaccines to the poorest of nations. Supplying Ukraine with arms and humanitarian aid. On and on. America must be strong and lead.
The Dems will lose the House and Senate because of Joe Biden. The voters do not like or trust the man.
There is nothing wrong with having a southern border and enforcing our security.
Thank you-Steve
John Dean says
Steve: Thanks for reading the piece and commenting.
The GOP has declined to condemn people like Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently was introduced at an America First Rally by a white nationalist. I also was appalled by Trump’s “there are good people on both sides” after the Charlottesville riots. There is also a direct appeal to white voters in southern states.
I do not expect the Repubicans to embrace the full Democratic agenda, endorse “wokeism” or take other actions, but will consider them racist until they avoid supporting policies that promote the racial divide.
I am not a supporter of “America First.” Trump’s attempt to undermine NATO and attack our allies made the world a more dangerous place.
Finally, let me say that it is too early to predict the outcome of the November elections. A lot can happen between now and then.
Dave Taylor says
The embrace of identity politics is a significant cause of the racial divide. Remind me again who supports identity politics?
John Dean says
Thank you for your additional comment. I am not sure of what you mean by “identity politics,” but do not support politics that promote racial divisions. I do not support anti-semitism by members of “the Squad” or anybody else.
I would add that some Republicans have made direct appeals to whites. MTG, for example, was introduced by a white nationalist at the AFPAC meeting in February.
Dave Taylor says
When are the Democrats going to condemn “The Squad”, who are blatantly anti-Semitic.
DEIRDRE LAMOTTE says
Interesting you should ask. Democratic leadership condemned Rep. Omar’s remark about Israel. When did the GOP
censure that Green woman? Or bow-tie Tucker? Or Trump? Well Twitter kicked her off because she is offensive and a nut case. As are the majority of GOP mouthpieces.
The democratic party i Democratic; many views and ideas. They are not in Nazi lockstep like the Republicans are now, who wet their pants when thinking of going against the Trump Party Line. Pitiful.
How about all Republicans move to, say Texas, where you can pay $15,000 a month using electricity because, hell flook them libs, right? You love walls, build one that will separate the rich educated states with
open, educated minds, from y’all. You stay on your side and live in abject poverty, religious fanaticism, disproportionate tax systems that lead to your “comfortable” poverty, a world view where masks are for gays and gays are trashed, and ice tea is so sweet it gives everyone diabetes. You know, all the wonderful things the GOP is trying to export to the rest of the nation while scratching your head wondering why we balk whenever a Republican opens its mouth. Then, life will be good, right?!
Dave Taylor says
Democrat leadership absolutely did not condemn any of “The Squad” for their repeated anti-Semitic remarks. Please take note of the demographic movement in this country. People are moving from over taxed blue hellholes to red states. Assuming you live on the Shore, how can you stand how red it is?
DEIRDRE LAMOTTE says
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/group-house-democrats-condemn-rep-omar-remarks-about-u-s-n1270290
No NBC news is not Fox so you probably have no idea that the Leadership members condemned her
Chris Roberts says
JE DEAN – this sort of rhetoric is a root cause of the political divisiveness you lament. You ask an objective question in the article title, but then answer it in a completely anti-Trump, anti-independent and full mainstream democrat manner. I don’t see how this article serves Spy readers, but hey, it is eliciting responses!
Worried about DeSantis? really? The guy that showed the rest of the US how to handle COVID? Have you actually read the FL Parental Rights Bill? It’s pretty innocuous, unless you think our kids should be taught ‘what to think,’ and not ‘how to think.’
And, after 4 years of F Trump, Dump Trump, etc plastered everywhere, I would say the anti-Biden Let’s Go Brandon vocalization is fairly tame. Especially given the obvious and tragic cognitive decline our President is exhibiting. It’s a shame, I wish it weren’t true, but it is not debatable…but you can ignore it if you choose.
I’d suggest you seek news not just from WaPo, MSNBC, CNN and the like, and add independent sources – Glenn Greenwald, Krystal & Saagar, Matt Taibbi, James Lindsey, and the like – most of whom are independent or traditional liberals (not leftists) but generally critical of the mainstream media, the DC political machine, big business, and the woke/virtue signaling hypocritical mob. Maybe really listen to some of Jordan Peterson’s work or some of Joe Rogan’s full podcasts (he’s a social liberal, btw). There is a reason his is the #1 podcast in the world, and it’s not because ‘Trump Bad’. Th
I still believe 80% of the country agrees on 80% of the issues. It’s the extreme 20% in each Party that seem to get all the airplay that have ‘broken’ them.
L Baker says
Mr Dean, what is wrong with a “Christian America”? I believe this country was founded and based on Christian beliefs. All of our money states “In God We Trust”! You sound like you want religion removed from our country. We’ve already removed it from public schools, saying Merry “Christmas”, even removing it from some public places so not to offend someone. Really?! What happens when God (Allah, Jehovah, etc) is removed out of your life? Evil steps in! What evil has been occurring in this country? Much! For a very long time!
Forget Democrat/Republican and taking sides. I agree with the making America Great Again agenda! Bring faith, love, hope, and God back to America!
Deirdre LaMotte says
“In God We Trust” became the nation’s motto in 1956, having begun in 1864. Our nation’s
founders were all animate that the government and religion are to be separate. They left
countries under religious laws and knew how the total separation of region from our government
is vital for a functioning democracy.
So yes, theocracy is well in the GOP, not Democracy.