There’s a diary trending at the moment — and there have been others before it — cautioning anybody with two principles to rub together against advocating for what they believe in. The line of reasoning is, essentially, that any position perceived as being half an inch from the political center is just going to “give Republicans fuel” for their negative messaging come November.
Seriously?
Elected Republican lawmakers pass bills that would put women in jail for seeking abortions. A sitting Republican senator has advocated that the US military commit war crimes against American citizens to suppress peaceful protest. But goodness gracious, let’s not suggest defunding the police at a time when you can’t turn around without stubbing your toe on the latest video of police officers beating, maiming, and even killing innocent civilians. Heavens to goddamned Betsy, there’s no need to get budgetary .
When is the last time a Democrat lost a Presidential election by being too bold on progressive policies? Anybody who isn’t a Trumper but who is so politically lukewarm that they’re turned off by a protest sign was never going to vote anyway. You know who might have the motivation to get out to vote? The people who have the motivation to carry signs, signs that call for specific, effective actions that address actual problems. They’re probably going to vote — if we give them something to vote for.
You will never hear Republicans worry about “turning off the moderates” because Republicans know that you win with turnout, not approval polls. Ask Hillary Clinton how great it feels to win the popularity contest while the guy who wants to ban Muslims and Mexicans gets the White House. As we enter an election season with Joe Biden at the top of the ticket, if there is one thing the Dems don’t need to worry about it’s being perceived as being overly eager to adopt progressive reforms. Instead, worry that counting on people to vote against Trump might not work this time either.