The polls and multiple investigations are crystal clear: Democrats and their media allies have failed to convince Americans that Donald Trump should be a one-term president. Of course, a strong economy is behind Trump’s favorable numbers, but Democrats are also guilty of self-inflicted wounds. On the outside looking in, I suspect the “liberal” opposition has a leadership problem.
In the latest Gallup poll, 68% of Americans are satisfied with the economy: up 22% since Mr. Trump entered office. Multiple surveys echo Gallup’s January numbers. The New York Times reports 92% of Republicans are happy: Trump’s base is fired up. The Washington Post reports 60% of independents are happy: Trump’s silent majority is expanding. Plus, the Times reports 45% of registered Democrats are happy: another reason for Dems to stay home on Election Day.
What, you might ask, can a Democrat challenger do about this? Easy – acknowledge the great economy, credit lower corporate tax rates and regulations, thank the President, and promise to keep the ball rolling with bipartisan legislation. The high easy is an infrastructure jobs bill. The big idea should be a JFK-like national mission to re-invent America’s energy portfolio to ensure independence and leadership (fracking today – cold fusion tomorrow).
The Gallup numbers also indicate voters won’t respond to identity-politics in 2020. To wit, 63% of Americans are happy with the position of women in America, 59% are pleased by the influence of organized religion on the US, and 56% are satisfied with the country’s acceptance of gays and lesbians. In other words, the big social issues are post-peak election issues – because most voters observe employers, communities, and families dealing far better with social issues than the federal government.
There is a philosophical rift Democrats keep widening between themselves and the average voter. I don’t know when the Resistance lost its legitimacy, but only the most strident Democrats see President Trump as an existential threat to the Republic. Yes, he’s un-conventional and self-promotes. Yes, he’s got women problems and says mean things. But – he’s not a Russian asset, and Democrats didn’t make a convincing impeachment case.
It’s reckless when almost every Democrat supported any measure to oust Donald Trump, a fairly elected president. It’s stupid when party leaders let left-wing socialists hijack the national narrative and primary process. Once dependable constituents are now up for grabs:
- By opposing Trump on immigration and criticizing his approach to Chinese imports, Democrats have lost blue-collar voters everywhere.
- By supporting open borders and entitlements for illegal immigrants, Democrats have alienated middle-class taxpayers everywhere.
- By condemning traditional Christian beliefs, Democrats have invited black and Hispanic voters to focus exclusively on their household (improving) finances.
- By talking too much about confiscating guns and paying reparations, Democrats have ensured the 2016 red-state electoral votes will remain with President Trump.
The Republican incumbent will trounce too-liberal Sanders and Warren, the too-unknown Buttigieg and Klobuchar, or the too-geriatric Biden. It should be obvious the only viable Democrat is Mayor Bloomberg. He’s not too liberal. He has the money to become a household name. He has his wits about him. Above all, he does not turn off independent voters or frighten centrist Republicans. Absent Bloomberg, Democrats will be crying once again on election night.