Cultural changes

Democrats have been struggling on why they are losing the working-class voters. They have lost on the messaging front to Republicans. While they are focused on policies and improving people’s lives Republicans are fighting a different battle. Republicans remain focused on the culture war. The culture war is not about policy but how people feel and creating a wedge one Democrats fail to bridge. I am a Black, straight, cis gendered, agnostic, male my party affiliation is easy to guess one party is warm and inviting but I recognize that the same party is not as warm or is perceived as hostile to other groups. Shouldn’t we change that? Can we not be the party that champions diversity and inclusion without alienating other groups?

Yes, Democrats can both message the policies we have that meaningfully improve lives while also pushing pro-freedom policies. Freedom in who you can marry, freedom to live your life as the sex you belong to, freedom to earn a decent living, pursue any career or education you want. These are all freedoms all Americans can get behind if Democrats message it right. You can support LGBTQ issues, issues impacting minorities, and so on without attacking others. Democrats need messages showing that being pro-diversity and inclusion is not bad. Politics is not always zero-sum for other groups and our movement needs to prove that to all voters to expand our gains.

While Republicans are using these issues to divide voters, Democrats need to go on the offense. Democrats need to explain how the cultural changes occurring will not harm voters or the America they know. Democrats have to explain why they are changing the culture and they need to show a willingness to engage voters where they are.