The Democratic Party and the Young Vote: A Strategy for Political Dominance
Robert Johnson, the founder of BET, argues that the Democratic Party has moved too far to the left to win. However, this perspective does not accurately reflect the current political landscape and the strategic potential that lies in focusing on the young voter demographic.
Why the Leftward Shift May Benefit the Democratic Party
The key to winning in 2020 does not necessarily lie in a retreat from left-wing policies. Instead, the party leadership should recognize the potential power of the young vote and embrace a more progressive stance. If the Democrats continue to target the young demographic, they are positioning themselves for long-term political success.
Older voters, whose influence has waned in recent years, are now being replaced by a new generation of politically active youths. Although they are less likely to vote in immediate elections, young people are highly engaged and have the potential to drive significant political change over time. This demographic can be a powerful base for prolonged political dominance.
Young People and Political Engagement
Contrary to the notion that young people don't vote, data shows that many younger individuals will support Bernie Sanders and his progressive agenda. With the rise of social media platforms, Bernie's campaign can leverage these tools to mobilize young voters and encourage their friends to participate in the election process.
Fear of missing out (FOMO) can be a potent motivator for young individuals to register and vote. Social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat provide a platform for Bernie's supporters to spread the word and build momentum, ensuring that the young vote is not overlooked.
Strategic Shift: Embracing the Far Left
To capitalize on the support of young voters, the Democratic Party should consider abandoning its center position in favor of a more radical left-wing stance. This approach can help Bernie Sanders gain the nomination and potentially win the election in 2020.
According to polls, a majority of the U.S. population supports progressive policy proposals such as raising the minimum wage, increasing taxes on the wealthy, transitioning to renewable energy, expanding Medicare, and providing free college education. Critics who label these proposals as "far left" are often influenced by corporate media and elite interests, rather than reflecting the true sentiments of the electorate.
Criticism and Counterarguments
Critics argue that the Democratic candidates' policy proposals are divisive, and that they need to secure the majority of the Progressive Vote to have a chance at the nomination. While this may be true in the short term, such an approach can provide ammunition to the Republicans and create a hostile political environment in the run-up to the 2020 election.
The policy proposals of the leading Democratic candidates enjoy widespread support among the majority of voters. From raising the minimum wage to transitioning to renewable energy, these are policies that resonate with the populace and have the potential to transform society for the better.
The media's criticism of these proposals is often a reflection of their corporate owners' interests rather than the genuine opinions of the voters. It is essential for the Democratic Party to focus on the values and aspirations of the American people, rather than succumbing to the pressures of corporate media and financial interests.
In conclusion, the Democratic Party should embrace a strategy that prioritizes the young vote and supports progressive policy proposals. By doing so, they can secure not just a win in 2020, but also set the stage for a generation of political dominance.