down ballot campaigning for twenty somethings

[FromMissouri]

I'm working on a campaign now and am in an uncomfortable position of trying to reconcile formerly Bernie supporters (twenty-somethings) with the rest of the party. They rightly feel that Bernie's positions are exactly what they want, and if the Democratic party doesn't go that way, they have no reason to support Democrats. I'm there. Bernie articulated the FDR vision, and this is exactly where our party must go. But when I point out about my candidate, "he's a liberal Democrat", there is a sudden reticence to continue even listening.

I'm working on media events, but even people being recruited want to know my candidate's "positions." I thought, "he's not trump" was enough. But they want solid policies at the lowest, county legislature level. What do we do at the county level? We fund schools, we oversee the Sheriff, we build new jails...

It's not like we can give you free college. Or maybe we should just say that? You can't lie anymore, in the Democratic party. The Repugs can lie all the time, because their core supporters have no way to test statements for factual basis. But Democrats are so much smarter than that, and these kids are so hair-trigger ready to bolt, it's scary.

This is the hardest campaign I've ever been a part of. It's the kids, and the black women. What should we say, what can we offer? At the county level?

[NCTraveler]

1. With the words you have used.

The problem is a lot deeper than this rift you speak of.

“I'm working on media events, but even people being recruited want to know my candidate's "positions." I thought, "he's not trump" was enough.”

[FromMissouri]

5. I didn't literally mean that. Never said it, but it was obvious.

I mean, I pointed out he is a liberal who... and get cut off at the point. "What do you mean, liberal, you mean like Clinton?"
I mean, this is volatile, that's what I'm saying. Hoping for reconciling communications.

[NCTraveler]

6. There are other issues you outlined.

The rift isn’t the biggest issue you have on your hands.

[RandySF]

2. They're counting on county level candidates all this?

Good luck with that. I wouldn’t know what to tell them. They fell for a guy who promised them everything they wanted.

[OrlandoDem1]

3. You had me until the county level. Net neutrality captures the minds of young people.

IDK what county level pols can say or do about that.

I’m a high school teacher and I was amazed at how much my kids know about net neutrality and how much they are against Trump in this.

Can local ordinances decriminalize possession of pot? Seems that would motivate the youth. Young people have no problem with diversity. Can y’all up that angle.

[FromMissouri]

4. Is net neutrality an issue at the local level?

I've tried to explain, we deal with local issues here, streets and jails and stuff. But when I was trying to get some twenty somethings to help, they are interested in the bigger presidential type issues. I'm going on Get Out The Vote, and Voter Registration, trusting they they will make the right choice, if we can get them to the polls.

[marble falls]

7. Why is you think we cannot offer free college?????? Its done all over the free world. Hell the....

Germans offer free college to American citizens.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/10/29/7-countries-where-americans-can-study-at-universities-in-english-for-free-or-almost-free/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.63371d37a882

7 countries where Americans can study at universities, in English, for free (or almost free)
By Rick Noack October 29, 2014 Email the author

The Humboldt University of Berlin was illuminated during the 10th annual Festival of Lights in Berlin in October. (EPA/PAUL ZINKEN)

Since 1985, U.S. college costs have surged by about 500 percent, and tuition fees keep rising. In Germany, they've done the opposite.

The country's universities have been tuition-free since the beginning of October, when Lower Saxony became the last state to scrap the fees. Tuition rates were always low in Germany, but now the German government fully funds the education of its citizens -- and even of foreigners.

<snip>

1. Germany
2. Finland
3. Denmark
4. France
5. Sweden
6. Slovenia
7. Brazil

[average_mo_dem]

8. What county?

[Rhiannon12866]

9. When I've worked for congressional candidates here in New York

I not only talked about the attractive positions of my candidate, but pointed out the problematic positions of the Republican opposition. If they're a Trump supporter, it shouldn't be hard. We're currently stuck with a Ryan supporting congressperson and that has caused huge problems for her in a Republican leaning district. She hasn't voted along Trump/Ryan lines 100% of the time, but that's been enough. If the opposition supports Trump's terrible policies, that's what I'd point out to anyone who's on the fence - which is hard to imagine these days, I know.