Alternatively, Democrats could give midterm voters something to believe in

[phantom power]

It's not that (Obama)'s exactly wrong. He isn't. But he's missing the point.

Yes, the environment in Congress is "toxic." But that's a vague and meaningless term. It's certainly acrimonious on Capitol Hill. But the problem isn't that voters are frustrated that nothing gets done in Washington. Voters are frustrated that nothing good is possible in Washington. Those are two very different things.

Right now the conversation on healthcare is between one side that wants slightly less expensive corporate healthcare, and one side that wants much more expensive corporate healthcare. It's between one side that wants to cut Social Security and Medicare just a little bit, and another that wants to cut it a lot. It's between one side that wants to implement some very gradual climate change policies that won't stop us from crossing runaway greenhouse barriers, and another side that doesn't believe in climate change at all. It's between one side that wants a very slow, painful set of immigration reforms, and another side that wants no reforms at all. It's between one side that wants to raise the minimum wage to something that still doesn't meet what it was back in the 1970s, and another side that wants to eliminate it.

For a young voter or voter of color, voting for Democrats isn't a matter of hope for a better future. It's basically a defensive crouch to prevent the insane sociopaths from taking over. To provide real hope, Democrats would have to start pushing for a $15 minimum wage, for basic universal income, for single-payer healthcare, for a green jobs Apollo Program, for student loan forgiveness, and similar policies.

As it is, there's no real reason for an infrequent Democratic voter to come to the polls. Sure, it's important to stop the likes of Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney from sitting in the White House, and appointing decent judges to the Supreme Court is nice.

But there's no way Democrats are going to solve their midterm problem without providing a real, positive vision for the country. If even hardcore activists like me see voting as a defensive rather than an offensive weapon, it's no surprise that many more apolitical people can scarcely be bothered to care.

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/alternatively-democrats-could-give.html

[ProSense]

1. Here is

But there's no way Democrats are going to solve their midterm problem without providing a real, positive vision for the country. If even hardcore activists like me see voting as a defensive rather than an offensive weapon, it's no surprise that many more apolitical people can scarcely be bothered to care.

...something to believe in, and apparently some people are already on the case.

ACA Tide Turns: Protesters Arrested In GA, GOPer Schools Scottie
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024695722

Paul Ryan Gets An Earful From Constituent Who Will Save Hundreds Under Obamacare
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/03/20/3416783/paul-ryan-constituent-obamacare/

Dear Democrats,
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024699369

How to strengthen Obamacare, courtesy of the Progessive Caucus.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024702695

[phantom power]

3. The ACA was a win

but still, as the OP says, it's basically "saner corporate health insurance" instead of "insane, utterly un-checked cost-spiraling corporate health insurance"

[ProSense]

5. That

"The ACA was a win"

...misses the point. The law is still in the early stages of enactment. Republicans are blocking Medicaid expansion. The law needs to be strengthened.

Single payer is a goal, and that means health care is a huge issue.

[Maedhros]

2. I agree completely.

To get Democratic voters to the polls, the Party needs to inspire them.

"We suck less" is not an inspiring message.

[Scuba]

4. We don't need no stinkin' policies!

Coupla blue links should be enough, eh?

[jsr]

11. Not just a couple.

Gotta be professional.

[polichick]

6. "For a young voter or voter of color, voting for Democrats isn't a matter of hope...

for a better future. It's basically a defensive crouch to prevent the insane sociopaths from taking over."

For MOST of us, no matter what age or color, it's a "defensive crouch" and has been for a long time.

[stillwaiting]

7. Yes, we have been playing defense for a very long time.

Don't you wish Democrats knew how to play offense as well as the Republicans?!?!

If only someone would tell them how to do it!!!

[polichick]

8. I only WISH the problem was they didn't know how to do it!

[stillwaiting]

12. I agree. Elected congress critters are aggressive to even consider running for office. nt

[1000words]

9. "Hope. Change. Transparency."

Still waiting ...

[FiveGoodMen]

13. If either Hillary or some other republican win in 2016 it'll be a LONG wait

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

10. They're still relying on "Not as Bad" as the selling point.

[TheKentuckian]

14. It is all they probably can say as long as they are fixated on attracting Republicans

and folk's who vote for them, win, lose, or draw.

What they don't get is that the tactic is bullying and bound to draw ugly responses that will be unproductive for all so I suggest a more inclusive approach to the birds thought to be in the hand rather than squeezing them until the only live birds are in the bush. Though I may be dangerously under rating the possibility that such is actually an intentional goal.

[FiveGoodMen]

15. And they're veering toward 'Not QUITE as bad'

[brooklynite]

16. Alternative to WHAT?

We're not competing for open seats in Blue districts; we're competing for seats where, in a year that President Obama won and we had great turnout nationally, VOTERS ELECTED A REPUBLICAN. They're probably not Tea-Party types, but they're probably approachable moderates. Making a special appeal to Democrats didn't work last time; why would it work now?

[treestar]

17. How about self government?

They don't have to be given that and they have it. Voting is the way you contribute. Otherwise you will governed by the people who do vote. As for gridlock in DC then sitting home and allowing a Republican Congress is that voter's own fault. Participate and your voice can be part of it. Sit hope and wait to be inspired and you just let those who do be the ones who govern you.