Values

The key to Democratic Victory

The sun begins to rise at Cedar Bluffs Natural Area, Mahaska County, Iowa

Democrats face significant challenges as the midterms approach, but don’t self-doubt, don’t throw your hands up in the air, complain, or quit. That’s precisely what the Republicans not only want you to do; they expect you to. Know that your values are America’s values when we are at our best, and with them, you win. Our nation wins. 

While there is much yet to be done, Democrats should be proud of how much the party has accomplished in the face of great opposition; it’s the party of Civil Rights, Social Security, Medicare, and Obamacare. The party of the American worker and their families, of greater opportunity for more and more Americans, what it stands for and its values:

For democracy and love of country in a time of insurrection, for voting rights in a time of voter suppression, for public education and libraries when they are under attack, for smart government being part of the solution, not the problem. For a free and honest press in a time of misinformation and lies, for historical truths in a time when they are being outlawed, for a true and deep understanding of our civil rights history, for our for freedom to worship how one sees fit under the rising threat of theocratic authoritarian rule. For reproductive freedom in a time when fourth-grade girls are forced to give birth, women miscarry, even die because their medical treatment is banned. Where healthcare is a right, not a privilege, where clean water, clean air, and climate solutions are possible, where taxation doesn’t favor the rich, where equal opportunity is for all, and where your chances in life aren’t determined by your ZIP code, race, gender, faith, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

This is your identity, and a declaration, if you want it. A declaration for all Americans who want to save democracy and make the world a better, more humane place. Take it, make it your own, grow it, and build on it as more outrages are forced upon our nation. Sing it with pride where you worship. Shout it from street corners, corn and cotton fields, from shrimp boats and tug boats, from construction sites to restaurant countertops. Beat it on your desk and keyboard, and dance it until you can dance no more.

If these are your values, share your belief that these should be our American values and our future will be democratic. To save democracy and lead the world, you must not accept defeat. 

If you are a politician, listen up. Forget talking about policies until you are in office. It’s easy to debate policy, and debating your policies with Republicans is a fool’s errand. Speak instead to the values an actual majority of Americans share. Democratic values. American values. Run on values, not how you plan to implement them. Implement them when you win. Not if, when. Americans want and deserve these policies. But in a democracy, you can’t pass policies unless you win. 

Your values are those most Americans believe in, down to their very bones. Know this.

Your values can play everywhere, including in rural America. Believe in this. Believe in yourself. Believe in America. Never quit.

Earlier versions of this have run in the Des Moines Register and The New York Times.