As Democratic primaries across the country pitted “progressive” candidates (including Democratic Socialists) against closer-to-the-center “moderates,” each side fought tooth and nail to win party backing. Some of the heated rhetoric will provide juicy sound bites for Republicans, although voters seem to forget some harsh statements quickly. (Remember 2016? Candidate Ted Cruz called Trump a “sniveling coward,” “a pathological liar,” and “utterly amoral” before joining his team.)
In Michigan, a moderate won the Democratic nomination for governor while a progressive will campaign for a Senate seat. Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg stressed the need for Democrats to build a “coalition” to elect candidates with a shared vision attractive to all Democrats, some independents, and a few shaky Republicans.
I completely agree. It’s not enough to simply oppose Trump and his extremist MAGA administration. Voters today are deeply cynical, wary of angry words and empty promises. I see at least three issues that can carry a Democratic wave across the country by focusing on improving the lives of millions of voters: Medicare for All, ending the economic and military wars, and fighting corruption.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has been pushing for healthcare reform for years, and now capitalizes on the popularity of Medicare. A recent Yale study indicates that extending Medicare to all citizens would save more than 100,000 lives and cost $1 trillion less per year. Opponents don’t want “socialized medicine,” but I am hard-pressed to find admirers for our currently exorbitant and dysfunctional system of “privatized medicine.” Ever since healthcare shifted toward a “for-profit” rather than “nonprofit” model in the 1970s, our American system has declined in statistics for infant mortality, life expectancy, and more compared to other industrialized countries. In general, we spend the most on healthcare and have the worst outcomes. Anyone trying to get an appointment with a PCP or specialist, or access a new drug, will quickly affirm that we have a broken system. More than 50% of all Americans support a single-payer system with coverage for everyone.
The Trump administration has pushed the United States into a deep, dark hole by initiating both economic and military wars without congressional approval or coherent explanations. His blind faith in tariffs as a magic wand to gain revenge against countries that have previously treated us “unfairly” has put enormous stress on businesses and people. Every trip to the grocery store, hardware store, or car dealership is an exercise in “shock and awe” at the astronomical prices. The only exception is the mega-class whose lifestyle is untouched by rising prices.
No Republican sleight-of-hand can trick people into believing that $4 per gallon gas wasn’t caused by the reckless war in Iran. How far has the U.S. fallen in the world’s respect and trust since Iran has begun twisting Trump into an impotent bundle of nerves and our military men and women face danger every day in an undeclared and illegal war? The only remaining explanation for the war is “Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon,” a possibility that wasn’t a credible threat in the near future. The war may allow Iran to dictate terms for the war’s end as it strangles world trade in the Strait of Hormuz. Both the economic and military wars have been disasters, except for diverting attention from the administration’s refusal to release the Epstein files.
The Trump administration has actually made a step forward in government transparency: it no longer bothers trying to hide the self-dealing corruption rampant in Washington, D.C. Trump and his family have gained more than $2 billion in profits in his second term. At the same time, no-bid contracts (only allowed in emergencies or because of national security concerns) have totaled about $300 billion to political supporters or donors. Many have had disastrous consequences: construction of another 100 miles of a border wall, bringing Barnard Construction’s no-bid contracts to about $5.6 billion; at least $200 billion to publicize what a great job ICE is doing; $500 million for unapproved East Wing construction of a ballroom and security bunker, etc., etc. The Lincoln Reflecting Pool project was “only” $13 million but displayed the importance of paying people with actual expertise rather than just political supporters. A recent study shows that no-bid contracts have also reduced contracts for small businesses by about 20%.
Americans want a government that will improve their lives. Democratic support for Medicare for All, ending economic and military wars, and fighting corruption can create a coalition to move our country forward, rather than remaining focused on retribution and revenge.
Allen Woods is a freelance writer, author of the Revolutionary-era historical fiction novel “The Sword and Scabbard,” and Greenfield resident. His column appears regularly on Saturdays. Comments are welcome here or at awoods2846@gmail.com.