Why Does This Pessimism Persist?

We should challenge the predictable analyses from sources like Politico, CNN, MSNBC, The Hill, and Fox News. I have a few theories on their motivations:

• They seem to believe that sensational headlines are the quickest route to generating clicks and profits, reflecting a short-sighted approach.
• There’s an inclination towards fatalism, with the belief that inciting panic will lead to a more engaging narrative for audiences.
• While many may genuinely wish to see positive change, they seem to have run out of ideas on how to achieve it.
• They possess blind spots that prevent them from recognizing the broader consequences of their reporting.
• There’s a troubling indifference to the suffering of others, as they remain entrenched in their own self-serving bubbles.

Regrettably, if my assumptions about these media gatekeepers hold any truth, they are inadvertently passing this mindset onto the general public.

This cycle has become monotonous.

The constant barrage of negativity breeds a sense of helplessness and defeatism that spreads like an illness. Disheartened observers convey these feelings to pollsters, while shows like The View echo the same sentiments without offering viable alternatives. It resembles a form of sabotage, whether intentional or not, aimed at undermining morale—though the motivations differ.

Republicans aim to demoralize Democratic voters for electoral gains, alongside a desire for autocratic control. Conversely, Democrats often allow their own spirits to be crushed by accepting predetermined outcomes.

I must point out that many of you seem to reside in what I’ll call Pity City / BlameGame-ville! Our democratic institutions are precariously close to authoritarianism, and the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly severe.

Yet, many of you struggle to muster the energy to do more than complain about the government we end up with.

History Doesn’t Always Follow a Pattern

There have been notable exceptions to the anticipated “midterm curse.”

In 1998, analysts expected Republicans to gain seats during Bill Clinton's second term. However, due to scandalous GOP overreach during Monicagate, Democrats actually gained five seats in the House and maintained their position in the Senate.

In 2002, following the economic downturn post-9/11, conventional wisdom suggested that Democrats would gain seats during George W. Bush’s first term. Yet, the GOP successfully weaponized 9/11 and patriotism against Democrats, ultimately gaining eight House seats and two Senate seats.

Today, the parallels to COVID-19 and the fight for Ukrainian freedom are striking, with Republicans displaying a disconcerting anti-mask and anti-vaccine stance.

While Republicans may be keen to blame inflation on Democrats, what genuine policy proposals do they have to alleviate rising costs for consumers?

This presents an opportunity for Democrats to take the lead in shaping the narrative around solutions. But first, they must actively engage.

Changing the Conversation

In an open letter on Medium directed at Democrats, Independents, and supporters of the Democratic Party, Ryan Redmond succinctly stated:

> Democrats must escape the cycle of voting for a president, ignoring the midterms, losing the majority, and then complaining about inaction while overlooking how Congress operates.

Anna Mercury raises an essential question that media pundits shy away from: why do we let political commentary shape our actions?

For those concerned about how Democrats miss opportunities to define their opponents effectively, consider the current DNC chairman, Jaime Harrison’s suggestion: “Fear, Fraud, and Fascism.”

Last fall, author Teri Kanefield highlighted the dangers of succumbing to defeatism in a crisis:

> In emergencies, instilling panic is counterproductive. Even in dire situations, maintaining composure can save lives.

Kanefield reminds us not to dismiss potential actions simply because they seem hopeless, offering a list of practical steps for citizens to take.

Lastly, while I may not agree with James Carville on many fronts, his recent comments about the need for Democrats to “gloat and promote” resonate. His observations about certain Democrats falling into a “whiny party” mentality are spot on.

Even when Republicans lost over forty House seats to Democrats in 2018, they still managed a net gain of two Senate seats. Thus, being the party in power isn’t always a reliable predictor of election outcomes.

Campaign on Practical Solutions!

Every headline emphasizes the necessity for Democrats to refine their messaging, yet few provide actionable insights. Here are some suggestions:

• If you oppose the Democratic efforts to support Ukraine and counter Putin, you align yourself with “Putin’s Puppets.”
• Republican candidates who opposed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill but now seek credit for its success are being hypocritical.
• Those who protest against exposing the insurrectionists from January 6 are facilitating the rise of authoritarianism.
• Senate Republicans displayed blatant racism during Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearings, disregarding her qualifications.
• The overturning of Roe v. Wade threatens reproductive rights beyond abortion.
• Florida's “Don’t Say Gay” bill risks misuse by those with conservative agendas.
• Republicans are paving the way for state legislatures to overturn election results simply because they dislike the outcomes.
• Congressional Democrats have introduced significant legislation to aid farmers, while Republicans aim to consolidate power within a few large agribusinesses.

Additionally, I encourage Democratic strategists to consider my previous writings, which propose solutions that cross party lines:

• How the upcoming 2023 U.S. Farm Bill can promote fairness and sustainability among farmers.
• How we can engage the average American in agricultural issues.
• How the rising cost of food can be framed as a national security concern.
• How both sides can find common ground in discussions about Critical Race Theory.
• How restrictions on abortion could have widespread implications, regardless of personal circumstances.
• How we can prevent electoral coups at all government levels.

It’s vital to recognize that my proposed solutions often include something for everyone.

Enough with the Doomsday Mentality!

If we approach the upcoming elections as a referendum on Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, that is precisely what will happen. This is the nature of self-fulfilling prophecies.

It is essential to reframe the conversation around the far-right, who are providing ample reasons for such scrutiny, especially with figures like Donald Trump fanning the flames.

Instead of fretting over a seemingly predetermined Democratic defeat in November, let’s remind voters that:

• Food prices can decrease with increased competition and diverse agricultural sources. What solutions are Republicans proposing in the 2023 Farm Bill to address this?
• Fuel prices will drop when clean energy and biofuels can compete with traditional fossil fuels. Why do Republicans allow these industries to maintain dominance?
• Real immigration reform, sensible gun legislation, and comprehensive discussions on race relations can only happen if Republicans stop obstructing these efforts.

The path to overcoming Republican sabotage does not lie in electing more Republicans to Congress!

Lastly, Democrats must remember that if they concede that their base and Independent voters won't turn out, then those voters will certainly feel no obligation to engage.