Kudos to Jonathan Panton for expressing his political views on Donald Trump’s second inauguration. It took courage to publicly voice his optimism about the next four years. And while I’m certain that his thoughts are shared by neither a majority of Wednesday Journal readers nor Oak Park residents, those views are exactly the opinions that Democrats will need to seek out if they are to reclaim the White House, as I believe will happen in 2029.
Simply stated, Democrats need to listen carefully to people who voted for Mr. Trump this time around, and not simply label and dismiss them as racists, misogynists, ill-informed, etc. The effort requires seeking out people with whom you disagree, really listening with an open mind to their perspectives without criticism or judgment, and figuring out how to practically address their concerns — however distasteful you may find that exercise. Democrats will not regain power without engaging with independent voters and honestly addressing their issues. Hearts and minds cannot be swayed without listening and understanding.
A dose of reality will also help. Democrats did not lose the election because of bigots. Barack Obama would not be elected president twice in a nation predominated by bigots. Democrats lost the election because they didn’t speak to the issues of concern to independent voters, those voters (like me) who are neither avowed Republicans nor Democrats, and who are open to voting for either party’s candidate if the candidate’s message resonates to their concerns.
Fortunately, there are many people who have shared their thoughts on what went wrong for Democrats this time around. People like Sen. John Fetterman (D – Pennsylvania), commentator Stephen A. Smith, CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, late-night host Bill Maher, and teacher Tera Johnson-Swartz have all effectively discussed what turned off independent voters about Kamala Harris and the Democrats.
There’s not a Trump fan in that group. Seek them out. Listen to them. Consider their perspectives on what attracted independent voters to Mr. Trump, issues like immigration, the economy, and policing. Then, plot a course to more clearly address those issues head-on.
See you in four years.
Tom Healey
19-year Oak Park resident
Proud independent voter for Ronald Reagan,
George H.W. Bush, Barack Obama (x2),
Joe Biden (and never, ever Donald Trump)