Graphic by Vivian McPherson ’23
BY REILLY DENNEDY ’23
The idea of the “electable candidate” has permeated the 2020 Democratic race. Despite its ubiquity, however, electability is difficult to define.
Generally, candidates who fit the traditional presidential gender, race and age model are considered most electable. According to the findings of a Los Angeles Times national poll, when asked to describe a 2020 candidate with the best chance of beating incumbent Donald Trump, a majority of Democratic primary voters envisioned a white, middle-aged and male candidate.
The Democratic party’s goal of finding an electable candidate is counterproductive, because it impedes the party’s ability to cultivate a strong vision with a foundation in liberal policy.
Learning from past elections is important, but the Democrats have overlearned from what happened in 2016, preventing the party from taking the time to appeal to left-leaning and independent voters on popular issues. In order to win this election, Democrats need to focus on rebuilding an energized voting base in Wisconsin and Michigan, which have been demolished by shock value and divisive issues. Topics like abortion and gay marriage have been pushed to the front of elections, causing the Democratic party to lose support from socially conservative Democrats.
If this election centers around healthcare, education and equal pay, Democrats will be able to assert themselves on their own terms, portraying the political voice of reason.
Campaigns require the synthesis of a candidate’s life story, fundamental values and an overarching political leaning. Successful 2018 midterm campaigns, by candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Kyrsten Sinema, demonstrate how effective this type of campaigning is.
How can this image be built in an election where Democrats fight to define electability instead of dis- cussing economic inequality and climate change?
As a liberal Democrat, I feel the pressure to beat Trump as much as anybody else. The way to beat him, however, is through a focus on issues which can improve the lives of every American. In a time with such profound inequality, Democrats should be offering solutions through policy, not through political calculus.