From a derelict media to a party that fails to see that there is a problem with our electorate that must be actively solved before anyone in this country can govern for the people. To be clear, one must be happy for the Doug Jones win. It tells the faithful that for a change the best person, a perceived Progressive can win. But the underlying numbers should scare.
The numbers in the Doug Jones win are pathetic
My first blog post after Doug Jones win titled “Democrat Doug Jones beat Republican pedophile Roy Moore but hear this …” pointed out the most significant fear.
The exit polls sadly reveal something that should be concerning to the entire country. 52% of white women and 62% of white men were comfortable to vote for the misogynist, sexist, xenophobic homophobe Donald Trump. Worse, in Alabama, 63% of white women and 72% of white men were comfortable to vote for the alleged pedophile Roy Moore.
Nothern and southern Alabama, white rural strongholds did not vote in numbers as did the black middle of the state. Blacks overperformed making up 30% of the votes while only 26% of the electorate. Likewise, whites underperformed. The sleepers are but time bombs as many were in the right areas for Donald Trump.
America is a white country. Forget about the demographic information that many are feeding us about the browning of America by 2050 or whenever. If Democrats are to have a governing majority the browning of America will not come fast enough. I tried to make that case in a piece I wrote several years ago titled “White People Not “Latinos” Will Be The Real Swing Vote For The Foreseeable Future” that tries to bust the myth. I pointed out the following.
Democrats need to take this time and understand who the real swing voters are. White people will be the only swing voter in America for the foreseeable future. As such it is in the best interest of Democrats that as Republicans start fighting for Latinos (likely the white ones), Democrats start fighting to bring more white men (and women) into their ranks. A party perceived to be the party of minorities is not viable.
Many will balk at that statement, specifically black women who have been the one group that the Democratic Party can depend on for near 100% loyalty. The problem is one cannot escape the numbers game for a governing majority. Only a governing majority can create the systemic changes this country needs from health care to a new economic system.
Until we transform America where Americans finally realize that race is but a social construct designed to control the masses, we must be in the game accordingly. Democratic activists must use psychological tools and methods as indicated in books like Drew Westen’s “The Political Brain” and Thomas Frank’s “Listen Liberal” to start re-expanding the party.
The Republicans played a psychological number on us all with their continuous enactment of the Powell Manifesto. Unfortunately, to date, Democrats have yet to respond appropriately. Let us get busy.