Best Strategies for Democrats to Win in November

By Sam Rhuan 01/29/23

The ball is in the Democrats' court to keep the White House for four more years until 2028. Since 2020, Democrats have been in control of both the White House and the Senate. The loss of the House can be attributed to inflation, a factor that needs careful consideration moving forward. Democrats' significant victories in recent elections were largely due to their success in convincing independent and young voters to turn out and vote on critical issues. Independents voted to protect democracy, while young voters cast their votes in hopes of reducing student loans. As the 2024 presidential and congressional elections approach rapidly, Democrats need to reevaluate their campaign strategies to retain their power and win back the House. 

As with every election, independents play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Independents tend to vote based on issues that directly affect them and their families. In the 2020 election, Democrats effectively communicated to independent voters that another four years of Donald Trump would pose a threat to democracy. Democrats need to reiterate this message, emphasizing the dangers of a second Trump term and the unprecedented policy goals he has promised. These include tariffs on all imports, dismantling the "DEEP STATE" by firing government workers, more Muslim bans, and ending birthright citizenship.

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The message to independent voters from Democrats should underscore the potential consequences of a Trump victory in 2024, warning that it could lead the nation into undemocratic territory with long-lasting repercussions.

Additionally, Democrats must reconnect with the young voters who played a pivotal role in their success since the 2018 midterm elections. According to Pew Research, Gen Z and millennial voters favored Biden over Trump by margins of about 20 points. Despite setbacks, such as the Supreme Court's rejection of Biden's plan to erase a significant amount of student loans, Democrats must reassure young voters that the fight for student loan forgiveness will persist. Drawing a parallel with Republicans' long-standing efforts to reverse Roe v. Wade, Democrats should promise to continue advocating for the cause and finding ways to forgive more student loans.

Addressing concerns about immigration, Democrats must counter the perception that they support an open-border policy. Instead, they should present themselves as a party that welcomes legal immigrants while implementing policies to restrict illegal crossings. This strategic communication is crucial in dispelling the Republican narrative that Democrats encourage illegal border crossings for political gain.

Concerning energy policies, Democrats should highlight their achievements in passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a climate law allocating over $370 billion to fight climate change. With a significant portion of voters expressing worry about climate change, Democrats must emphasize the potential setback a Trump victory could bring to progressive climate policies.  

Many voters express concern about Biden's age and his ability to serve as commander in chief, given that he will be the oldest president at 82 on inauguration day. However, the focus shouldn’t solely be on his age. Biden will demonstrate his capability and sharpness during debates against the Republican nominee. Democrats need to concentrate on employing essential strategies to maintain the White House, Senate, and regain control of the House. Success hinges on effectively communicating past accomplishments and future goals, including protecting democracy, student loan forgiveness, immigration, and climate change. The campaign should prioritize revisiting sensitive policies that resonate most with voters.