Only a moderate Democrat can win presidency
In response to Jonathan Baird’s characteristically articulate but idealistic column on April 20 that proposes a strongly progressive Democratic platform for the coming elections. I strongly disagree.
In order to win, I believe Democrats must appeal to the broad, moderate middle, where the undecided swing voters are. They include many who voted for Trump last time largely because, rightly or wrongly, they were and continue to be turned off by what they believe are the Democrats’ “liberal,” left-wing positions on many issues. Jonathan Baird’s laundry list of progressive stances would likely keep them in the Republican column despite all that’s happened under Trump.
We “moderate Democrats” are not lackeys of the 1%. We are moderate, and believe our party must look moderate, because we want to win. After we win, that’s the time to talk about Jonathan Baird’s expansive vision.