The easiest way to increase turnout is running a young charismatic candidate with a progressive campaign, like 08 Obama…
Unfortunately we don’t have that option this election, probably not 2028 if Harris wins this one, so keep your fingers crossed for 2032 when people might be able to vote for a Dem candidate and not just against the Republican candidate.
Until then we’re doing the same dance as the last decade, holding your nose and hoping shit at least stops getting worse. And praying enough other people do the same.
You’re not wrong. Running on progressive policies would mobilize a lot of people to get up and vote. I think people just don’t want to hear it right now the only options presented to the public are Harris and Trump. With Trump being the most overtly fascist candidate we’ve seen in quite a while, those who don’t want Trump see Harris, who is running the same campaign as Biden (aka, business as usual) as the only option, because she is the only other option other than Fascism in this race.
Because of that, I think many people see any criticism of Harris or her position as advocating for Trump during this election cycle. Which I absolutely disagree with. I think everyone should absolutely demand more from our representatives. It is on them to galvanize support and get more people to vote, by advocating for legislation that those people want.
I think this mentality that it is the fault of the people for being apathetic, instead of the fault of the politician for not galvanizing more people to vote via popular policies, is misplaced due to the very real fear of the Republican parties policies and lack of influence over the Democratic party.
Instead of politicians aiming for wider public support through progressive policies, we see more democratic backsliding and a continuation of neoliberal policies. Which I think only makes more people apathetic.
Vote Harris. Even with the most pessimistic view, Fascism now is still much worse than Fascism later.
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So you understand that Harris being more progressive would get more votes and help beat trump…
But because it’s so important to beat trump…
You think no one should publicly comment that Harris being more progressive would get more votes?
Biden isn’t the candidate anymore, there’s a decent chance Harris might listen and give voters what they want Or are you saying you don’t think she ever will?
No, I myself have advocated repeatedly that Harris should be more progressive. That was just my analysis of why some people don’t like to hear it, even if they are voting for her.
Honestly, I don’t think she will part from Biden on anything from what I’ve seen. I think it’s a big mistake when trying to gain as much votes as possible. She should have pivoted on things Biden is unpopular on.
I was extremely enthusiastic for the Harris ticket once Walz was picked, but after the DNC I got disillusioned. Still voting Harris, but I won’t stop advocating for things I feel like she needs to change on in the meantime. Maybe she’ll pivot after election, assuming she wins, but I kinda doubt that. If there are major national protests that force her to change, maybe. I’m not sure public organizing, including unions, is quite there yet.
