As we near the midterm elections, campaign talking points seem
connected to yesterday’s headlines. They are dominated by the prices of food/gas
and the building of data centers in voters’ backyards. The Democrat’s political ads attack the
draconian policies and executive orders of President Trump. Republicans, in an
attempt to remain the majority party, falsely label progressive democrats as
“communists.”
While this negative rhetoric may motivate voters, we deserve
better. Voting should not only be an emotional, knee-jerk reaction based on the
latest grocery store receipt, Trump pronouncement, or inaccurate label.
The midterm elections offer a critical choice between two contradictory
views of America’s future. To understand these differences will require the
informed voter to pull back the curtain and to study the established public
policy goals of Republicans and Democrats.
This commentary will offer no opinion on individual
candidates. Instead, it will outline some fundamental party differences for
voters to consider, on the economy, our democracy, and on cultural issues.
The Economy. The
often-repeated Republican goal of “shrinking the size of government” is only
the tip of its economic policy. The real Republican story in recent decades has
been one of increasing hardship for those who depend on wages and on public
services while sponsoring generous government benefits for those who own
assets.
Under Republican leadership, “assets” receive preferential
tax treatment while wages have not kept pace with inflation. In addition, social
services to help the disadvantaged have been cut or terminated.
Republicans are united in their desire to reduce public
spending that does not promote the accumulation of private wealth. The party
counts on more affluent Americans who own real estate, businesses, stocks/bonds,
and robust retirement accounts to support them.
Democrats are focusing their midterm economic message on
lowering the cost of living and criticizing the Trump administration's tariffs
and handling of inflation. At least three proposals are being discussed by
Democratic candidates. First, increasing the federal minimum wage. Second,
expanding paid family leave, sick leave, and equal pay measures. Third,
supporting targeted student loan relief.
The two economic elephants in the room that no candidate is
talking about are funding social security and lowering the national debt.
Voters should demand that candidates take a position on each before it is too
late.
Democratic
Institutions. There are fundamental differences in the way Republicans and
Democrats view the presidency. Republicans have adopted a “Unitary Executive
Theory.” This principle asserts that the president has absolute authority over
the entire executive branch, including independent agencies. Republicans view presidential power as a tool
to dismantle the "deep state" (federal bureaucracy) arguing that
unelected agency officials hold too much unchecked power.
Democrats contend
that President Trump has abused the increased authority granted to him by the
Supreme Court. They point out that he has refused to follow long established
guidelines regarding diplomacy, treatment of immigrants, destruction of federal
buildings, and while president, self-enrichment/acceptance of gifts. They argue
that Trump is attempting to turn America into an illiberal, more authoritarian nation.
Democrats generally view the presidency as an instrument for
positive social and economic change. They believe a strong executive is
necessary to check corporate power, protect the environment, and manage public
safety.
To be fair, Democrats are not above bypassing Congress to
achieve goals. They will not hesitate to pressure their presidents to utilize
executive actions to advance positions on student loan forgiveness, immigration
protections, and green energy initiatives. Democrats believe
that independent federal agencies require robust, enforcement
authority to regulate corporations, public health, and finance.
In connection with voting, Republicans
focus heavily on unproven election fraud. They prioritize measures such as
strict photo identification requirements, regular maintenance of voter rolls,
and limitations on mail-in ballots. Democrats
prioritize expanding access to the ballot box by advocating for federal
protections to expand voting rights, automatic voter registration, and mail-in
voting.
There are fundamental disagreements regarding the role of
the free press and media. Republicans often label mainstream media outlets as
partisan actors hostile to conservative voters and candidates. Democrats view
the free press as an essential pillar for holding leaders accountable and
countering disinformation.
Cultural Issues. The
two parties vehemently disagree on many social and cultural issues, including LGBTQ+/gender
concerns, and abortion/ reproductive rights.
On education and race, Democrats favor diversity, equality
and diversion (DEI) programs and support affirmative action. Republicans seek
to eliminate these programs, and favor giving parents taxpayer funded education
choices for their children, often to the detriment of public education.
Regarding immigration, Republicans favor strict border
security, deportation of undocumented immigrants, and a focus on preserving a Christian
national culture. Democrats lobby for a path to citizenship for undocumented
immigrants, seek humanitarian processing at the border, and view immigration as
a core strength of our nation.
Lastly, on religion and public life, Republicans want Judeo-Christian
religious beliefs to be “spotlighted” in the public square. In contrast,
Democrats aim to follow the Constitution and to maintain a firm separation of
church and state to protect a diverse, pluralistic society.
There are of course many other lenses through which to
examine the two political parties and their candidates. Views on Artificial
Intelligence, foreign policy, and constitutional law come to mind.
My point is that before voting in this year’s critical
midterm elections, we should take the time to study and understand the policy
positions each candidate will support if elected. Democracy depends on educated
voters.
