Joseph Cramer’s recent letter eloquently detailed the many problems with Donald Trump’s governance that led him to leave the Republican Party. Those should have made Trump and his cronies unelectable, but many voters were swayed by Democratic leaders’ shortcomings: unwillingness to acknowledge mistakes, failure to offer compelling plans for immigration and affordability, and a reputation for elitism and drifting too far left on cultural issues. Unless Democrats effectively address these concerns, many Americans will continue to feel they have no good options at the ballot box.
Democrats must continue to resist Trump’s degradation of our government, rule of law, public morals, alliances and global standing. But they must also articulate a clear vision for our future and a concrete agenda for governing. Their plans should include: a humane, orderly immigration system, including legal immigration to meet our needs for labor and expertise; respect and support for Americans whose well-being is threatened by rapid technological change and the costs of education, housing, and food; expanding access to affordable, high‑quality health care; and a return to science-guided policy and regulation.
They should also prioritize broad access to the benefits of technology; safer, more resilient infrastructure; renewed and sustained efforts to slow climate change and adapt to its impacts; rebuilding an efficient federal government and applying laws and policies rigorously, expertly, and fairly; robust oversight of technologies, including AI, to limit risks to our democracy and future; redeveloping and expanding strategic partnerships with nations that share values of rule of law, equality, competition, and compassion; and a rational, collaborative approach to defending our country and our partners from malevolent actors and dictators.
In pursuing their vision, Democratic leaders must commit to honesty and truth, reject fearmongering, deception, and demonization, focus on opportunity rather than handouts, and practice genuine inclusiveness. Project 2027?
Charles Norlin, Salt Lake City
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