I think the complaint is prices. All of the things your experts say seem correct. But people are pissed about prices being too high, and while they may have quit rising, “We’re working on many aspects of the economy” is like prescribing antibiotics to treat a broken leg.
And its everything from select groceries to cars to houses to rent to…you name it.
Biden desperately needs to have a big visible win by having Gina Raimondo publicly jawbone the big (and only) four of the meat packing industry into a big price cut. Or Marcia Fudge persuade some of the Canadian and American hedge funds who have an outsize control of the rental market to lower prices. Others will follow suit.
This will persuade many in the electorate that Biden is fighting for them. With results. Heck, I’m sure people in those cabinets know what big industries are price-gouging and which are most vulnerable to pressure.
The Blueprint research produces, among others, these two findings: (1) voters are mostly concerned about prices; and (2) voters think Republicans focus on big business and the rich.
Add to that this finding: "Companies such as CVS Health, Kroger and T.J. Maxx parent company TJX appear to have raised their prices unnecessarily in 2020 and 2021 at a time when Americans were dealing with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, Accountable.US said in a new report" and ""When corporate profits are at their highest levels in nearly 50 years and companies are showering their shareholders with billions in new benefits over the last year, it raises serious questions whether industries like retail have had to hike prices on families to such excessive degrees," Accountable.US President Kyle Herrig said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch." (CBS News, May 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retail-price-gouging-lowes-amazon-target-accountable-us/).
Who are the Republicans fighting for? Who are the Democrats fighting for?
There is a tie between what we stand for and what we deliver - it's pretty direct but it needs to be said.
Democrats stand for opportunity for everyone, equally - and we deliver access to health care, public education, even smooth roads and bridges, so that you have the opportunity to work, learn, visit your family, pursue happiness. We stand for justice for everyone, equally - and we deliver organized labor rights, respect for the rule of law, fair taxation, so that you have a just society where you work, play, learn, and live. We stand for freedom for everyone, equally - and we deliver the right to vote, the right to choose, the right to travel, so that you can enjoy the freedom to speak, freedom to worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear, as FDR put it 80 years ago.
All of this is "the economy" because you cannot enjoy economic success without freedom, justice, and opportunity. Freedom, justice, and opportunity are the foundation of the United States of America, and they are the values that Democrats embrace. They are the values that drive Democrats to fight the fights they take on and to deliver for everyone, equally - yes, economically, but the economy works because we fight for and deliver on these values. And because we hold these values, you can expect Democrats to continue to fight for you, all, equally, for years to come.
I think the Blueprint research is likely representative of the current priorities of younger folks. TikTok is full of posts from the 30 and younger crowd struggling to afford groceries, rent, and paying off their student loans - and forget about owning a home. I would surmise that when they hear politicos talk about the economy being great, their first question is, “For who?” They indeed may have a well-paying job, but they have to commute an hour each way because they can’t afford an apartment in the city where they work. Grocery prices continue to rise. Childcare costs are outrageous. Add in student loans, and their budgets are exceptionally tight. I think messaging about how great the economy is doesn’t reflect the current quality of life for many Americans, specifically younger Americans. For the messaging to be successful, it must recognize this reality.
Great points and references. Will pursue all today. It seems that we have to appeal to emotions more than factual data. What makes Trump’s appeal so durable is that he has given voice to his followers. He has validated their grievances. Admittedly an easier cynical task to tap grievance but he is quite good at
it and it is obviously a skill not everyone possesses. Witness the rest of the Republican field. Joe Biden possesses strong relatable qualities . He is empathetic, honest, down to earth, and good to the core. Sell that with a simple repeatable refrain that shows understanding and care coupled with demonstrated competence to deliver. And hit back at the hypocrisy Trump tries to sell.
Not sure it's just appealing to emotions, which is what Trump and the MAGA crowd do so well. I think of it (I canvass during campaigns, which means a lot of guided but unscripted moments) as using the factual data but adding a cap that is: ...and here is how that benefits you, or here's how that's made a difference in our community.
I agree with you wholeheartedly about Joe Biden. I have been an admirer since his days on the Foreign Relations Committee. He is literally the type of person we see far too seldom in politics these days.
There’s one day where every democrat and every lefty loved Biden: when stood with the UAW during the strike. This needs to be the message imo. Biden and democrats are pro union, pro workers rights, pro small business, etc. Republicans cater to billionaires and want workers to die in a concentration camp in Atlanta (maybe say it better than that idk)
From my rando perspective, Biden was on an increasingly strong trajectory before Israel/Palestine. Sam Seder was on board, and he’s not on board with like, anything. The online left was really jazzed about the rise in unionization, and Biden standing with workers. Some of this is reminding people of stuff Biden has done that they like, but aren’t thinking about because of the atrocities overseas pummeling our social media pages.
So true. I am excited for the forward-thinking part of the campaign to start. That usually happens first in the State of the Union, it seems to me. That's when all the plans for the next term are floated. I hope to see housing cost reduction plans, rent reduction (or assistance!) plans. I would love to see the playing field between homeowners and renters evened up by seeing tax credits for renters for rent expense and utility expense (at the same ratio that homeowners save on interest costs). Make it a credit not a deduction so taxpayers who otherwise owe no tax get the credit in cash.
If you didn't go to college, but instead a trade school, or learned on the job to be a carpenter or concrete worker or licensed practical nurse or medical technician, another credit for certain tools, uniforms, and other equipment. If we can afford it for tuition, we should afford it for those in the Trades.
That sort of thing will start to attract the attention of an awful lot of working-class voters and their families. We can't win being seen solely as the party of college educated voters.
If the world is lucky enough to see Netanyahu voted out of office, I hope some or all of the hostility and cruelty to the Palestinians will disappear with him.
Thanks Dan. I look forward to your thoughts about how we can be loud and proud of Biden and Democrats in general. Time to go on offense. The Republicans’ economic record is dismal and it’s ridiculous they somehow are perceived as more competent in this area.
Joy Scott here, subscriber and fan. Here's a Facebook post linking to a Fakchex article summarizing five accomplishments to celebrate this holiday season (thanks to our President - we are reminding people that things are really good). (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=677605091167081&set=a.432365319024394). Fakchex presents facts about controversial topics (in Substack and on www.magenta-nation.com) for reading, sharing, motivating "squishy" Democrats, educating new voters, combating disinformation, etc. It's a tool for us all to be information warriors. It's non-partisan, based on credible research sources, and free. This meme is useful throughout next week. Fakchex posts new material every week and can be used by anyone. I'm a communications professional and Fakchex is (one of) my contributions to helping this country get back on track. Thank you so much for all the great work you are doing!
What I'd like to have in my pocket next time I'm canvasing?
Here's what Biden/Dems have done, here's what they're fighting for right now, and here's what they'll do if we win in 2024.
I know what they've done, but what are they doing right now? And what are their economic priorities for a second term?
For my area, with includes a Biden-district Republican, I sure hope that the cost of housing, cost/availability of childcare, and cost/accessibility of healthcare are in there somewhere. Hidden fees on concert tickets and airfare are the least of these people's worries.
I think the complaint is prices. All of the things your experts say seem correct. But people are pissed about prices being too high, and while they may have quit rising, “We’re working on many aspects of the economy” is like prescribing antibiotics to treat a broken leg.
And its everything from select groceries to cars to houses to rent to…you name it.
Biden desperately needs to have a big visible win by having Gina Raimondo publicly jawbone the big (and only) four of the meat packing industry into a big price cut. Or Marcia Fudge persuade some of the Canadian and American hedge funds who have an outsize control of the rental market to lower prices. Others will follow suit.
This will persuade many in the electorate that Biden is fighting for them. With results. Heck, I’m sure people in those cabinets know what big industries are price-gouging and which are most vulnerable to pressure.
Gove us a tangible result to brag about.
The Blueprint research produces, among others, these two findings: (1) voters are mostly concerned about prices; and (2) voters think Republicans focus on big business and the rich.
Add to that this finding: "Companies such as CVS Health, Kroger and T.J. Maxx parent company TJX appear to have raised their prices unnecessarily in 2020 and 2021 at a time when Americans were dealing with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, Accountable.US said in a new report" and ""When corporate profits are at their highest levels in nearly 50 years and companies are showering their shareholders with billions in new benefits over the last year, it raises serious questions whether industries like retail have had to hike prices on families to such excessive degrees," Accountable.US President Kyle Herrig said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch." (CBS News, May 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/retail-price-gouging-lowes-amazon-target-accountable-us/).
Who are the Republicans fighting for? Who are the Democrats fighting for?
There is a tie between what we stand for and what we deliver - it's pretty direct but it needs to be said.
Democrats stand for opportunity for everyone, equally - and we deliver access to health care, public education, even smooth roads and bridges, so that you have the opportunity to work, learn, visit your family, pursue happiness. We stand for justice for everyone, equally - and we deliver organized labor rights, respect for the rule of law, fair taxation, so that you have a just society where you work, play, learn, and live. We stand for freedom for everyone, equally - and we deliver the right to vote, the right to choose, the right to travel, so that you can enjoy the freedom to speak, freedom to worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear, as FDR put it 80 years ago.
All of this is "the economy" because you cannot enjoy economic success without freedom, justice, and opportunity. Freedom, justice, and opportunity are the foundation of the United States of America, and they are the values that Democrats embrace. They are the values that drive Democrats to fight the fights they take on and to deliver for everyone, equally - yes, economically, but the economy works because we fight for and deliver on these values. And because we hold these values, you can expect Democrats to continue to fight for you, all, equally, for years to come.
I think the Blueprint research is likely representative of the current priorities of younger folks. TikTok is full of posts from the 30 and younger crowd struggling to afford groceries, rent, and paying off their student loans - and forget about owning a home. I would surmise that when they hear politicos talk about the economy being great, their first question is, “For who?” They indeed may have a well-paying job, but they have to commute an hour each way because they can’t afford an apartment in the city where they work. Grocery prices continue to rise. Childcare costs are outrageous. Add in student loans, and their budgets are exceptionally tight. I think messaging about how great the economy is doesn’t reflect the current quality of life for many Americans, specifically younger Americans. For the messaging to be successful, it must recognize this reality.
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/us/politics/housing-aid-rent-costs.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-prices-and-spending/
https://blog.dol.gov/2023/01/24/new-childcare-data-shows-prices-are-untenable-for-families
Great points and references. Will pursue all today. It seems that we have to appeal to emotions more than factual data. What makes Trump’s appeal so durable is that he has given voice to his followers. He has validated their grievances. Admittedly an easier cynical task to tap grievance but he is quite good at
it and it is obviously a skill not everyone possesses. Witness the rest of the Republican field. Joe Biden possesses strong relatable qualities . He is empathetic, honest, down to earth, and good to the core. Sell that with a simple repeatable refrain that shows understanding and care coupled with demonstrated competence to deliver. And hit back at the hypocrisy Trump tries to sell.
Not sure it's just appealing to emotions, which is what Trump and the MAGA crowd do so well. I think of it (I canvass during campaigns, which means a lot of guided but unscripted moments) as using the factual data but adding a cap that is: ...and here is how that benefits you, or here's how that's made a difference in our community.
I agree with you wholeheartedly about Joe Biden. I have been an admirer since his days on the Foreign Relations Committee. He is literally the type of person we see far too seldom in politics these days.
There’s one day where every democrat and every lefty loved Biden: when stood with the UAW during the strike. This needs to be the message imo. Biden and democrats are pro union, pro workers rights, pro small business, etc. Republicans cater to billionaires and want workers to die in a concentration camp in Atlanta (maybe say it better than that idk)
From my rando perspective, Biden was on an increasingly strong trajectory before Israel/Palestine. Sam Seder was on board, and he’s not on board with like, anything. The online left was really jazzed about the rise in unionization, and Biden standing with workers. Some of this is reminding people of stuff Biden has done that they like, but aren’t thinking about because of the atrocities overseas pummeling our social media pages.
So true. I am excited for the forward-thinking part of the campaign to start. That usually happens first in the State of the Union, it seems to me. That's when all the plans for the next term are floated. I hope to see housing cost reduction plans, rent reduction (or assistance!) plans. I would love to see the playing field between homeowners and renters evened up by seeing tax credits for renters for rent expense and utility expense (at the same ratio that homeowners save on interest costs). Make it a credit not a deduction so taxpayers who otherwise owe no tax get the credit in cash.
If you didn't go to college, but instead a trade school, or learned on the job to be a carpenter or concrete worker or licensed practical nurse or medical technician, another credit for certain tools, uniforms, and other equipment. If we can afford it for tuition, we should afford it for those in the Trades.
That sort of thing will start to attract the attention of an awful lot of working-class voters and their families. We can't win being seen solely as the party of college educated voters.
If the world is lucky enough to see Netanyahu voted out of office, I hope some or all of the hostility and cruelty to the Palestinians will disappear with him.
Thanks Dan. I look forward to your thoughts about how we can be loud and proud of Biden and Democrats in general. Time to go on offense. The Republicans’ economic record is dismal and it’s ridiculous they somehow are perceived as more competent in this area.
Hi Dan,
Joy Scott here, subscriber and fan. Here's a Facebook post linking to a Fakchex article summarizing five accomplishments to celebrate this holiday season (thanks to our President - we are reminding people that things are really good). (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=677605091167081&set=a.432365319024394). Fakchex presents facts about controversial topics (in Substack and on www.magenta-nation.com) for reading, sharing, motivating "squishy" Democrats, educating new voters, combating disinformation, etc. It's a tool for us all to be information warriors. It's non-partisan, based on credible research sources, and free. This meme is useful throughout next week. Fakchex posts new material every week and can be used by anyone. I'm a communications professional and Fakchex is (one of) my contributions to helping this country get back on track. Thank you so much for all the great work you are doing!
Joy Scott, joy@scottpublicrelations.com
What I'd like to have in my pocket next time I'm canvasing?
Here's what Biden/Dems have done, here's what they're fighting for right now, and here's what they'll do if we win in 2024.
I know what they've done, but what are they doing right now? And what are their economic priorities for a second term?
For my area, with includes a Biden-district Republican, I sure hope that the cost of housing, cost/availability of childcare, and cost/accessibility of healthcare are in there somewhere. Hidden fees on concert tickets and airfare are the least of these people's worries.