There are at least two approaches for Democrats to win in 2020. One approach is for the Democrats to run as moderates with more civility than Trump. Advisors who are counseling this approach hope Democrats will not lose too many left leaning Democrats and can pick up enough disaffected Republicans to plug the gap. The other approach is for Democrats to run on policies that redress economic inequality, including taxing the rich. This approach promises to appeal to those who suffer from inequality, but may be so disillusioned they will not even attempt to overcome the barriers to voting.
There are two reasons Democrats should follow the second approach. First, inequality is destroying this country. A democracy cannot exist when 1 percent of the country controls 40 percent of the wealth. This inequality means that political power is also disproportionately held. And this unequal political power means that shortly, other laws, such as inheritance laws, will further shift economic and political power to the top one percent.
Second, gaining the support of those who have suffered the most from inequality is a safer bet than hoping Republicans elevate civility above their taxes. It is the approach that Trump used to win de-industrialized areas in the Midwest. But, despite the booming macro indicators on the coasts, there are plenty of people who could use the support of their government. Democrats need to do the right thing.
There are two reasons Democrats should follow the second approach. First, inequality is destroying this country. A democracy cannot exist when 1 percent of the country controls 40 percent of the wealth. This inequality means that political power is also disproportionately held. And this unequal political power means that shortly, other laws, such as inheritance laws, will further shift economic and political power to the top one percent.
Second, gaining the support of those who have suffered the most from inequality is a safer bet than hoping Republicans elevate civility above their taxes. It is the approach that Trump used to win de-industrialized areas in the Midwest. But, despite the booming macro indicators on the coasts, there are plenty of people who could use the support of their government. Democrats need to do the right thing.
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