Trump has repeatedly fetishized the use of the military as domestic law enforcement, created a handpicked judiciary that ignores the need for regulatory oversight and legalizes corruption, and continues to praise the rise of repressive foreign powers as symbols of power. Much of the Democratic Party’s current turmoil is due to its vain search for assurances of his defeat, which cannot be assured without our joint efforts.
The tiny percentage of swing voters that small talkers always pay attention to make choices based not on age or infirmity, but on magic we can’t control or predict. We must appeal to these voters on the issues that matter to them. These voters need to know that a Trump presidency would mean even tougher crackdowns on abortion and birth control access, and that the failed real estate mogul won’t tackle the housing crisis. Trump’s economic plan and promised tariffs will reignite inflation and threaten to bring about a great recession. He’ll kill jobs again, not create jobs.
Our aggressive focus should be on engaging voters who don’t think about politics every day — voters who haven’t decided who to vote for, but whether to vote. If those voters give their full, direct attention over the next four months in key states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Biden can secure a decisive victory.
Those of us who believe in preserving the American Dream have a lot of work to do to remind voters that Biden is the man who saved our country from Trump. During our darkest hours, Biden worked every day to make our country stronger, safer and more prosperous. And he continues to do that hard work. But the consequences of his extraordinary record are not keenly felt by everyone.
During this first term, the Biden-Harris Administration has planted the seeds needed to restore American manufacturing jobs, protect the climate, modernize the nation’s infrastructure, and expand access to health care to millions. But like any sowing, the harvest will not come immediately. A re-elected Biden will nurture this progress, and we will reap the benefits. Trump vowed to destroy the ground and salt the earth. And that’s it.
By fielding a new, unproven candidate at this stage, Democrats risk destroying what they are trying to protect. A last-minute replacement candidate without an established campaign platform, resources, or a notable national track record would surely fragment our efforts and weaken our message.
Democrats must not fall into the trap of overcomplicating our political strategy to satisfy fever dreams of a silver bullet to success. Instead, we should focus on what we do best: building strong, unified campaigns from grassroots to grassroots, not the other way around. Our strength as Democrats lies in our ability to stay focused on people who need help and avoid unnecessary maneuvering that could jeopardize our mission.
Joe Biden’s leadership over the past three and a half years has brought stability and progress, and it is vital that we continue to support him. Instead of ignoring the temptation of doom loops and indulging in pointless worries, we must do the important work of re-electing Biden as President. He is the best person to ensure a more just and equal future for the United States of America.
Stacey Abrams is a former minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, writer, producer, and Fair Fight Action, Faircount And that Southern Economic Development Project.
