I can sit here at my desk and write all of the fancy verbiage, and make all of these lofty promises, but at the end of the day it's the results and actions that matter! As much as writing a plan seems silly and redundant, it is the simplest way to understand how such a massive undertaking would take place. Luckily, much of the groundwork has already been laid out!
I used the terms Millennials and Berniecrats earlier in this discussion, largely for the sake of perspective, but also because these are very real demographics that we need to address. Not just as a party, but as a society. Millennials are the generation of men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 who are entering the quagmire of adulthood and who will take up the reins of leadership sooner rather than later. Berniecrats are a specific branch of Democrats, much of whom were drawn to the party due to the extreme popularity of Senator Bernie Sanders and his Democratic Socialist platform. Both Millennials and Berniecrats were very poorly handled and utterly brushed to the side during the entire presidential election. This strategy is no path towards victory, because these demographics were the single most energized group of voters this country has seen in decades!
Our primary focus as a party moving forward will be to involve both demographics, and court this type of energy and enthusiasm across the spectrum as well as up and down the ticket. Millennials have a lot to lose and a lot to gain in the upcoming election years. Therefore, they should most definitely have a place at the table. Berniecrats span the generations, and have very strong beliefs that can bring the Democratic party left of center. Some of these core beliefs are Single Payer Health Care, free tuition at Public Colleges and Universities, and a livable minimum wage. Many people who support these ideas are energized, but they are absolutely furious with the Democratic Party for their indifference. So, the question becomes how to soothe those tempers?
Simply put, we owe them, and the nation, a big apology. With that, we must show sincerity, by involving them with the party going forward an implementing their agenda. It is my intention to encourage all Party Chairs, at all levels, to groom their replacements from the Millennial or Berniecrat mold because we need fresh eyes in the party, and because Millennials haven't been given the credit they so richly deserve. The younger generation of this country has so much untapped potential. It would be utterly disastrous to turn the other cheek as we move forward.
This strategy doesn't mean we alienate long-time Democratic loyalists. It means that we take what has worked in the past and augment with the virtue of youth. Party loyalists need to act as a mentor and guide for the new blood. I firmly believe that these next 4 years can be 4 years of growth and success by instilling a sense of pride and duty in the new class of Democrats through guidance and mentorship. It is time we work together as a party for the greater good and put our values to the test. If we are truly to be the party of the people, then shouldn't our primary focus be to ensure that those that follow have the skills to lead?
The bottom line here is this: Party Loyalty will no longer be the sole measuring stick of who gets what position or who gets the support to run for office. Our premise will be very simply: People, Country, Party. Always.
People first politics second.