by
Kathleen Crawford, PCDP Controller, former PCDP Chair
Two words keep coming to my mind - unprecedented and complacency.
Both words are very relevant to Placer voters, especially the persuadable NPPs, who must vote with Democrats to protect our democracy from the real threats to our constitutional guarantees of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as we all learned in high school civics.
Yes, this is unprecedented as it is interpreted differently by both sides of the spectrum. Trump's voters are roughly 40% of the national electorate. They are very energized and motivated by an angry response to what they consider the weaponization of the criminal justice system. The Trump "victim" campaign appeals to his base supporters. On the other hand, too many Democratic voters who are entrenched at roughly 40% of the national electorate are "vindicated" by their agreement that a jury of his peers unanimously convicted him on 34 felony counts. The remaining 20% of national voters are weary of the polarization by both parties and less than impressed with either party nominee. They wonder why it is important to vote when nothing seems to change.
Facts seem irrelevant as the spin keeps each group in its orbit. This is true with slight deviations for Placer County voters.
The Biden campaign and Democrats' Achilles Heel may be my second word - complacency. This election will be won on the margins of an electorate not energized by either candidate. I recently heard those voters referred to as the "double-haters." Motivating this group of disaffected voters will be a difficult task ahead. If Democrats get complacent because "Americans won't elect a convicted felon," or the false equivalency of "it doesn't matter; both candidates are terrible," then it is quite possible to lose the electoral college in the key swing states. The "unthinkable" has happened before (Trump 2016) and could happen again. History does repeat itself.
What do we do to protect our democratic values for women's bodily autonomy, civil rights,, including LBGTQI+ persons, and economic and educational opportunities for all? We must begin with conversations with family and friends about why we are involved and what we need to protect. We must not fall for the false equivalency of "both nominees are terrible, nothing changes, so my vote doesn't count." We have to face the facts. It is up to us to be the agents of the change we need.
There is plenty of opportunity to engage at every level, nationally, in the Presidential, Congressional, and Federal Senate races. Down-ballot races for state assembly, state senate, county board of supervisors, school boards, and city council races all need volunteers. Your involvement can be anything from canvassing to telephone banking, text banking, and house parties. Each time you are involved, bring a friend. Don't forget donating - money is very important for communicating to voters and paying organizers to structure effective outreach and messaging.
You will be offered many volunteer experiences! Don't wake up on November 6, 2024, to news reports similar to those that shocked you in November 2016. Our effective and hardworking activists must wipe out complacency. Join us starting in June!