When Democrats Vote …

By JAMES EGGERT

It seemed like a miracle.

When we woke up Nov. 7, 2018, we learned, to our surprise, that Wisconsin Democrat Tony Evers had edged out two-term “entrenched” governor Scott Walker.

With so many obstacles to overcome for the Democratic candidate, how did Evers do it? Indeed, Walker seemed to have many built-in advantages including some the Republican’s main talking points:

Historically low unemployment: from a high of 9.3% at the beginning of Walker’s governorship down to 3%.

• Lowered property taxes for most homeowners.

• Frozen University of Wisconsin tuition.

• A budget surplus.

• Tax credits for farmers.

• A $10 billion foreign (Foxconn) investment to build flat screens in Wisconsin; in the plan, the company pledged to create some 13,000 new jobs in the state. Walker brought in President Trump to break ground for the project.

• Generous financial backing including money from the Koch Brothers.

• Various efforts to engage in voter suppression.

In addition to the incumbent’s natural advantage, Walker was running in an off-year election that, in Wisconsin, tends to favor Republicans.

So how did Evers pull it off?

I believe the answer in this election and future elections (think Nov 2020) lies in a simple message on a campaign button Evers wore; it had only five words:

WHEN DEMOCRATS VOTE DEMOCRATS WIN!

Evers and his campaign knew this, of course. In addition, Democrats were helped by Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s effective get-out-the-vote effort, plus a higher black turnout inspired by Mandela Barnes, the victorious black candidate for Wisconsin’s lieutenant governor.

Unfortunately, Republicans are also aware of Evers’ “When Democrats Vote Democrats Win.” Chances are that they are already attempting to fine-tune their methods of voter suppression for the 2020 election.

As a former educator, I believe that the best way to confront this danger is to spend political resources educating the public as to how voter suppression works. As a sample advertisement, something like the following might be effective:

WARNING TO DEMOCRATIC VOTERS!!

(Narrator)

“The Russians and the Republicans do not want you to vote! How could this be?

According the Mueller Report, the Russians sowed discord, confusion, and mistrust of the electoral process resulting in thousands and thousands of voters deciding to stay home on Election Day. You know this when you hear someone say ‘Oh they’re all corrupt, what’s the point of voting?’

The Russians also organized fake anti-Clinton (“Lock her up, lock her up”) rallies. They used fake websites and biased social media to disseminate disinformation.

In addition the Republicans have engaged in a form of voter suppression by requiring voter ID and in some cases, “scrubbing” voter’s names from registration rolls.

Republicans were responsible for shooting down a proposal to make Election Day a paid national holiday that would have made it easier for all voters to vote. Republicans have also been pushing for restricting early voting. (Keep in mind: they do not want you to vote!)

Finally, Republicans have been the main beneficiaries of gerrymandering where politicians wind up picking their voters instead of voters picking their politicians. This practice often guarantees that those in power stay in power.

Democrats. Don’t be fooled by the Russians and Republicans. Your vote will count. Remember:

When Democrats Vote Democrats Win!

Along with the victories of Wisconsin’s Governor Evers, Mandela Barns, Tammy Baldwin and others, you too will be able to feel that sense of empowerment and exhilaration when your candidate wins and you too become a participant—with many others—of directing our nation’s trajectory into the future for our kids and grandkids.

Plan to make your vote count on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020.”

James Eggert is a retired economics professor at University of Wisconsin-Stout and is the author of “Meadowlark Economics: Exploring Values for a Sustainable Future.”

From The Progressive Populist, March 1, 2020

Populist.com