Precisely
Just a quick pointer to an excellent article at Freedom Democrats that hits exactly the message I’ve been trying to push:
Democrats need to realize that while some of their liberal issues may break 50%, they need to focus on a higher bar of 60% or more. Something like a slim majority of Americans being pro-choice isn’t going to be enough. They need to find issues that go beyond the liberal base. In my opinion their best bet is to reach out to libertarians. What, did you think I was going to suggest they become more authoritarian?
The reason I suggest libertarianism is my belief that social issues will trump economic issues for many voters that appear to be swing voters on paper. A pollster may find a large number of voters who are pro-life and want the government to help pay medical bills. On paper this group may appear to be a group that the Democrats could win over. But when you consider the intensity of their views it is likely that they’ll pick the party of social conservatism over whatever economic liberalism is offered by the Democrats. Or just stay home.
…
If you can craft a piece of legislation dealing with an issue like spending, taxes, corporate welfare, or even trade, that receives the support of BOTH liberals and libertarians you have found a clear “60% issue.” And that, my friends, is victory for the Democratic Party.
I pray there are some cool heads in the Democrat establishment who can see the wisdom here. I’m afraid I haven’t seen them yet but I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
