Looking back, it’s almost easy to understand why many rank-and-file Democrats were absolutely shell-shocked by 2016’s election results.
The economy was slowly improving, then-President Barack Obama was still personally popular (though his policies were not), and the Democratic Party nominated one of their most experienced insiders to contend for the White House. To make matters seemingly more convenient, the Republican Party selected a foul-mouthed reality television star with no political experience whatsoever to oppose her.
So, what could possibly go wrong? This image adds a little bit of context.
The reason the Democrats lose with the average American — both in 2016 and going into the midterm elections in 2018 — is their image as being profoundly anti-American.
This goes far deeper than their stated goals for unraveling nearly every socio-political tradition that has made the United States the lone superpower on the world stage. It isn’t just their increasingly anti-capitalist approach either — its their imagery. It’s really hard for a political faction to gain favor with people who simultaneously suggest their entire way of life is problematic.
It’s that simple: Americans want their leaders to be pro-American, and the Democrats are failing at presenting themselves in this light.
~ Facts Not Memes