What do the polls say? That it’s time to turn Americans into voters
Nate Silver explains that there is a distinct gap in Trump’s approval rating based on the methodology of the poll. In addition to performing better in polls conducted predominantly or exclusively online, Trump does much better when the poll consists of registered voters or “likely” voters, rather than all U.S. adults.
As Silver aptly notes, being disliked by the general public isn’t nearly as damaging as being disliked by those who show up at the polls.
This analysis should be familiar to progressives. Lower turnout has always benefited Republicans. Hence the herculean effort the GOP has undertaken to make voting as difficult as possible.
Hopefully, this data should drive home the point that winning big for progressives means getting more people engaged in politics, rather than fighting over the small sliver of the engaged electorate that is undecided.
Fortunately, I believe that a strong people-powered, populist progressive movement and message will accomplish the twin goals of inspiring more people to get engaged in the political process AND will appeal to the non-ideological types who voted for both Obama and Trump.
That sounds like a win-win, right? Actually, there are plenty who will disagree. The Democratic fundraiser/consultant cartel is fully wedded to the idea of doubling down on Hillary’s strategy of targeting affluent, Republican-leaning voters concentrated in the suburbs of major metropolitan areas. If they just spend enough money on TV ads portraying Republicans as knuckle draggers, they believe, Democrats will come out on top.
Suffice it to say, I believe the latter strategy is a dead end. There are millions of people across this country who are open to being inspired and engaged. But what they’re hearing on the airwaves hasn’t commanded their attention or respect. And frankly, why should it?
However, a grassroots movement based on face-to-face interactions that convey the impact of national, state and local politics on people’s lives –– at work, in their neighborhoods, in school –– could revolutionize politics in this country.
The seeds of the resistance have been planted. I’d like to think Democrats would help them germinate into votes.
