Here's what the Democrats are doing wrong

[loyalsister]

10. Bragging about the economy for one

Low unemployment numbers don't mean what policy wonks think they mean to people working more than one job. In my region as that bragging was going on, umeploment was 4% with poverty at 20%.

It is an economic trend that did not break over the course of 2 Democratic presidency. Medical debt, low wages, student loans, the 2008 crash all contributed. If you aren't a person living under those conditions, you might know one. Not many people see themselves represented in government. They obviously aren't part of the numbers that are supposed to reflect success of office holders. They are not interested in platforms and they are reasonably angry.

Meanwhile, voters are supposed to be placated by Warren Buffet and the fact that there are some nice rich people. But, the doesn't mean a whole lot if your employer is greedily profiting from low wages.

Dems keep selecting candidates who have the advantages of education and lots of good luck. Even when they come from modest backgrounds they are perceived as having entered a the world where they are among the rich who are getting richer. People want to be represented on the stage. That doesn't mean being angry at the other party for standing in their way. It does not mean a wealthy individual angry about an investigation that will never amount to more than an inconvenience as they return to their comfortable lives. Governance does not imply relatability and solutions to everyday problems.

They are angry at creditors, about not getting raises and promotions. Angry that the cost of cable and internet access are so out of control that they can't afford them. Angry that they had to resort to a payday loan to pay the electric bill. Angry that they couldn't buy health insurance and paid the fine instead.

Meanwhile, they are bombarded with condescending advice to solve the problems they will never have. Get a different job. Go to college. You wouldn't have to spend so much on healthcare if you'd lose weight. Don't eat out. Don't buy junk food. etc. etc. Then, every couple of years someone is asking them for a vote that gives them a good salary.

There is no platform that fully addresses the everyday struggles of going alternating having gas, electricity, or phone service in any given month because they can't afford all three. Then looking around and wondering what will become of their children when they grow up.

It is not just poor and working class people. People whose incomes qualify as middle class have these experiences, too.