A couple of weeks ago, it was a frustrating time to be a Democrat. The Iowa Caucuses were all sorts of crazy. People were being very mean to each other about it online. And the Senate had just acquitted Donald Trump. It was a bummer for everyone and an extra bummer when you're job is convincing people their individual vote matters and that they have the ability to hold elected officials accountable and make a difference. Stuck in a funk and determined not to spread my spread my negativity, I started asking everybody I came in contact with what makes them feel optimistic about the 2020 Election. Here are some of their answers:
(Note: I didn't ask permission to share so these aren't attributed, but if one is you and you'd like credit just let me know.)
First here are mine: (I gave myself permission to share)
1) The Caucus location I attended in Iowa was like 200 Latino voters (it was a Spanish/English satellite location) many of whom were not just caucusing but REGISTERING to vote for the first time. For the Iowa Caucus, which is not exactly a low threshold to engagement.
2) I feel 95% confident that the Presidential ticket will include at least one woman or person of color.
3) I can think of great reasons to get excited about ANY ONE of the potential Democratic nominees even those that weren't my first or second choice.
4) There's so much passion and energy for primary candidates. If we all came together we'd be unstoppable!
And verbatim from my friends/colleagues/Internet strangers:
1) THIS
2) The early, broad investment in voter protection programs in 20 states. (Thanks to ^^^ this woman)
3) I think we'll take back the [Minnesota] State Senate. That makes me happy.
4) Republicans constantly saying and doing dumb shit. It is a steady flow!
5) I think Georgia is going to finally get real battleground status, something I've been screaming into the void about for the better part of a decade.
6) I’m excited when I see my peers at school wanting to be engaged and slowly feeling more comfy talking about politics.
7) Okay, I’m a numbers person. When the numbers don’t work the only thing I can do is fight like hell. When they do, I still fight like hell but am happier all around. This little known person has a methodology much like mine and she sees some good possibilities for 2020.
8) My smart, beautiful friends working on campaigns.
9) The activation of new candidates and volunteers since 2016, turnout from the midterm, and seeing many of those people still excited for 2020.
10) Increases in turnout in every election since 2016. Gen Z is starting to be able to vote.
11) Based on the polling, the candidate I think will win the nomination is in the best place to beat Trump.
12) Other than the deep intelligence of so many of the candidates (which is real and important), I like knowing that this is a long game and the majority of voters will not remember what happens in these early days yet.
13) Late 30’s millennials aging into higher turnout years.
14) Trump barely won last time and has never had a net positive approval rating.
15) People engaging with new and more nuanced ideas on the Dem side.
16) The focus on state legislatures: mobilized candidates competing to complement top of the ticket dynamics, low dollar (and high dollar) investment, all coming during sky high turnout immediately prior to redistricting. Capturing trifectas or at least blocking Republican trifectas can have a positive impact on our politics for the next decade before it's too late.
17) Trump’s approval being underwater in most swing states.
18) Campaigns are investing in communities of color.
There were more but the ones I got told verbally I forgot to write down :(.
So tell me...what makes YOU feel optimistic about 2020?
