Let’s face it. The only available oppositional force that can stop MAGA at this time and in the foreseeable future is the Democratic Party. Nothing suggests we can depend on Republican politicians losing their fear of offending MAGA leader Trump.
Two things jump out for attention. First, the Administration’s drive for power, its quest to demonize and silence any opposition, and its authoritarianism are putting into question the survival of our foundational systems and principles. From that perspective, it’s incumbent that there be an oppositional force that can be successful.
Second, right now, the Democratic Party does not have sufficient support, confidence, or trust among the majority of the electorate. And that’s scary, given the stakes.
Quite a few commentators and politicians have set forth ideas for a winning Democratic message. There are multiple perspectives and messages without a unifying vision or message, except for the negative assessment of Trump and his administration. Time is running out. In the short term are the upcoming mid-term elections. Even a win there would not guarantee success in election year 2028. It’s only after that election that the challenging work of righting our ship of state can begin.
In this post, I first use some recent polling data that reflect strengths and weaknesses of the two parties, with particular focus on where Democrats can attract some segments of 2024 Trump voters with the right messaging. Based partly on that data, I then propose a vision for the Democrats that would build more trust and support beyond the midterms and start the process of healing and leading Americans back to focusing on what unites them rather than on what separates them. In proposing a vision for consideration, I do so as a concerned citizen worried about what the failure of the Democrats at the polls would mean for the country. I acknowledge, however, that I have no experience in political strategizing.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Before crafting a message, it is essential for Democrats to assess honestly their weaknesses and strengths. In regard to weaknesses, there are significant challenges to overcome. In the latest polls, neither party commands much enthusiasm: Republicans have 40% favorability rating vs 37% for the Democrats. 45% of voters are registered as independents. This group generally dislikes polarization and extremism, believes average citizens are ignored because of money in politics and special interests, and finds both parties out of touch and not governing ethically or honestly. This and other data suggest the best strategy for Democrats to be successful, at least in the long run, is to make significant changes and concede that in some respects they contributed to the problems experienced by Americans that drew them to Trump.
On the other hand, certain developments are providing Democrats with brighter prospects for the mid-term elections. Perceptions of the economy and overreach on immigration and other matters by the Administration are taking a toll on Trump’s support. In latest polls, young and nonwhite voters have shifted back to their voting preferences held before the 2020 election that Biden won (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/22/upshot/trump-poll-analysis-times-siena.html). Latinos have definitely pulled away from the MAGA coalition of voters. But none of these developments necessarily put Democrats in a stronger position for 2028 elections or build more support for the Democratic Party brand.
Understanding the Coalition of 2024 Trump Voters
Longer-term success requires Democrats to make more substantial inroads into changing the minds of voters who cast their ballot for Trump in 2024. And that requires an understanding of the coalition of MAGA voters and what messages and policies can weaken it.
The nonprofit research organization More in Common recently conducted in-depth study of 10,000 of these 2024 Trump voters. They identify four distinct categories of these voters: MAGA Hardliners (29%), Anti-WOKE Conservatives (21%), Mainline Republicans (30%), and Reluctant Right (20%). (https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/01/trump-roles-supporters-categories/685706/). The 3rd and especially the 4th above-mentioned groups offer the Democrats the most hope for peeling away Trump votes.
This study (https://beyondmaga.us/) is nuanced and detailed and worth reading by anyone trying to figure out how to win over some of these voters. Why I say that can be gleaned from its conclusion:
The coalition’s internal differences run through nearly every major issue facing the country. On immigration, some want mass deportations while others prioritize border security with paths to legal status. On democratic norms, the Reluctant Right insists on constitutional limits while majorities of other segments are ready to test those boundaries. On faith, some see America as fundamentally a Christian nation requiring government protection while others prioritize religious freedom and pluralism.
Yet these divisions within the Trump voter coalition exist alongside striking agreement: America is in crisis, the political establishment has failed, and the other side holds them in contempt. Whether the coalition endures may depend on whether these shared frustrations remain strong enough to override differences about deeply-held identities and about what lines should not be crossed.
But understanding the breadth of views within the Trump voter coalition also suggests that America’s path need not be one of deepening division. Americans’ differences and disagreements should not be minimized, but the battle lines of recent years rarely capture the complexity within coalitions — nor the commonalities across them.
Without denying the challenges ahead, the study offers some hope for the US as a society, as well an opening for Democrats. Based on its findings, messaging, for example, should avoid indicating that MAGA voters are contemptible and imbeciles, that is, avoid the kind of rhetoric that thrives on Bluesky. It is disrespectful, of course; but it is also counterproductive because it just adds fuel to the belief they already have that they are held in contempt by the other party. And given that this is not a monolithic block, it makes no sense to be making provocative sweeping generalizations as to their being white supremacists, for example.
And shouldn’t Democrats themselves agree with the MAGA coalition that the political establishment has failed when big money rules, Congress consistently fails to pass ameliorative legislation, including meaningful immigration reform, and increasingly fewer people enjoy middle class status, with the younger population increasingly feeling that it is unattainable? Both Republicans and Democrats have used the same kind of data to support the idea that the economy runs better under their leadership. But those data are not sufficiently pertinent to what many are experiencing.
A January 2026 Pew Research Center poll in comparison with a similar poll in February 2025, offers some additional information about cracks in the MAGA coalition. All measures of the Trump administration showed decline in this past year; but the key piece here is the decline was virtually all due to responses of Republicans and those who lean Republican. The percent drop among this group from last year for various responses about Trump and the administration was as follows: respects the country’s democratic values 60% to 52%, acts ethically 55% to 42%, picks goods advisors 60% to 50%, administration’s action have been better than expected 53% to 41% or worse than expected 10% to 20%. Democrats will wonder how the percentages could have been so high a year ago and why the drop is not more precipitous, but the drop is nonetheless significant. The issue of democratic values and the ethics of Trump is surely fertile ground for the Democrats to make gains especially if they can convince more voters that they are better leaders and more trustworthy on those issues.
Towards a Sustaining Vision and Message
As David Brooks wrote, Biden was right to see the 2020 election as a battle for the soul of America; but articulating a corresponding vision for such a battle is not, as he says, typically a Democratic Party strength. But as we saw above, this is what is needed.
The vision needs to address questions about who we want to be as a people and nation, what do we stand for, what are our foundational guidelines, how should we treat others, what gives us purpose, what kind of world do we want to leave for our children? It should be understandable to the voters, simply stated, and translatable into action.
My suggestion would be to group the vision under three themes: (1) decency, fairness, the golden rule; (2) the common good; and (3) the rule of law and democratic principles and processes. The stress is on what Democrats stand for, with what they oppose flowing from their positive beliefs. This approach will reduce the temptation to rely too heavily on negative messaging. The vision also allows flexibility for individual candidates to customize their message, and it does not generally lay out specific legislation or programs.
Theme One: Decency, Fairness, and the Golden Rule
We believe in an American society characterized by standards of decency, fairness, and the golden rule in treating one another. This includes a spirit of truthfulness, civility, compassion, and gratitude to those who contribute to the well-being of the country such as our families who are raising our future generation, veterans, and foreign democratic allies. The spirit of truthfulness and decency includes acknowledgement of where we fall short of these ideals, now or historically, coupled with continued efforts, for example, to reduce discrimination and its effects. Hate speech is protected by the constitution, but it is not a responsible and moral use of free speech. Nor is lying or fake news.
It is our goal to promote such a society through governance, programs, and policies. And the only measure of how great America is resides in how close we come to embody these ideas as a society.
Like our founders, we believe in the separation of Church and State, but recognize that what religions have in common can be a powerful ally in creating such a society. Especially powerful is a belief that we are all children of God and a focus on helping one another and transcending immediate gratification and self-interest.
We recognize that adults in leadership positions serve as role models for our children who represent the future. We therefore believe it is incumbent for our elected and other leaders to model human decency and to exhibit compassion, civility, and integrity.
We, therefore, stand in opposition to partisan efforts to characterize opponents as scum or even traitors, target select racial/ethnic groups and undocumented immigrants* with verbal abuse, lies, or threats of deportations to generate fear in voters. We find reprehensible public officials who role model for our children bullying, lying, and refusing to take any responsibility for their own actions, the very things self-respecting parents do not want their children to grow up to do. We also oppose efforts to impose the dictates of any particular religion on all citizens regardless of their beliefs.
*This currently hot-button item needs clarification for voters. We support the idea of effective border control and the deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit serious crimes or serial lesser offenses. However, other undocumented immigrants, 45% of whom have been in the US for 20 years or more, have established lives and families here and have contributed in various ways to the good of our society. Most came here to make better lives for their families and found work in businesses that needed their labor. Many of their children were born in the US and know no other life. Yes, they are guilty of a misdemeanor; but targeting these families and children in their homes and on the street with an extra-legal army of federal agents and threatening them with incarceration and deportations is simply not morally justified, nor is it in keeping with any biblical texts.
The American political system has failed them and American citizens. The end of the Bracero Program, which legally allowed seasonal laborers from Mexico to cross the border, did not end the desire of businesses to hire such workers, but they could no longer just come for a season since returning was no longer legally guaranteed, which led to the rise in the number of full-time undocumented immigrants who moved into cities where businesses needed them as year-round employees. Under Reagon, a law was passed in 1986 that legalized 3 million undocumented immigrants. With little enforcement at the border and little or no repercussions on businesses who hired them, undocumented immigration continued without any further legislation. In 2013 the Senate passed a bipartisan immigration bill that opened up a path to citizenship for these immigrants, but the House refused to consider the bill for Republican partisan reasons. Then in 2024, there was a Senate proposed Border Act allowing for funding for border control and expedited asylum processes with tighter requirements. The bipartisan bill never came to a vote because Republicans bailed once the bill was opposed by Trump, saying he could better handle the immigration issue once he was elected. At the time, he was presidential candidate. And so President Trump arrived, who with his advisors, seems to view immigrants in general negatively unless they are white, and now an army of agents has been created to roam our streets and deal with what is said to be a national emergency because immigrants are being characterized as drug dealers, fake voters, and the cause of many of our domestic problems. But those are unfair accusations. In fact, statistics indicate rate of criminal convictions is significantly lower for undocumented immigrants than US citizens.
The most humane and moral approach at this point would be to pass legislation somewhat like the 2013 Senate-passed bill that created a path to citizenship for those in good standing or at least a path to legal status, with sufficient funds set aside to create adequate border control so we do not continue to face the same situation again and again.
Theme Two: The Common Good
We believe in an America where political parties, officials, voters, businesses and corporations keep the common good in mind when making decisions and setting policies. Excessive focus on self-interest will not make America great.
We believe in an economy that works for everyone, which includes the existence of a strong middle class. Government statistics rely too heavily on certain aggregate measures showing an economy performing much better than what is experienced by typical households. Those families are worried about having sufficient funds to afford children and provide for their education, buy a house, or save anything for retirement or health emergencies. Those are the kind of measures we should be giving greater weight to in order to determine the health of the economy. Share of total income and wealth has been declining except for the wealthy over the last 40 years. From 1948 to 1979 American productivity was up 97%, and the corresponding wages and benefits for production/nonsupervisory workers increased 91%. However, between 1979 and 2013, productivity was up 74% but corresponding wage and benefit increases for the same class of workers was up just 9%, with the rest going to corporate profits and high wage earners. Between 1979 and 2017, the wages of the bottom 90% increased by 22%, the top 1% by 158%, and the top 0.1% by 343% (“Decades of Rising Economic Inequality in the U.S.,” Economic Policy Institute, 2019). These continuing trends have largely been spawned by trickle-down economics of the Regan years, with diminished taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
Not surprisingly, then, many, particularly young adults, are now doubting the American Dream or the possibility of obtaining a middle-class life. And the reality is a child growing up in the US is unlikely on average to do better than their parents. The current MAGA administration convinced voters that it could reverse these trends, but Trump’s Big Bill mostly added to the wealth of the wealthy and reduced their taxes. The year before that bill, Amazon’s tax bill, for example, was 9 billion dollars; this year, as a consequence of that legislation, its tax bill is $1.2 billion even as its profits jumped by 45 percent to nearly $90 billion (https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/06/amazon-emerges-a-big-winner-from-gop-tax-cuts-00768985).
We believe it is time to reverse these trends, restore a viable middle class, and undo our reliance on trickle-down economic theory and exclusive corporate focus on profits and the interests of shareholders. Extreme inequality actually weakens the overall strength of the American economy.
We also believe that government regulations and programs need to be periodically reviewed to ascertain whether they are fulfilling their goals. Circumstances change and there is always the threat of unintended consequences making the regulation ineffective or even counterproductive. On the other hand, MAGA’s indiscriminate attacks on regulations weaken safeguards of the common good. The wholesale obliteration of environmental regulations puts at risk our quality of our lives and those off future generations.
Finally, we recognize the need for quality-of-life measures that work for everyone. Sadly, in all studies measuring well-being and happiness across the world, the US rank has been in decline. For example, In the 2026 Global Social Progress Index, which measures basic needs, foundations of well-being, and opportunity, the US ranked overall 32of 171 countries, down from ranking 18 when this index began in 2011. The US now ranks 47 in K – 12 education, 45 in health care, 66 in housing. And 99 in safety! This is cause for concern. These measures indicate the extent to which Americans are flourishing. We can and must do better.
Theme Three: The Rule of Law and Democratic Principles and Processes
We recognize that America is in crisis on these matters, and support legislative action to reduce the major factors that are contributing to it: big money in politics, special interests, excessive partisanship that works against the common good and the will of voters, the high cost of campaigning with constant need to raise funds from big donors, and the frequent lack of legislative action to solve real problems, which lets them continue to fester or leaves them up to a court or the Executive to deal with.
Ideally, such action would be undertaken in a bipartisan way. A potential benefit of political parties is they keep each other honest and focused on the common good as they craft legislation. They are a scourge if they are focused on gaining or maintaining their own power. Americans deserve legislators who all work for their interests.
We believe in the right of Americans to protest peacefully and criticize the powers that be or their policies. We thus stand opposed to undemocratic partisan action on the part of the Executive, in conjunction with the legal system and Department of Justice, to bring retribution to supposed political opponents, define them as domestic terrorists, or withhold funds from states or localities governed by a different party. The MAGA idea that politics is all about power and any opponent or critic is the enemy is contrary to democratic principles on which this country was founded.
We believe in the rights of citizens to vote and in efforts to encourage and facilitate that right. Like the founders, we believe in a strong (public) educational system to prepare the next generation of voters to govern themselves and focus on the common good.
Contrary to MAGA partisan claims that elections they lose are rigged, no evidence has ever surfaced that suggests there is any substantial fraudulent voting taking place, including the lie that Democrats have brought undocumented immigrants here to vote for them. Such partisan claims undermine faith in the bedrock of democratic processes.
Nor should there be partisan efforts to intimidate voters, manipulate the process in any way to secure partisan advantage, curtail the convenience of mail-in-ballots and drop boxes, or require identification that may not readily be available to all voters. All parties should make a pact to stop efforts to gerrymander for partisan advantage; voting districts should be configured by an independent agency. Only iron-clad evidence of significant voting abuse can justify policies that make voting more difficult.
Finally, the electoral college needs to be reformed. Electoral votes should be awarded on the basis of the percent of vote each candidate receives in each state; otherwise, those who cast a vote in a state for a losing candidate lose any direct input into the national result or they may simply not bother to vote, thinking it pointless if they live in a state where their candidate would not likely receive a majority of votes. Such a change would encourage national candidates to meet voters in all states, not just the swing states.
We believe in a separation of powers, with each branch of government having set responsibilities and limits. The Executive branch should not legislate or intimidate legislators, subvert Congress by using or withhold funds contrary to the will of Congress, and govern by executive fiat. Certainly the Executive should not use his office to enrich himself, his family, or his allies. Such actions undermine our democratic processes. The courts can only do so much to reign in such overreach even if they have no partisan preferences. Ultimately, it is up to the citizens to vote wisely and give due weight to the character and morals of candidates.