There is a little over three months until the first caucus in Iowa, and the race for the Democratic presidential nomination is still highly contentious. There are increasing concerns over the party’s ability to field a viable candidate, from former Vice President Joe Biden’s uninspiring debate performances to the questionably ambitious platforms of the more progressive candidates. President Donald J. Trump has continued his targeted attacks on Democrats, showing no hesitation to aggressively challenge the Democratic hopefuls. Even former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton needlessly initiated a spat with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Mass.). With such concerns dominating news headlines, divisive rifts are clearly becoming a major issue and a potential hindrance to Democratic success. The party needs to shore up ideological divides and petty fights to have lasting success come election day.
It doesn’t seem like any solid ground has been made toward identifying a leading candidate to spar off against Trump. There are 18 candidates still in the field, and among those who have the highest support in the polls, the concerns over their chances of success in the general election are legitimate. Biden has lagged far behind the other leading candidates in fundraising. And considering the apprehension over voter appeal, it’s not just the progressive policies which have donors worried. For example, Pete Buttigieg’s appeal with non-white voters is a worry as well because of his low profile as mayor of South Bend, In., weak polling and relative lack of policy experience with minorities. All the while, Trump has continued his biting attacks on the candidates, slamming the Democratic Party both on Twitter and at campaign rallies. Among all the unease, it doesn’t help that the polls have been changing recently, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) seemingly making a push toward the top before the last debate, making it less clear which candidate actually has the most support among Democratic voters.
The truth is, there’s never going to be a perfect candidate. This race is too impassioned and divisive to produce a nominee that everyone loves. But the Democrats have to fix their unity problem to have a fighting chance in the general election. Right now, there are too many unneeded jabs occupying airtime and distracting from discussions of important policy issues. For example, Clinton suggested that Gabbard could be an agent of the Russians, employed to sow divide and ensure another victory for Trump. Such dubious speculation is a senseless distraction at a time when Democratic figures should be focusing their efforts on rallying support for the cause. The party should not let soundbites and character attacks frame its coverage in the media. Too much negative attention can lead only to perceptions of disorder and incompetence.
Equally ominous is the ideological divide. While the policies and stances of the candidates are the best ways to differentiate between them, implementation of such policies only comes with a Democratic president in the White House. It’s folly to assume a guaranteed victory over Trump, and the strong rifts between the moderate and progressive Democratic candidates help Republicans construe the Democratic party as extremely divided over ideology. The main focus should be on winning the overall election, so actions like greater emphasis in the debates on general election strategy and chances would help portray to voters a party committed to victory. The party doesn’t have to resign itself to only dreaming about what could be accomplished. For example, retaking the Senate is a very possible goal. Democrats shouldn’t let the presidential primary divide supporters, deter swing voters and raise disorder within the ranks. If candidates and voters come together to win, then the party could actually create substantive change rather than just dream about it.
So what should the Democrats do to win? Emphasizing the importance of victory in the general election seems like a good way to start. Encouraging candidates to run for the Senate and help retake it while also preaching ideological compromise would help the party unite around a common goal of electoral victory. Prioritizing unity over division seems like it should be an obvious answer, but given recent events, it’s less obvious than expected. If unity is the priority, the Democrats can create lasting success. If not, those who imagine an easy road into the White House will be in for a rude awakening on Nov. 3, 2020.
Spencer Moore (22C) is from Rochester, Minn.
