Election Day

Hello, I hope that your week is going well. 
 
Tuesday was a big Election Day – voters from around the country made their voices heard on issues big and small. 
 
Forward Party had a great showing with 5 new elected officials in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Connecticut! It’s a tremendous sign as to what we will be able to accomplish in 2024. 
 
Nationally, Democrats put up significant wins in Virginia, Kentucky and New Jersey – this has led some to think that Joe Biden is in great shape for 2024. 
 
The problem is that Joe Biden has singular qualities and weaknesses that voters are tuned into - primarily his age and his stewardship of the economy.  Voting for a young governor in Kentucky or a state rep in Virginia is a different thing than voting for an 81-year old incumbent President. 
 
Indeed, new polls came out this week saying that Trump is ahead in the swing states.  The drumbeat is consistent enough that a picture is starting to form. 
 
When I was running for President, I would often be asked about polls, which I would dismiss as missing the true energy and enthusiasm.  But when the voting started, the polls tended to be pretty accurate. 
 
I think the polls are accurate about Joe Biden’s standing; when I talk to Independent voters or young people about Joe, they often make a pained expression and shake their heads.  I don’t think betting that will change is the right approach. 
 
I’ve been supporting Dean Phillips as an alternative to Joe Biden.  Dean is what most Americans want: a sane, moderate 54-year old presidential candidate who will work to make things better.  I joke that Dean should change his name to Generic Democrat, because polls show that Trump loses to a generic Democrat by 8 points.
 
Why run an 81-year old with a 39% approval rating when you have a better choice standing right in front of you? 
 
Let’s take the right lessons from Election Day.  And work for better choices.

To check out Dean Phillips, click here.  To see what Forward is doing in your area, click here.