Should We Create A Shadow Government?

For much of Joe Biden’s Presidency, it seemed like Donald Trump often continued dominating the news cycles, continuing to articulate his particular brand of revisionist history, combined with lies, misinformation, reliance on disproven (often inane and absurd) Conspiracy theories, and attempting to convince a significant portion of the American Public, his perception of being a great President, presiding over a peaceful era, and stating how wonderful his economy was, regardless of the facts. He built-upon his original campaign slogan, Make America Great Again, and that led to an extremely loyal base of core supporters, who often appear to be closer to a cult than a traditional political movement, known as MAGA! Whether one strongly supports him or opposes him, all must admit Trump is expert at getting his face on the air waves, and appealing, emotionally to the fears, hatred, prejudices, perceived xenophobia, and poor-me resentments of a significant component of potential voters.

As chaotic and creating an emotional roller coaster, and dangerously polarizing our citizens, in his first term, after the approxinately-first month of Trump 2.0, the nation seems even-more polarized and rocked, than last time. We were partly protected, the first time around, because some of his nominees for Cabinet positions and advisors, were more-traditional, and had experience in their positions, while this time, it seems the single-most essential qualification is blind-obedience and loyalty to him, even over their duties to the nation!

Therefore, if the Dems and independents hope to be able to change things for the better, going forward, they must learn from the Trump playbook, and create a sort-of Shadow Government, which articulates and explains alternatives, which better serve all Americans. This means they should agree to have some of their better spokespeople speak directly to the public, using Town Halls, other meetings, and effectively use the media. It will mean appealing not-only to their base, but appealing more-broadly, understanding what they perceive and want, and explaining a better path forward! They must also, speak-out on actions and ideas expressed by Trump and his minions, concentrating on issues which citizens perceive as most essential and important!

It must begin sooner, rather than later, beginning focused on the so-called bread-and-butter issues, and why Trump’s way is far-worse and less effective than a well-considered alternative. For example, when Trump speaks about tariffs, the Dems must constantly respond, in easy-to-understand ways, explaining how tariffs have always raised consumer prices, and are therefore, inflationary! They must repeat their basic message, for example, proclaiming, Trickle Down never has, and that the proposed tax plan, is predominantly, Welfare for the Wealthiest, apparently focused on primarily benefited the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations, often at the expense of the rest of us! They need to do so, with easy examples and numbers, so people will accept them. The Dems must contrast the Trump/GOP Plan, with their own, which should create an additional tax bracket, for those earning over about $500,000, of only about 2.5% extra on those levels of earnings. They must propose an alternative plan to better protect Social Security benefits, while also enhancing funding, by introducing an extra 1% or so payment on income over $1 million, going directly to Social Security, and a 0.25% extra payment to Medicare for thos earning at that level. Contrast that to the GOP plans, which should be portrayed as against the needy and the middle class, and predominantly favoring the elite! They must directly address some of the most challenging areas, such as an immigration system which prioritizes deporting criminals and dangerous individuals, and a fairer, more humane approach to the vast majority. They must explain how Trump’s appointments are perhaps, the worst ones for making our system work better. They must strongly link Trump, as Musk and Putin’s Puppet, and as an angry, ill-informed, dangerous individual, on so many levels! Issue after issue, this Shadow Government, must quickly and proactively respond, not only negatively by merely disputing facts, etc., but by offering a better, well-considered alternative path! Since, presently, the Republicans control all three branches of Government, and now, even the military and FBI, etc., Dems must show themselves to be the safety net, protecting our people, nation, and the world. They must show how the Trump approach, in public health, tax reform, human rights, humane treatments, and immigration, as well as his targeted, revenge-focused approach to DOJ, AG, FBI, etc., are harmful to the nation, and our future! They must show how the Inconvenient Truth cannot be denied or avoided, but, rather proactively addressed (Climate Change, environmental protection, etc.). Every issue of consequence must be responded to, but they must be careful to avoid being-baited by Trump, etc.

So, who might be the right types of people to be the messengers? Clearly, it seems Pete Buttigieg is an effective, smart communicator, who can calmly but effectively offer a different vision. We have already seen Bernie Sanders take the alternate message to Red States, appealing to the many 2024 Trump voters who now feel played! Every Sanders rally has seen thousands attending! Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy has stepped-forward, showing he is ready to carry the torch, and effectively message! Illinois Governor Pritzker, and Maine Governor Janet Trafton Mills have shown they are not fearful and/or intimidated! Congressman Raskin from Maryland has proven himself as a leader and an effective spokesperson. To certain segments of our population, Representatives AOC and Jasmine Crockett, etc., have clearly shown themselves as fearless, strong leaders. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Dems must realize and recognize to many Americans, theirs is a toxic brand! They cannot permit Trump and his minions to control the airwaves or the national discussion, but must be ready, willing and able to provide a meaningful, compelling, effective, well-considered message which motivates supporters to follow, and accept theirs is the best=path forward. The message cannot and should not, merely be anti-Trump, because that doesn’t compel enough people. Messaging must be inclusive, detailed-enough, effective, well-considered, and convincing. They must reclaim the airwaves and the Social Media and Internet interactions. For example, for many years, the right-wing Joe Rogan podcast had the largest audience, by far, but recently, the left-leaning Meidas Touch has surpassed it! People like Marc Elias, and his group, Democracy Docket have represented the cause in courts, to stop Trump from abusing our laws and Constitutional protections! As Hillary Clinton stated, It takes a village!

This Shadow Government must include several qualified, open-minded specific experts, and think tanks, and a well-considered alternative plan and playbook, must be used effectively and employed! There is no space, or time for procrastination or fears, but rather, this must be able to step forward, consistently, to immediately fact-check all the lies and Conspiracy theories, quickly, and vocalize an alternative approach and vision.

Wake up America, before it’s too late! Resist. Persist. Unify. Look at the bigger picture. Reach out across America. Our nation’s 248-year old experiment in our unique form of democracy, is at-risk!