Even though remnants of the summer may not be totally gone — there’s usually some beach-worthy days ahead and crowds are still enjoying outdoor dining, Fall isn’t felt to be in full swing for many of us as yet. Despite the kids being back to school, we still haven’t bought the Trick or Treat candies or even thought about turning the clock back. But rest assured. There’s a new season rapidly approaching. It’s not weather-related, and perhaps more turbulent: The November election season. No longer can candidates and voters think and act with less intensity, clinging to the mindset of waiting until “after Labor Day” to actively engage. Labor Day was here and gone. The November elections are on, with us a full-court press. Every detail counts. Time to pay attention. And that time is now..
Elections at all levels are subject to controversy, confusion and questions. Certainly, this November’s elections involving candidates for offices from Congress to NYC Mayor, are no exception. And current frustrations in America’s politics are not only about one individual, but about the collective identity of the American people: Our values, our traditions, things we thought mattered and the things we thought of as being our right, not as a privilege. Clearly, the devastating experience and impact of the coronavirus helped to rip away and expose our vulnerabilities and inequities as a nation. Raw and shattered became our sensitivities and trust. Yet, despite the injustices the pandemic revealed — its lack of preparedness and leadership--the American flag (albeit often at half-mast) still flew over every government building throughout the nation, “God-Bless America” was still sung at half-time and there was still Macy fireworks on the fourth of July.
There was a time, not long ago, when the Democratic Party was generally considered the political party of middle-class working families, and the Republican Party was associated more with big business and the wealthy corporate 1%. Yet lately, as many political pundits and historians have written, citing polling data for factual backing, there’s been a change — which some would call a reversal of party ideology, identification and a shift in party affiliation by many voters, as well as recruitment success of new voters who might have previously aligned themselves much differently. The Republican Party has been trending toward a coalition of multi-racial, working-class, blue-collar, high school graduates, while the Democrats now have a larger share of followers among white college graduates and what many call: “the elite ”. And that’s not all. Union support for Democratic political candidates is no longer 100% assured nor is a pro-Zionist stance 100% guaranteed. Times have clearly changed.
Many wonder what conclusions can be drawn and ask: “What do we do now?” “What’s our next step?”. Do we have an establishment progressive party and an anti-establishment conservative party? Some would point to radical fringes on both sides. The question begs an answer: With so many factions in both parties have their previous, main-stream core beliefs and fundamental values become too hard to define, or perhaps vanished all together? They have dwindled to the point of uncertainty. They seem blurred, vague and ever-changing — causing alarms to go off. Many ask: “What do we really stand for” ? Is there no longer a middle road…only edges? Many worry: “Can obscurity be far behind”? Today, it’s not easy to explain where some candidates stand on certain issues. Their stand can change…” evolve” is the phrase they use to describe a platform change, which is more likely the result of a new poll than enlightened ideology. Moreover, when elected and in place to legislate and govern, the practice of bi-party support on certain issues, seems to be a relic of the past. Unlike when President Clinton took the oath of office, waiting for him on his desk at the Oval Office was a letter from the outgoing President George H. W. Bush, which read in part: “You will be our president when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you. Good Luck, George.” From a Republican president, to a Democratic one, one could ask, is this a gesture gone forever?
Also, large numbers of voters are no longer affiliated with either party. They’re turned off by both — no surprise there! Many voters show interest in having a choice that includes third party candidates. And in the New York City Mayor’s race, there were three candidates running on independent lines. Two of them, having very high-profile names – one of whom, Eric Adams, just dropped out. All of this makes for a very interesting 2025 election season…one that also presents unique opportunities for the candidates.
So many factors — from big to small — all backed by countless surveys, focus groups and consultants brimming with fresh ideas and nuance-savvy advice to guide every aspect of a candidate’s life, whether a first-time contender or a seasoned politician working to keep the win column. From the candidate’s appearance to how they express themselves — perhaps valued even more than what they say — will be researched, orchestrated, rehearsed and made spontaneity-free. The guidelines and guardrails will be installed. Stump speeches created, responses to reporters’ questions memorized and the appropriate demeanor from somber to cheery will be practiced and ready to apply.
With baby boomers and senior citizens, who until most recently served as the largest and politically savvy voting population starting to decline in number, and with the current push to entice younger, new voters to the polls, how to effectively reach voters has become the topic of the day. Surely, for such diverse voting populations and so many variables, a “one size fits all” solution will not work. But what medium to use? From TikTok and Instagram to oversize post cards in the mail, to drive-time 30 second radio ads, audience demographics will be analyzed, scrutinized, tested and tested again to help predict who, what or where are the best influencers?
Coincidently, after years of declining numbers, union membership shows signs of making a comeback. Currently, there are many examples of workers in industries throughout the nation previously thought to be out of the possibility of unionizing. From Amazon to Starbucks to McDonalds — workers are slowly but surely signing-up. The method used to get them on board may be old-fashioned but tried and true…. union workers talking to their fellow workers. They know the problems. They see the solutions. They wear the same uniforms. They are trusted as “one of us” and their co-workers listen. The same tactic can be used by political candidates. While the various social media platforms, catchy TV ads, high-profile interviews and lawn signs have proven to reach many voters, nothing beats talking directly to people — shaking their hands — coming face-to-face with them where they live, shop, worship and play. Gone are the “whistle-stop” campaigns. No more waving to candidates as they pass by. People want to talk to candidates — get a vibe — they want to see them. And, more importantly, people need to feel like they were seen too.
So, perhaps in this time of great change — this time of altered dictionary definitions and role reversals — the use of the “up close and personal” approach of unions, should become the template for political candidates as well. Knocking on doors, sitting at a voter’s kitchen table and asking: “What’s your biggest worry?”, making personal phone calls — not robo calls, taking selfies, and demonstrating in every way possible that you really “see” one another, has never gone out of style. People, young and old, still the value the “human touch”. That has been the labor movement’s secret weapon for recruiting and retaining members. It has helped to sustain us throughout the years despite the union bashers and busters.
