I've been watching a few of the speeches at the DNC this week, and there seems to be a common theme which has emerged - a positive direction that does not require an adversary. As difficult as it is to avoid, the democrats have to avoid campaigning solely on how bad Trump is. He makes it hard, he crosses every line and pisses off everybody and you want to just rant about him and how awful he is. But the speakers at the DNC seem to recognize that it's not enough to sustain a real political movement to just be the alternative to an awful person. Even when that person is a rapist felon bent on overthrowing the principles of the nation. In the short time since Harris became the presumptive nominee, the democrats seem to have found a larger purpose behind their political movement, with actual inspiration and drive that is completely independent of whatever it is Trump is after. I think it's healthy, and sets them up for a much stronger and more motivational political movement. Campaigning on being not-Trump allows Trump to define your campaign, it's automatically a reactionary and dictated position.
Some of my friends have been handwringing over the criticisms of how the democrats have been running their campaign. But from what I can tell, the Harris campaign and others in the democratic party truly understand what they're doing.
The republicans have ceded far too much of American principles to the democrats. It makes inspirational campaigning so easy. When you can say something as simple as keeping the government out of the bedroom and away from your healthcare decisions. When you can say something as simple as respect for others even when they make decisions you don't agree with. And something that simple and universal actually sets you apart! It actually enunciates a real difference! It makes campaigning so straightforward.
