Democrats can win in Florida in 2022. But they’ve got to follow this road map to victory | Opinion

For the first time in a generation, we’re investing in replacing crumbling highways. We’re poised to fix the potholes in the lives of middle-income families.

We can argue that Democrats, literally, build bridges, and Republicans tear them down.

Yet, the pundits of political trends predict 2022 will be another loss up and down the ballot for Florida Democrats.

Why?

Because it doesn’t matter that the new infrastructure law and the Build Back Better Act will make the lives of Republican families better. It doesn’t matter that those ideas will make it just a little bit easier for hard-working Republican families to make ends meet, healthcare more affordable and childcare more reasonable.

It doesn’t matter to Trump voters because, as I recently heard Bill Maher say on CNN, “Republicans hate us.”

Right now, elections aren’t about issues. How people vote and which party they identify with have become lifestyle and brand choices. It explains why you don’t see Republicans bother to propose solutions to deal with middle-class families’ angst about their finances, healthcare and retirement. It’s just not on their radar.

Florida Democrats need to do many things better, from voter registration to Hispanic outreach, to canvassing. But even if we put our time, attention and money into all those things, we will still lose.

Unless.

If Democrats want to win in Florida, the party must redefine what it means to be a Democrat or Republican. We have to perfect what Republicans have mastered when it comes to using words and terminology in messaging that resonates.

Trump made it simple by tapping into those who want to give the middle finger to everyone who’s not like them.

Republicans have done an excellent job using easy, inaccurate, but effective language to define all Democrats. We aren’t “Socialists.” We don’t want to “defund the police.” But simply worded attacks have more resonance than nuanced responses. It heavily contributed to Trump’s win in Florida and Democrats’ down-ballot defeats.

Republicans reduced Democrats to caricatures. In competitive seats, it’s nearly impossible for even a well-financed candidate to break through the cacophony of overly simplistic negative phrases.

We can, however, defeat Republicans by beating them at their own game. After all, Republicans have gifted us everything we need. “Strange and dangerous” isn’t only an accurate way to describe Trump’s Republican Party; it’s a catchphrase.

What’s needed is a degree of message discipline Democrats aren’t known for.

The Florida Democratic Party needs to become the “tip of the spear.” Let the candidates speak to our better angels while the Democratic Party calls out Trump Republicans for what they are:

· Republicans don’t propose solutions to any problem.

· Republicans foam at the mouth, muttering crazy conspiracy theories.

· Republicans are led by deeply disturbed characters like Matt Gaetz, Anthony Sabatini and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

· Republicans side with the insurrectionists.

· Republicans beat police with the American flag.

Democrats need to be blunt and relentless. Gov. DeSantis needs to be depicted as he appears when asked tough questions. He whines. He complains. He acts like the bully on the playground that no one likes.

It’s also crucial the Democratic Party make it crystal clear to candidates that if you want support from the party, then stay on message. The party will take on the Republicans. Let the candidates take on the issues. Democrats get things done. We build bridges. We fix roads. We care about your family, your checkbook and your kids. Candidates need to stick to the issues voters care about the most.

It isn’t how I want to win elections. I grew up inspired by JFK’s soaring oratory and challenge to all Americans.

I want to return to the days where there was an ongoing battle between Democrats and conservatives. A continuous push and pull between two sides over one goal of making America a better place for all its citizens.

But right now, this isn’t a battle to change the minds of Republicans. They’re not listening. This isn’t an effort to inspire Democratic activists to the polls. This is an attempt to win the votes of those who couldn’t care less about either party. Instead, they vote based on how they feel. Am I able to pay the bills? Do my kids have a future? Does it even matter whom I vote for?

Yes, it does.

Lay it all out like that. That’s how Democrats can win Florida.

Alan Cohn is a Peabody Award-winning journalist and was the 2020 Democratic nominee for Congress in Florida’s 15th Congressional District.