Here’s my Democrat platform for 2020:

1. Fix the ACA! Gently distance yourself from Medicare-for-All : it may be a litmus test in the primaries, but
it’s a big loser in the generals. Your position is that we must fix Obamacare before we’re in a position to
take the next step that would eliminate company sponsored private insurance for primary healthcare.
The Medicaid expansion must be fully paid for federally, government subsidies must be increased, and a
public options must be added.

2. A War on Poverty. Emphasize how those at the bottom have been left behind, and the unacceptable rate
of poverty in the US compared to how well the economy is doing. Champion the best of the evidence
based social programs that combat poverty, and emphasize how these same programs will also help
reduce income inequalities (when pressed, you say the problem is racial income equality, rather than class
inequalities).

3. End the Trade Wars! Democrats may not like globalism, but they also don’t like trade wars. There is
nothing else that would help the US economy more.

4. The Crisis of Social Security. Scare monger senior citizens – the system must be shored up, as we are
approaching an imminent crisis. Plus, it’s true!

5. Be a Deficit Reduction Hawk! It’s a time-honored political tactic – take the positions the opposition has
abandoned and champion them yourself. There a general sense of anxiety that the economic boom has
gone on too long and the party is about to come to an end. Play on those fears that we have to prepare
today for the recession that is coming tomorrow, and the previous administration’s policies have left us
too much in debt to deal with the next crisis.

6. Immigration and Border Security is so Trump Admin. Propose reasonable border security measures, but
your main line is : aren’t we all just tired of this? Can’t we move on?