Until two weeks ago, the political reality of the Trump administration had been defined by rabid feelings for it on the part of its core base of support, and rabid feelings against it on the part of the Democrat’s base. This reality, and its reflection in Congress, left Trump feeling that his only hope for success was to do everything possible to please his core supporters, the only people he could depend on.
Trump has never been an ideologue. He certainly has very little in common with his core supporters. But he used what he knew would work to get himself elected. I do not even believe that Trump is a racist, a homophobe, or a white supremacist/anti-semite, at least no more so than the average person. But he is an opportunist and amoral, so he will do anything that he sees working to his benefit.
And therein lies the opportunity. I have previously advised that the only hope of changing the direction of this administration, or at least ameliorating its harmful impact, is by convincing Trump that it is to his advantage to tone down if not shift his more damaging directives.
How? By showing him that his only hope for major legislative successes is by working with Democrats in Congress, not his Republican colleagues. This has now begun to happen, thanks to the smart work of Senator Schumer.
He wants these successes badly. Whether it’s on infrastructure, tax reform, or health care reform, Democrats can give him the successes he wants while at the same time forwarding their own agenda and helping the average person.
It's a win-win situation, except for the most rabid elements of the Democratic left. But those elements should not be the drivers of policy. Their support will not determine the outcome of the 2018 mid-term elections. It is the turnout by average working-class people and the poor that will make the difference.
They must see that the Democratic party is working in very positive, direct ways to make their lives better. Hillary lost in large part because of her loss of their strong support. The Party must regain their trust and support.
