I recently had coffee with a Veteran who had voted for both Trump and Wittman. He mentioned his dissatisfaction with Wittman.
“Everything costs more and he’s done nothing to push back against Trump. I’m ready for a change because these politicians are not helping any of us but giving everything to the rich. I’m researching the primary and I’m torn between you and a couple of others. Why should I vote for you?”
After explaining my background, my experience, and my vision for Medicare for All, taxing the billionaires and getting big money out of politics, he said, “We have a lot more in common than divides us. I’ve made up my mind - I’m voting for you.”
Here’s the thing that the Democratic party can learn from our conversation: I didn’t have to employ any centrism to win his vote. I stayed true to my values and our policies. And we earned his vote.
This primary is the most crucial election, even more important than the general election, because we get the opportunity to choose our fighter against Rob Wittman. Our neighbors are ready for revolutionary change, not more of the same under a different party.
This primary allows CD-1 voters to have a progressive, community-oriented option against Wittman and to keep universal healthcare, universal childcare, climate action, and other critical policies on the ballot in November. We are the most viable, progressive option, which is why every bit of support matters in this race.
We have 5 more days until our primary, which is why it’s the most crucial time during our campaign. While our opponent is flooding the airwaves and mailboxes with advertisements funded by super PACs, we’re investing in grassroots voter outreach and we URGENTLY need your help.
Can you sign up to canvass, phone bank, and/or send us a $5, $10, $25, or $50 donation? Every amount of support counts as we are in the final days of this election.
5 DAYS LEFT! NOW IS THE TIME TO GET INVOLVED!
Sincerely,
Salaam
PS: Saturday is the last day to early vote.
Many Democrats of all ages want the "progressive" policies you are endorsing, Salaam. The trick to your winning over more Democratic votes (at least with many "established Democrats") is not to label the Democratic Party or certain elected Democrats or Democratic-aligned organizations as "centrists" or "establishment," but to keep promoting your positive platform for change. For many long-term Democrats, labels like "centrists," "establishment," etc., are turnoffs - maybe even scary. They want to be assured that you can - and will - work well with all elected Democrats. They know that getting new, more progressive policy approved in Congress requires diplomacy and compromise. And, as we all know, change takes time. It's all about developing relationships with all Democrats, just like you did the Republican whose vote you just earned!