The Democratic Party is mired in disarray over Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and nine Democratic senators’ decision to preclude a government shutdown. Consequently, I would like to offer a cogent strategy promoting party unity and winning back congressional seats in 2026 and the White House in 2028.
First, the Democratic Party should consult with Rahm Emanuel and David Axelrod. They are moderate, centrist Democrats with a proven track record for success regaining the Senate and House of Representatives in 2008 while ushering the election of Barack Obama.
Next, focus on topics that are important to most Americans: crime, the economy, education and the environment. The Democratic Party needs to initiate nationwide listening tours. They need to actively court the labor unions, African Americans, Hispanics and women that were once core components. They need to offer a desirable alternative to the current administration and the Republican-controlled Congress.
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Furthermore, the Democrats need to proactively promote their platform via podcasts, news programs and television commercials. Please stop holding placards during joint sessions of Congress or brazenly interrupting speakers. You need to convince the American people that you are the political party that truly has their best interests at heart.
Finally, the Democrats need to objectively and consistently articulate their platform while refuting the actions of the current administration. America stands with its allies like Canada and Europe. Pressuring sovereign nations to be annexed by the U.S. is unequivocally wrong. Caring for the environment is an utmost priority. The Democratic Party must thoughtfully challenge the message, not the messenger.
America is at the pivotal crossroads of its existence. The stakes are high. The world is watching us. Now is the time for our leaders to embrace audacity and integrity. Failure is not an option.
Lawrence E. Bonk, Roselle
Schumer, Durbin must go
To have 10 Democratic senators, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Dick Durbin of Illinois, vote for the stopgap spending bill is shameful and disgusting.
I say that Schumer and Durbin need to retire and leave room for people who have the guts and determination to take on President Trump and Elon Musk. Schumer took the coward’s way out. Same for Durbin. No one is going to trust them anymore, so they should step aside.
Gerald Bernson, Tinley Park
$80,000 makeover
I read the Sun-Times story of the mayor asking vendors who do business with the city to cut their invoices because of tough economic times. I wonder if the mayor was thinking about these tough “economic times” while he spent $80,000 on his wife’s office in the Chicago Cultural Center (as reported by NBC5)?
Tony LaMantia, Logan Square