Building Forward: Reframing the American Political Story |
In my most recent essay on these pages, I defined the existing threats being generated in this nation against Jews, leading to the possible end of the “golden age of American Judaism”. In confronting this new reality, we would remind ourselves that this is not a Jewish problem alone, as what we are experiencing involves the disassembling of American democracy, and Jews appear to be caught up in the unfolding political diatribes and tensions of this moment.
The “fix” associated with this nation must be anchored around legitimate change, not merely political rhetoric. When liberal democracies fail to deliver economic outcomes, people become more open to illiberal political alternatives, resulting in an expansion of hate and racism, the targeting of immigrants, and attacking existing political elites. The collapse of the Weimar Republic in Germany, leading to the rise of Nazism, may represent the prime example of this type of political condition.
In responding to this scenario, two elements are essential:
Deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Restore trust ensuring that institutions are responsive.
Unless government can deliver on both of these measures, reclaiming democracy will be problematic.
To capture the attention and interest of the public, an essential requirement involves coalitional politics. Historically, in America, major “democratic renewals” occurred when moderates from across different political factions aligned. In understanding the significance of this principle, three case examples are noted here:
The New Deal coalition built by Franklin Roosevelt was embraced by farmers, the urban working class, and a host of minority and ethnic groups.
The postwar liberal order shaped by Harry S. Truman was constructed with players both within government and beyond.
The civil rights campaign inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. involved a broad cross-section of institutional players from various faith communities as well as key labor and business constituencies.
To build such a coalition model today will require three elements: centrist democrats, mainstream conservatives, and political independents. A shared baseline framed around a commitment to democratic values and the rule of law serve as central tenets.
Today, there are a number of organizations already working in this space, including:
Braver Angels https://braverangels.org/
No Labels. https://nolabels.org/
Protect Democracy https://protectdemocracy.org/
North American Values Institute. https://navivalues.org/
Civic Spirit https://civicspirit.org/
Unite America https://uniteamerica.org/
Liberal democracies are strongest when they produce broad-based prosperity. Specific economic elements comprise this development program:
The nation will require a coordinated regional economic investment program, and not just coastal growth.
An economic program directed toward creating employment opportunities in such areas as semiconductors, clean energy, infrastructure, new technologies, and new industrial production
A corollary development will require policies and programs promoting housing affordability.
An educational platform that emphasizes skills training, vocational pathways, and new career opportunities.
Some possible policy initiatives that might galvanize the public include:
National Service Programs(civilian or military options)
Massive Housing Initiative(zoning reform and incentives for low-cost housing)
AI + Tech Governance that Protects Workers
Anti-Corruption Reforms
Family Policy(childcare, tax credits)
Local Empowerment(give communities more control over outcomes
Employing this type of economic program is tied to the lessons extracted from the New Deal and the post-World War II era, where these same elements were in play. The core learning experience: People support the political system when they feel it is working for them.
To achieve an outcome that affirms the benefits of democracy, this nation will need to a compelling civic narrative. Democratic societies require stories that resonate emotionally, not just intellectually. In looking at various historical moments in this country, here are several such effective narratives:
“Arsenal of Democracy” framed during the Second World War as the nation mobilized its person power and resources.
“A More Perfect Union” as part of the civil rights struggle where messaging and programs emphasized the benefits of inclusion.
“Achieving the American Dream” where leaders promoted the idea of upward mobility, pluralism, and community.
A contemporary 21st Century version might reference such themes as “Freedom-Fairness-Belonging.” Rebuilding the value of patriotism around such ideas as diversity, inclusion and tolerance can be seen as core to this new American model.
When examining prior leadership models, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan each appeared to succeed, in part, because they told coherent national stories, not just projected policy agendas.
The ultimate goals here involve a reduction in polarization and a collective buy-in to civic engagement.
We are reminded that extremism thrives in high-conflict settings, and the primary task here must be to remove the “triggers” that create hate, division, and a loss of trust.
Among the political reforms that have demonstrated their effectiveness:
Ranked-choice voting (reduces incentive for extreme candidates)
Open primaries have tended to broaden political participation.
Promote independent redistricting commissions as a way to move elections away from party control to civic engagement.
Revitalize civics education as a means of growing community involvement and activism.
Historically, the United States relied on shared civic frameworks to integrate waves of immigrants. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these educational efforts were particularly successful. We are reminded that government itself cannot “fix” some of the pending issues, and as a result, the partnership between the public and private sector will be significant and essential.
The quality of our next generation of leaders will be especially critical. Their leadership attributes will need to include:
Credibility across social and political divides
Willingness to criticize their own side
Focus on practical outcomes, not ideological signaling
Ability to communicate clearly and optimistically
Most useful will be to identify leaders who can build coalitions and generate “great ideas” that might excite and unify voters.
Periods of polarization and illiberal pressure within this country were followed by successful efforts to galvanize this nation. The outcomes are instructive. Leaders articulated a unifying vision, key civic institutions restructured their mission and programs, and coalitional politics were strengthened. Moving forward, the test for Americans will be whether we can identify and support such leaders!
The key lesson from American history is that democratic recovery is possible! Such an effort must become a critical anchor to this nation’s 250th Anniversary focus. For Jews and for others, who are today feeling isolated and threatened, such a civic initiative offers a way forward in reaffirming their role and place within this society.