As the 2022 midterm elections approach, Pennsylvania’s political landscape is gearing up for an exciting and crucial race. Key figures in the Democratic party have recently disclosed their plans to focus their campaign strategy around the slightly altered theme of democracy.
Capitol Hill is livened with the hustle and bustle as these claims fall right in line with the messaging from President Joe Biden’s hard-fought, 2020 win. It’s clear to the Democratic party, the time is deemed ripe in emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democracy, albeit casting a wider appeal and gathering larger bipartisan support.
The strategy is in part, based on the current political climate in Pennsylvania, which seems ripe for such a proposition. The state has had a fluctuating political identity, swaying between both major parties in recent years. The 2020 presidential elections saw Pennsylvania vote in favor of Biden, reversing the state’s tilt towards Trump in the 2016 polls. This oscillation paints the image of a purple state, capable of swinging either way, thus making it an integral point of focus in the midterms.
The focal point of democracy as a campaign quotient surfaces against the backdrop of deep-seated, nationwide uncertainty and concern over voting rights, election integrity and varying partisan strategies aimed at restricting or expanding voting access. Through this campaign posture, Democrats aim to turn the tide in their favor, placing a direct emphasis on the protection of these very values that are perceived as threatened.
The importance of democracy and its preservation is not a novel concept, yet with the ongoing political polarization, these discussions have been pushed to the forefront of the national conversation. Democrats aim to universalize their appeal by leaning into this narrative, encouraging not only their democratic base but inviting Independents, and even moderate Republicans, to rally behind them.
Such an extensive agenda requires a strong leadership, a spotlight that falls on Democrats such as Senator Bob Casey and Representative Chrissy Houlahan. They have used their platform to emphasize the importance of democracy and its role in the upcoming elections, iterating the urgent need to guard it against threats.
Moreover, Casey made significant appeals for fundraising, showcasing the importance of the Pennsylvania Senate seat in 2022. His message underscored the state’s role on the frontline of the democracy debate.
While it’s yet to be seen if this ambitious strategy of highlighting and defending democracy will indeed create the broad coalition the Democrats hope for, it’s certainly an attempt to broaden their reach to a wider spectrum of voters.
In an effort to engage and inspire voters, Democrats are also likely to highlight their successful track record of defending healthcare rights, economic ameliorations, and climate change action. The party is aiming to reach an outcome where they can decisively shape the direction of the country for the years to come.
This strategic move to talk about broad, unifying principles like democracy instead of focusing purely on partisan positions is potentially a powerful one. The looming elections will eventually reveal if the bet pays off, and whether Pennsylvania, as a mirror of the broader American electorate, responds positively to these calls to action.