The Main Street Party
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- Published on Tuesday, 05 October 2010 17:36
- Written by JJ Karabias
With so much attention paid to the Tea Party and its potential effect on the 2010 midterms, little has been made of the swath of Americans unhappy with our current course but who fail to identify with the perfervid strain of anti-government rhetoric espoused by Tea Party activists. Anxiety ridden, perplexed, apoplectic, and unsure – the Main Street party isn't upset with a growing government but instead a shrinking collective wallet. Comprised of mostly moderate, middle class Americans, the Main Street party is looking for sensible, enduring solutions to the economic crisis that provide all stripes with a fair opportunity at realizing the "American Dream." The Main Street party isn't concerned with rigid ideological debates about the role of government or the arcane legislative process in Washington, they simply want to know which politicians are going to provide economic prosperity, keep their families healthy, and their nation safe now and for generations to come. The party that can adequately address these concerns will win over the Main Street Party, the politically independent and moderate block of voters who decide the outcome of every American election.
According to a recent NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll, only 27% of Americans have a positive view of the Tea Party while 37% have a favorable view of Democrats and 31% for Republicans. Considering the general unhappiness with the political establishment nationwide, the gap in support for the Tea Party as compared to the two major parties, particularly Democrats is surprisingly stark. With nearly ¾ of Americans in opposition to the Tea Party, the relentless media coverage is disproportionally large compared to its meager popularity.
As we try to make sense of the insurgent Tea Party that has reinvigorated the conservative and libertarian movements in America, it is important to put it in the proper historical context. Contrary to the prevailing narrative disseminated by conservatives, and even some in the mainstream media, that the movement has emerged as something historically new and in rousing opposition to the Obama policies, is an ignorant and rather convenient reading of events, mostly by those who wish to augment its political influence.
Far from a spontaneous and organic political uprising, a vociferous sect of right wing activists antipathetic to the establishment of New Deal policies established in the wake of the Depression propagated politicians like 1964 Republican Presidential candidate Barry Goldwater to sudden and short lived popularity in the mid 20th century. As famed Columbia University Historian Richard Hofstadter noted during the period, the Right Wing insurgency was less a serious and long term political movement, but instead a transitory phenomenon led by an anxious, angry and slightly paranoid group distraught with the changes taking place in America. This wave of anti-government sentiment within the conservative movement unexpectedly swept the brazenly conservative Goldwater to the Republican nomination who was defeated by Lynden Johnson in what was the sixth-most lopsided elections in presidential history.
Much is the case now, as a recalcitrant group of Right Wing activists have taken to the streets and town halls of American cities to voice displeasure with the changes brought about by the Obama administration which was always explicit in its desire to bring "change" to America. Interestingly enough, "change" was the memorable slogan in which his candidacy was predicated upon yet has now become the mantra upon which opposition is most vigorously predicated. But despite widespread unpopularity with the Tea Party and its vision for America, the Democrats in power and the Republicans in the minority have failed to convince voters that political trust is best placed in either of them. According to a September Gallup Poll, only 40% of Americans view the Republicans favorably while 51% see the Democrats in a favorable light. This means there is a large vacuum of untapped political support for the taking, a sleeping swell of votes within a large segment of America waiting to be awakened and put to use. While the political and historical headwinds are so strong for Democrats that they will inevitably lose congressional seats in the coming midterms, the party that is able to capture this great cadre of political unhappiness will earn the vote of the Main Street Party and solidify the most important political constituency for years to come.
As the Main Street voters look for a home within the two major political parties, it seems that the Democrats, with a generally positive and forward looking policy platform, are best positioned to address the concerns and desires of this mild mannered entity. While Main Street voters are justifiably disappointed and increasingly apprehensive, they are also unmoved by the barrage of incessant invective from the political right directed at the President and the state of the country. If there is one thing that the Main Street party desires beyond the obvious, it's a romantic vision of America for the future. That we can once again become that "shining city on a hill" despite the recession, rapid ascendancy of countries like China, and seemingly endless involvement in foreign wars. The Main Street party desires a concrete plan to dig us out of the current hole and reinstate our national greatness. The following three principles reflect this sentiment:
- Forward Looking Prosperity: Main Street is looking for the innovations and technological advances that will become the industries of the future. They want certainty, but are also keenly aware of the limitations of the economy as-is. Relics such as industrial manufacturing will never return to levels seen in the mid 20th century. The Main Street party understands this and is willing to invest in industries such as green technology and biotechnology which cannot be outsourced. More than anything, they want a credible and convincing economic plan for the future. Additionally, forward-looking prosperity also means balancing the national pocketbook. It means an even-handed cocktail of spending cuts and revenue increases that begin to reduce the deficit while continuing to maintain a viable safety net for the most vulnerable in society.
- Health Security: A desire for affordable and high quality healthcare remains a top priority despite the unpopular healthcare bill. According to a September Gallup Poll, it remains the most pressing concern for Americans outside of the economy and jobs. The recently passed healthcare bill attempts to reduce costs and increase access; the Main Street party will eventually get behind the legislation when it demonstrates that it can deliver on these promises.
- National and International Defense - The Main Street Party is weary of foreign wars but desires a legitimate sense of security in a dangerous world. A smart, sensible, and restrained national defense is still a priority for those in the moderate middle. While they still believe we are the world's greatest force for good, they also are exhausted both emotionally and financially with the two wars we continue to be engaged in. The party that can ensure the country's safety while transitioning away from an overly interventionist military will win over Main Street voters.
The issues and underlying principles that form the foundation of the Main Street platform do not fall squarely within the framework of either major political party yet have overlap in both. The party that embraces the three core principles and incorporates them into its broader policy agenda will own the 21st century. Reactionary movements have been a constant in the arc of history yet it's been the optimistic center who has wielded true political power over time. While the Tea Party has captured the moment with its defiant irreverence of the political establishment, it is the quiet fortitude of Main Street that holds the key to lasting political success.
