Let Americans see what’s possible. Let them see that just a tiny fraction of the wealth generated by a global economy can end waterborne diseases and halve poverty across the world. Reminded of our identity, Americans can and will rise to help meet these needs.
The core, compelling theme running underneath all these initiatives is identity. Americans need to do these things—in our families, communities, nation and the world—because it is who we are.
All of it comes together in a vision for the future. Democrats need to challenge every American to contribute to that vision. If this is who we are, then who will we be—and what will our nation become—in ten years? Fifty? A hundred?
The Republican Party has its vision for America. It’s a pinched and fearful vision. The only reason it’s captured so many is that there’s been no vision put forth of an America as good as the best instincts of our people.
Democrats need to create a progressive vision based on who we are and the party’s leaders must voice it. I'd match such a vision at the ballot box any day against the vision of the Republican Party and the Christian Far Right.
A caution: none of this can be political manipulation. If you choose to work for change, then you must truly accept these themes and this vision. You must hold them in your head and feel them in your heart. In an era of sound bites and poll-tested responses, this has got to be real. Americans will respond to that reality because we like straight-talk. We always have.
This is what we believe. This is our message. This is who we are. This is what we can be.
And this is how we take our country back.
