Even though the summer be over, there’s usually some sunny days ahead where crowds can still enjoy outdoor dining and sports. Especially with Halloween around the corner, the clock is ticking closer and closer to the next major season marked on the calendar for many of us. No I don’t mean Fall, but rather it’s election season that’s rapidly approaching. Regardless of the typical drastic changes in weather from summer to Fall, it’s election season that usually proves to be the most turbulent.
No longer can candidates and voters think and act with less intensity, clinging to the mindset of waiting until “after Labor Day” to actively engage. Labor Day was here and gone. The November elections are on with us a full-court press. Every detail counts. Time to pay attention. And that time is now.
Elections at all levels are subject to controversy, questions and even some confusion. Certainly, this November’s elections involving candidates for offices from Congress to State Governors, are no exception. Clearly, their outcome will affect millions in New York and around the country. And frustrations in America’s politics are not only about one individual, but about the collective identity of the American people: Our values, our traditions, things we thought mattered and the things we thought of as being our right, not as a privilege. Yet, American traditions continue on despite the calamities and noise. Not to be forgotten, the devastating experience and impact of the coronavirus helped to rip away and expose our vulnerabilities and inequities as a nation. Raw and shattered became our sensitivities and trust. Yet, despite the injustices the pandemic revealed--its lack of preparedness and leadership — the American flag (sadly, often at half-mast) still flew over every government building throughout the nation, and at ballgames, with “God-Bless America” was still sung at half-time and Macy’s fireworks on the fourth of July went on. And this year, the celebration of Labor Day in New York City, where the nation’s largest and oldest Labor Day Parade takes place was suspended and the acknowledgment of working men and women was done in other ways.
There was a time, not long ago, when the Democratic Party was generally considered the political party of middle-class working families, and the Republican Party was associated more with big business and the wealthy corporate 1%. Yet lately, as many political polls and historians indicate, there’s been a change — which some would call a reversal of party ideology, identification and a shift in party affiliation by many voters, as well as recruitment success of new voters who might have previously aligned themselves much differently. The Republican Party has been trending toward a coalition of multi-racial, working-class, blue-collar, high school graduates, while the Democrats now have a larger share of followers among white college graduates and what many call: “the elite”. And that’s not all. Union support for Democratic political candidates on hot button issues such as support for Israel, is no longer 100% guaranteed. Times have clearly changed!
Many wonder what conclusions can be drawn and ask: “What do we have now?” “Do we still have a mainstream Democratic and Progressive party or is the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) the new “face” of the Democratic Party? And is the Conservative or MAGA party the real Republican party of today? More precisely, is there a new left and right ideological embodiment of American politics of today? Some would point to radical fringes on both sides and argue for a return to the middle. The question begs an answer: Are there so many factions in both parties that their previous, core beliefs and fundamental values are now hard to define, or perhaps worse! They have dwindled to the point of uncertainty. They seem blurred, vague and ever-changing — sounding alarms to go off. Many ask: “What do we really stand for?” Is there no longer a middle road… or only edges? Many worry: “Can obscurity be far behind?”
Today, it’s not easy to explain where some candidates stand on certain issues. Their stance can change… “evolve” is the phrase they use to describe a platform change. Moreover, when elected and in place to legislate and govern, the practice of bi-partisan support on certain traditions seems to be a relic of the past…like when President Clinton took the oath of office, waiting for him on his desk at the Oval Office was a letter from the outgoing President George H. W. Bush, which read in part: “You will be our president when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you. Good Luck, George.” From a Republican president, to a Democratic one, one could ask, is this a gesture gone forever?
Also, large numbers of voters are not affiliated with either party. They’re turned off by both — no surprise there! Voters show interest in having a choice that includes third party candidates. Many clamor for Open Primaries where no party affiliation is designated for candidates or required to vote. Proving the point: in previous New York City Mayor’s race, there were three candidates running on independent lines. Two of whom, having very high-profile names and from the DSA, a much less well-known, one-term Assembly Member won. That’s stunning! All of this makes for a very interesting 2026 mid-term election season…one that also presents unique opportunities for the candidates. So many factors — from big to little —all well-informed led by countless surveys, and consultants brimming with fresh ideas and nuance-savvy advice to guide every aspect of a candidate’s life, whether a first-time contender or a seasoned politician working to keep the win column. From the candidate’s appearance to how they express themselves — and perhaps valued even more than what they say — will be researched, orchestrated, rehearsed and made spontaneity-free. The guidelines and guardrails will be installed. Stump speeches created, responses to reporters’ questions memorized and the appropriate demeanor from somber to cheery will be practiced and made ready to apply.
With senior citizens, who until most recently served as the largest politically voting population starting to decline in number, and with the current push to entice younger, new voters to the polls, how to effectively reach voters has become the topic of the day. Surely, for such diverse voting populations and so many variables, a “one size fits all” solution will not work. But what medium to use? From TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and celebrity influencers, to oversize post cards in the mail, to drive-time 30 second radio ads, to messages on your cell phone, audience demographics will be analyzed, scrutinized, tested to help predict who, what or where are the best communicate and persuade?
Coincidently, after years of declining numbers, union membership shows signs of making a comeback. Currently, there are many examples of workers in industries throughout the nation previously thought to be out of the possibility of unionizing. From Amazon to Starbucks to McDonalds — workers are slowly but surely signing-up. The method used to get them on board maybe old fashioned, but work... union workers talking to their fellow workers. They know the problems. They see the solutions. They wear the same uniforms. They are trusted as “one of us” and their co-workers listen.
There’s a lesson to learn here. The same organizing tactics can be used by political candidates. While the various social media platforms, catchy TV ads, high-profile interviews and lawn signs have proven to reach many voters, nothing beats talking directly to people — shaking their hands — coming face-to-face with them where they work, live, shop, worship and play. Gone are the “whistle-stop” campaigns. No more waving to candidates as they pass by. People want to talk to candidates — get a vibe — they want to see them. And, more importantly, people need to feel like they were seen too.
So, perhaps in this time of great change — this time of altered dictionary definitions — the use of the “up close and personal” approach of union organizing, should become the template for political candidates as well. Knocking on doors, sitting at a voter’s kitchen table or catching up in the workers’ ’parking lot as they clock out, and asking: “What’s your biggest worry?” is the better way to go. Making personal phone calls—not just robo calls, taking selfies, and talking just one-on-one demonstrating in every way possible that you really “see and hear” one another, that has never gone out of style. People, young and old, still the value the “human touch”… the genuine interest, respect and authenticity and it shows. That has been the labor movement’s secret weapon for recruiting and retaining members. It’s been successful. It has helped to sustain us throughout the years despite the union bashers and busters.
It’s also the way a candidate can win.
