Democrats Can’t Lean-In

I am unabashedly borrowing the phrase “lean-in” from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s book True Gretch, and taking the opportunity as a non-politician to criticize the Democratic Party. It is easier to be a critic.

Trump has increasingly socialized the idea that noncitizens are voting in elections. To prevent fraud, the President is asking for changes in the law to require ID at voting, and detailed proof of citizenship during registration. The Democrats lost the 2024 elections; there are several lessons for the party. The most significant lesson is regarding their perceived weakness in responding to “threats”. So why not take the opportunity to lean into the President’s demand? Since election fraud is a real issue for Trump, make obtaining the documents and IDs required to prove citizenship and identification inexpensive. Carve out space for older voters who have difficulty getting birth certificates. And more importantly, address the other ways fraud can influence an election, and make the penalties meaningful.

Lean in and set the agenda. The Republicans already do a great job defining the message; there are ways to redefine the message or at least have a voice.

Noncitizen Voting Links

• House Judiciary Committee Hearing on Noncitizen Voting
• Migration Policy Institute: Noncitizen Voting in U.S. Elections
• New York Times: Noncitizen Voting Data