Welcome

For information on our next meeting, click on What's New

President Obama's Re-election kick-off speech at Ohio State University on May 5th.

For those who missed it, watch President Obama's speech in Owasatomie, Kansas regarding his approach to rebuilding the economy.

Welcome to the Shore Democrats-an organization where we learn together about issues that affect our community, support Democratic candidates and share our time and talent with others through community service.

Our monthly luncheons feature both political and community activist speakers who keep us informed about our government at the county and state levels and about environmental and other issues that impact the quality of life here in Eastern Sussex County.

Closing the Enthusiasm Gap

Years ago, a Texan told me that “nothing was ever won without enthusiasm.” Data published in the Wall Street Journal delineates the enthusiasm gap that needs to be closed if Democrats are to prevail in the 2012 presidential election. It also has applicability for our state and local elections.

Republicans overshadow Democrats in their interest in the fall’s election by 74 to 64 percent. What is even more significant is the lackluster interest among independents, where only a little more than half have high interest in the election. We all recognize how important the independent vote is for a winning Democratic election outcome. In the age-interest breakdown, less than half of young voters are enthusiastic about election 2012. These 18- to 34-year-old voters were key to Barack Obama’s victory in 2008.

Another important voting block are Hispanics, whose interest in the upcoming election lags behind both whites and African Americans, with only 59 percent reporting enthusiasm for the coming election.

These statistics point the way to what we need to do to win in the fall.

First, we need to talk with our independent and Democratic friends and neighbors about the importance of these elections and what is at stake. We can increase their enthusiasm to the extent that they can accept that their votes will have a significant effect on this country’s direction as it affects the quality of their lives. The same is true of Hispanic and younger voters. Big issues such as tax reform, immigration, and health policies will personally affect them. Do they think that they will get a better deal with the Republicans or with the Democrats? Putting the choice in those terms is likely to persuade folks that their vote can make a difference in their lives.

Second, the data point us in the direction we need to take in our GOTV efforts. Registering young and Hispanic voters is a clear priority.

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