What policy issues do you think would bring in independent voters?

[Horse with no Name]

Just thinking about issues that are important to people that I know.

1. Anyone that makes less than $100k and owes back taxes? Settle for .05 on the dollar.
2. Settle all student loan debt for .05 on the dollar.

Let people make payments if they can't clear the debt outright. No fees.

[NobodyHere]

1. In regards to number two

Less than 1/6 of the nation has outstanding student loans. That means you're asking the rest of the nation to make up for the lost money. Also I'm sure people who recently paid off their loans would be mighty pissed.

The number of people affected by number one would probably be even less (I'm too lazy to look up the number), and thus less popular.

[brer cat]

6. Well, let's not do any hurricane aid

because only two states and a territory were impacted. That means asking the rest of the nation to pay for something that doesn't benefit them. UNFAIR cries the two-year-old!!

[Eko]

2. Something shiny

that makes no sense and will never be done.

[jaysunb]

3. Real issues don't seem important any more. n/t

[Horse with no Name]

4. It doesn't seem that they do

But a nebulous promise of "make America great" did.

[Leith]

5. Maybe Something Like This...

I saw a long commercial last night about St. Jude's Hospital. They emphasized that the families of the children with cancer do not have to pay for treatment, won't go into bankruptcy and lifelong debt just to keep their children alive, and how much the staff cares about all of them.

Let's shamelessly copy that for universal single-payer healthcare. Let them know that care for serious and not-quite-so-serious illness can apply to all people, not just those under 18.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. Neither one of those issues involves huge numbers of voters.

And they may not be independents in any greater number than the rest of the population.

A workable health care for all plan might do the trick. But those who already have a half-way decent plan through their job are terrified of losing what they do have, that the replacement would be worse.

Maybe an iron-clad promise on Medicare and Social Security, especially for older voters who are not keen on the Democrats.

In reality, people are sick of promises made and broken.

And how many people do you know making less than $100k who also owe back taxes?

[UTUSN]

8. Well, "issues"/laundry-list are superceded by personality/charisma/superficiality

"Wonks" don't win.

[LBM20]

9. A clear and compelling American Dream jobs jobs jobs message. Simple.

Jobs is ALWAYS the top issue, and the Dems have failed miserably articulating an American Dream jobs program. For the large majority of people, jobs and economic security is the number one issue hands down, including moderate independents. Fail on that, and you're doomed. The Dem Party is scattered all over the place. FOCUS on telling people exactly how you are going to create good paying jobs that provide the middle class American dream.

[riderinthestorm]

10. Great forward thinking! 1. Universal Basic Income

2. A rural high speed internet program (similar to the rural electrification program of the 40s).

3. Student loan relief

4. Free public college education/tuition

5. Free daycare for working families (especially if it included Head start type enhanced educational activities)

6. A jobs program - train vocations. Work projects similar to FDRs programs

Short list. I could go on and on...