You know, as I reflect on the recent abortion debate, I can’t help but think about how politicians often become a bit like a “jellyfish” during election seasons, shifting their stances as they pivot to broader audiences. Just like a jellyfish can drift aimlessly, these politicians use language that allows them to deny any disrespect when questioned. They coin terms like Bidenomics, Obamacare, and self-deportation or twist comments on international policy to ignite reactions from their base. Beneath all this, there’s a subtle manipulation of their values to rally their supporters.

The troubling part is that election year tactics often involve sexism, violence, and oppression at rallies, producing legislators more interested in obstruction than progress. Using shock tactics to mobilize the base contributes to Washington’s dysfunction and fuels the extremism in Congress. It’s disheartening to see that during one of the most challenging periods in American history, moderate voices in the GOP have been sidelined. Aside from the bipartisan response to the pandemic’s financial crisis, there hasn’t been a sincere effort to legislate beyond partisan lines.

What’s clear is that there was a time when one party controlled the House for 40 years. Then, in ’94, some of the most conservative elements in our country devised a strategy to gain a majority. Now, the belief that “you can’t win without demonizing the other party” has taken root, and only the American voter can break this cycle. Will politicians try to manipulate voters with sexism, fear, and hate? Will they use wedge issues to galvanize their base on Election Day?

I recall the 2006 elections when extremists launched a fierce “cultural war” to drive voter turnout, only to lose key races. The political climate today feels similar. However, evidence suggests they might lose even more seats this time around. We’ve seen a surge of new registrants, young voters, and energized voters of color (VOC) who will return to the polls in 2024.

This shifting political landscape is evident in majority-minority cities like Norfolk, where the population grew by 3.4% to 242,803. This growth adds over 83,000 “key” voters of color. Additionally, people of color make up 26% of Virginia’s Citizen Voting Age Population, having been 24% of the vote share in 2008 and about 23% in 2010. Their influence will be even greater this election cycle.

However, we must also address the issue of voter suppression, which has historically impacted African American voters in Virginia and across the nation. Recent studies have shown that measures such as strict voter ID laws, purges of voter rolls, and reductions in early voting disproportionately affect African American communities. For instance, a report by the Brennan Center for Justice found that states with a history of racial discrimination in voting are more likely to adopt restrictive voting laws.

Despite these challenges, there is hope. If a modern coalition of conscious whites, Latinos, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, women, unions, and young voters all demand honest and trustworthy candidates, we can revitalize, expand, and save our democracy. The truth is, we all love our country and every community within it. That’s what drives most Americans to be compassionate. Hate only motivates “jellyfishy” candidates to become partisan obstructionists. In my part of town, you can’t win without love. #BeThe1st #Freedom

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Kirk Clay leads Capitol View Advisors with a vision rooted deeply in our shared values, channeling our collective creativity and strategic insight to bridge communities with the essential information and resources they need to elevate and achieve their dreams.