Regarding Edward Luce’s column “Trump’s 50 per cent doctrine” (Opinion, February 26), it’s worth recalling that Democrats used to be change agents — Republicans change resistant. Donald Trump has turned that paradigm on its head, and ostracised those who believe that being a conservative is about conserving. Amazingly, Democrats have not jumped at the chance to welcome true conservatives into their fold, although Democrats and true conservatives now share more in common than conservatives do with the Maga crowd — both groups being on the defensive, with much to defend.
Democrats abandoned their “big tent” approach in the 1960s when Lyndon Johnson admirably pursued the Civil Rights Act and paid the price, losing the conservative wing of the party. They have shown little inclination to restore it. But now they have a historic opportunity to do so! If they do not seize the chance, they are condemned to opposition every time Republicans field a candidate of strong rightwing persuasion. Starting with Richard Nixon in 1968, Republicans have won every time they fielded a rightist candidate, no matter the stripes of the Democratic candidate. There is only one exception, Trump’s failure to get re-elected in 2020.
Of course, Democrats can have reasonable expectations of success in the next presidential elections given the way disasters are piling up under Trump. But consistent success against rightwing candidates in the longer term is only possible if Democrats use the opportunity, presented to them on a silver platter, to re-erect the big tent.
Since 1968, Democrats have usually won when two moderates are squaring off in the presidential race — failing only once, with the tone-deaf Michael Dukakis.
It is anyone’s guess whether Republicans will offer up a moderate candidate again. So, if Democrats want to future-proof their party, the tent must quickly be made much roomier!
Peter Hulsrøj
Hornbaek, Denmark