November 5, 2009Raynard JacksonRemember the days when your friends would call you and say, “let’s go to a party.” The first thing one would say is, “what type of music are you in a mood for?” R&B, Rock, Jazz, etc.?So it is with politics. When one is contemplating joining a political party, most people ponder on what type they are in the mood for (i.e., what are their values and belief systems). If you believe in a more expansive role for the government, more regulations for corporations, and higher taxes for the wealthy, you tend to associate with the Democratic Party. If you believe in smaller government, less government intervention in the private sector, and lower taxes, you tend to associate with the Republican Party.But, the problem with both of these arguments is that both are based on a 20th century, static model of politics. This view is why the TV networks and newspapers are in trouble. This view is one that dictates to its audience—TV show X comes on at 8 p.m., so you either watch it then or you miss the show. Then came the VCR, where people said I will record the show and watch it when it is convenient for me. This ultimately led to on demand viewing where the audience said, you make the content and I will decide if and when I want to watch it. Because the media failed to respond to the people’s demand for more control, they are now knocking on death’s door.Political parties now face the same fate. They, by their very existence, tend to be static and bureaucratic. If you believe like I believe, then you can join my party. But, what these parties are missing is the fact that people now want choices and these choices are constantly changing.The two major parties are ill equipped to deal with this evolutionary change in the electorate. Both parties may have a solid base of about 20%. This people are going to vote the party no matter what. But, the vast majority of the country now says, I am Republican, but on these two issues, I agree with the Democrats.So, in the 21st century, party choices are no longer simply Black or white, Democrat or Republican. People no longer fit neatly into pre-defined boxes. Like the media, the parties have not responded to the demands of the electorate. That is why you see a noticeable decline in party identification and a huge surge in people calling themselves Independent.Tuesday’s elections results prove this point. The Republican candidates won the governorships of both NJ and VA because they carried the Independent voters in both states. The election was not about ideology, but about pragmatism. That is the lesson to be learned from the results.The organizations that will be successful in the 21st century are those that respond to the demands of the people; not those who try to dictate to the people. Examples of the former are the IT companies (Google, Facebook, YouTube, etc.). Examples of the latter are the auto industry, government agencies, and political parties.The Democratic Party is a true party of coalitions (Blacks, Jews, liberals, women, gays, etc.). Part of President Obama’s problem is his unwillingness to knock heads to bring about consensus and party unity around his agenda. It’s just not in his personality. This will prove to be his Achilles heel if he doesn’t change his approach to governing within his own party.Republicans have just the opposite problem. They tend to be a party of homogeneity, thus their Achilles heel is one that is resistant to change. Their core base is steadily shrinking, but they are “true believers.” Even if they get 100% of their base to turn out for an election, it is not enough to win. They must be willing to move to the political center to broaden its appeal beyond the base. New York 23 is the result they can expect every time they refuse to do this.Each party has its core of “true believers,” but victory will be determined by which party is more effective in giving people substantive choices and solutions to the problems this country is facing.So, the next time someone says they are looking for a “party,” it would be wise to know what type of music they are in the mood for!Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-based political consulting/government affairs firm. You can listen to his radio show every Saturday evening from 7-9:00 p.m. Go to www.ustalknetwork.com to register and then click on host, and then click on his photo to join his group.
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