Gary Franks

If you ever thought the President Donald Trump-led Republican Party is bad, well the Democrats are worse. The Democrats lack politically astute leaders, as well as vision and discipline. They seem incapable of being on offense and are always on defense where it is difficult to score points and win.

Only 37 percent of Americans approve of the GOP while a mere 30% approve of Democrats. In the mix would be Trump’s job approval ratings with Independents resting at just 28%. Geez!

It begs the question: Who should be leading America?

Democrats ruled in the 1990s, holding the White House for eight of the 10 years. Also, it was one of the country’s greatest periods in terms of economic success, international stability and domestic harmony.

By contrast, in the 21st Century we had former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House for a total of 12 years and George W. Bush and Trump for almost 14 years – pretty even between the parties.

During their time in office we have had “forever wars,” COVID-19, 9/11, the Great Recession, Hurricane Katrina, huge deficits, Black youth being killed, and we have added more than $33 trillion to our national debt.

Why have we seen such a change?

Political polarization and gerrymandering of congressional districts have prevented compromise and good governance.

Now how did the Democrats manage to have such good results in the 1990s?

They actually had a moderate president, Bill Clinton. Clinton’s brilliance was that he did not see an idea being good or bad based on the political party presenting the idea. Four major changes during the Clinton days received a large number of votes from both Republicans and Democrats – NAFTA, a crime bill, welfare reform, and a balanced budget that even gave us a surplus.

The extremists of the parties did not rule; today they do.

Today’s results? Nothing good happens.

Democrats must get rid of all the highly unpopular issues that pander to single constituent groups but fail to match the desires of the vast majority of Americans.

From a more practical perspective, the Democrats have a number of aces that could “trump” Trump if used.

For example, historically speaking, the public does not like to have promises broken and they do not like to be hoodwinked.

This is where the Democrats can drive a train through the hole of Trump’s poor performance and his GOP sycophants in Congress today. Here is just a partial list of the promises Trump broke:

– When asked about carrying out a “retribution presidency” if elected, Trump responded by saying his success would be his retribution. Well, no. He has been going after all his enemies since his second oath of office.

– Trump said he would not start wars. Well, no. He has engaged in more war-like activities in a 15-month period than any other president in history.

– Trump said he would not pursue regime change. Well, no. He has twice removed foreign leaders from their positions.

– Trump said he would not get into nation building. Well, no. He is looking to rebuild the Gaza Strip, reform or control Venezuela, and he would like to pick the future leader of Iran.

– Let us give Trump a pass on his promise to end the Ukraine War quickly. Well actually, that one has gotten worse.

– Trump promised us a robust economy. Well, no. The size of family debt is at record levels.

– And last but not least, the Republicans promised the full release of the Epstein files. Well, no. “We get what we get when we get it” is the mantra of the DOJ.

I am sure it is becoming more and more difficult for Republicans to believe Trump. How many times do you have to be lied to before you lose trust?

Republicans can change. They can stand up to Trump. And Democrats have an opportunity to make historic gains in Congress. Time will tell.