If scared Democrats had done what Biden is recommending now, then things would have turned out much different in the last midterm elections. Remember how that went? Democratic candidates had so many different policies and accomplishments to point to, but instead they ran as far to the right as possible, only to have Democratic voters stay home on election day. And you know how that turned out – when Democrats don’t vote, Republicans win!
The Vice President is cautioning against that mistake for the 2016 elections.
“The best way to win is to run on what we’ve done and what we stand for … and then contrast that to what they are for and what they oppose. We don’t do it nearly enough,” he said.
“I am bullish on the possibilities for the House, as well as the Senate, and I really think the key is: Don’t run away from what you’ve done.”
Biden, who decided against his own run for the White House after a drawn-out process last year, highlighted several Democratic priorities he feels will prove popular on the campaign trail, including expanded worker protections, universal access to pre-kindergarten programs and an increase in the child care tax credit.
He said the Republicans’ legislative wishlist — as defined by the past budgets of Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) — has given the Democrats plenty of fodder to distinguish the parties’ priorities.
“Paul Ryan’s a lovely guy. He gave us such a gift, he passed the Ryan budget. … You guys don’t have to make anything up. Just say exactly what they’ve done,” Biden said.
“We can make these cases in each of our districts and suit them to our districts. … Because right now in a lot of places Americans are so confused there’s still basically this ‘pox on both your houses’ [sentiment]. We shouldn’t apologize for what we’re for, and we should point out what they’re for.”
