OPINION: Listen to the doubtful voters

A day or two ago, a wise leader alerted me to a letter written in 1840 by Abraham Lincoln. 

The future president laid out a strategy for breaking entrenched politicians’ hold on power. It has proven to be correct time and again. “Keep a constant watch on the doubtful voters, Lincoln wrote, and from time to time have them talked to by those in whom they have the most confidence.” Today, voters are indeed doubtful. They are very disappointed, and even disgusted, with MAGA’s mistaken policies. Voters are tired of political chaos and afraid of rising gasoline and grocery prices (US oil reserves are at a 40-year low.) We should listen to voters, because they hold the key to overcoming entrenched leaders. 

Listening to voters’ concerns is known as “rational organizing.” It’s a fundamental grass roots political technique. A rational organizer listens to a voter’s anxiety. A rational organizer validates their concerns and then channels that anxiety into a vote for change. That is how we can rebuild voters’ faith in government, and their revival of hope for a good responsive government. Anyone can engage in “rational organizing.” It begins with establishing trust among our friends, neighbors and loved ones. Reach out to all but the most unreasonable ones. Changing voter’s minds is predicated on this trust. Even folks who have little or no interest in politics will share their concerns and take an interest in building a better tomorrow. 

Organizers need only reach out just beyond their comfort zone to the persuadable voters. (Not to the diehards, they are probably unpersuadable). Connect with folks you encounter at social events, in shopping centers, at church and even in workplaces. Pose a couple of questions like, what’s the most important issue to you these days? And what would you want our elected officials to do about it? Then listen! And validate what people are saying. Create a bond with them. No matter your partisan position, you will probably find that they are just as concerned about financial security, political chaos and corruption as you are. These issues affect all of us, no matter who we are. And they form a basis for collective actions. If each of us reaches just a few persuadable voters, we can surely form a large enough coalition to stop the drive to cut voters out of the process.

In Idaho, and specifically in Kootenai County, we have seen how MAGA bullied its way into control. 

They “rated and vetted” an entire slate of unqualified candidates.  Once elected to North Idaho College, the Community Library Network and the Assessor’s Office, these controlled officials threatened or seriously damaged those cherished institutions. Today, despite the beginnings of change, almost all those MAGA officials remain in office. And the number of moderate Republican voters is too small to kick them out in November. To turn the tide, we must work together across party lines. Standing shoulder to shoulder in favor of GOOD GOVERNMENT is our only path to victory. Even a broad coalition may not rid us of the Maga menace, but it will send a message.  Voters want their issues addressed like the economy, healthcare, veterans' services, and education. 

We have just 16 weeks before the November general election. If a rational organizer knocks on your door or calls you on the phone, please take a moment to engage with them. Better yet, become a rational organizer yourself. Speak with your neighbors, and your friends and relatives. Tell them it's time for a change in Kootenai County. It's time for a government that represents what the people actually want. It will feel good to be a part of a movement FOR THE PEOPLE.

Let’s get to work... together.

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Barbara Ostipwko is the Democratic precinct captain for Precinct 419 in Coeur d'Alene.