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Time to fight back: five leading thinkers on what Democrats should do post-midterms
The article presents five leading thinkers’ proposals for how Democrats should use their expected control of Congress after the midterms. Their recommendations centre on tackling corruption and economic inequality, restoring trust in the justice system and addressing voter concerns over affordability.
Robert Reich calls for a wealth tax, campaign finance and labour law reforms, and stronger anti-monopoly powers. Wajahat Ali proposes investigations, ending the trade wars and Iran conflict, restoring healthcare subsidies and considering Medicare for All; Katie Phang urges public investigations into lawyers and prosecutors involved in Trump’s justice department. Another contributor argues that Congress should ban individual stock trading by members and the president, noting Trump has made more than 25,000 such trades since returning to the White House.
In short
- Contributors urge Democrats to act on corruption and affordability.
- Proposals include tax, labour and competition reforms.
- One calls for a ban on individual stock trading by officials.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a congressional majority should use its mandate to address concentrated wealth, corporate power and perceived abuses of government, while making everyday costs a priority. Investigations, ethics rules and campaign or labour reforms could strengthen accountability and public trust; restoring healthcare support and curbing stock trading by officials could also respond to practical concerns about affordability and conflicts of interest.
The case against
Sceptics could argue that an ambitious programme of investigations and structural reforms risks appearing partisan or retaliatory, deepening distrust rather than restoring confidence in justice. They may also question the costs, effectiveness or political feasibility of measures such as a wealth tax or Medicare for All, and contend that Democrats should prioritise broadly shared economic relief over proposals that could distract from it.
Explained simply
The Democratic Party is one of the two main political parties in the United States. After midterm elections, voters choose members of Congress, the branch of government that makes federal laws and oversees the president; control of either or both chambers can shape what legislation advances and how the government is scrutinised.
The proposals reflect concerns about the cost of living, the influence of wealthy donors and businesses, and confidence in government institutions. They range from tax and labour changes to limits on political fundraising, corporate power and lawmakers’ stock trading.
Robert Reich is an economist and former US labour secretary; Wajahat Ali is a writer and commentator, and Katie Phang is a lawyer and television presenter. Their recommendations address different areas of policy and oversight, including healthcare, foreign policy and the conduct of officials in the justice system.
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