Cleaning Up the Aisle: How Democrats Can Help Moderate Republicans Restore Balance

Fighting Republican excesses is job one for Democrats. Supporting reasonable Republicans should be job two.

I’m walking down the brightly lit aisle of neatly arranged goods in Walmart. Ahead of me, a person knocks a jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce, and it explodes on the ground, leaving a crime scene of red splatters and broken glass.

I feel secondhand embarrassment for the person who caused the spill and sympathy for the worker who will clean it up.

The usual thing to do is walk past, taking no action because it isn’t my mess to clean up.

That’s how I feel about the Republicans’ task of defeating their Trump virus and getting back to being a functioning political party, a place again for normal conservatives. His ascension to kingmaker (and potentially king of America if he has his way) is their shattered Ragu jar on the ground. It’s their mess to clean up.

But just as shards of glass and slippery red sauce are hazards for anyone walking by, so too is Trump a hazard for us all. He’s not a Republican problem. He’s a danger to everyone, not just his irresponsible creators. Like it or not, we all have a vested interest in helping educated, good-faith, policy-focused Republicans to reassert themselves as the dominant leaders of their party. Their getting back to good would be great for us all.

Luckily, most voters seem to agree. A 2023 poll found that 63 percent believe moderate Republicans should work with Democrats to form a bipartisan governing coalition. They want capable adults fending off freaks on the fringes. This overwhelming support for bipartisanship is hopeful in light of a political landscape paralyzed by division. Even among Republicans, 30 percent support the idea of their moderate members working with Democrats, recognizing that collaboration might be the only way to stabilize the party and the government.

The poll came when House Republicans were in disarray, struggling to find a Speaker nominee who could secure enough votes. After Rep. Kevin McCarthy's ousting, the GOP's internal conflicts became glaringly apparent, with failed attempts to elect new leaders highlighting the dysfunction.

We all suffered from a dysfunctional government that could not focus on practical issues.

In such a chaotic environment, some members of Congress have floated the idea of a bipartisan solution for the Speakership. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries mentioned "informal conversations" about forming a bipartisan governing coalition to address pressing issues like avoiding a government shutdown and approving aid for international conflicts.

Rep. Mike Turner echoed this sentiment, suggesting that if Republicans cannot elect a Speaker soon, a deal with Democrats would be necessary to get the House running again. This pragmatic approach reflects the growing recognition that cooperation is essential for effective governance.

That moment was lost. It was a nice flicker of opportunity that burned out. The crazymakers stalled progress again.

A Case in Point: Jim Woodward

Who should Democrats target for bipartisan overtures? Consider the example of Jim Woodward, a former Idaho state senator profiled by Politico this past spring. Woodward, a moderate Republican, once supported the state’s stringent abortion laws but found himself at a crossroads. Invited by Jennifer Quintano, an abortion rights organizer, Woodward attended a viewing of “On the Brink,” a documentary highlighting the impact of restrictive abortion laws on women's health. He saw the consequences of the laws he supported: women’s lives at risk, physicians fleeing the state, and the closure of Bonner General Hospital's labor and delivery ward.

Despite his past votes, Woodward decided to run again, aiming to reclaim his seat and challenge the extremism within his party. His platform includes changing the language in the abortion ban to protect women's health and prevent the criminalization of physicians. His campaign symbolized the potential for change when moderates, Independents, and Democrats work together.

Woodward’s willingness to publicly challenge the extremism in his party and seek common ground with Democrats exemplifies the leadership needed to counteract Trump’s influence. His efforts show that moderation and collaboration can lead to a more functional and effective government that reflects the true values of his community and beyond.

Paths to Bipartisanship

For Democrats, actively promoting bipartisanship can take several forms. They can support and amplify the voices of moderate Republicans willing to work across the aisle. Yes, that may be a small crew, but it’s a start that gives others permission to join. Highlighting successful bipartisan initiatives can demonstrate the benefits of cooperation and encourage more Republicans to break away from Trump’s influence.

Democrats should try to foster dialogue through town halls, public forums, and community events that unite people from both parties. This can help reduce polarization and create spaces for constructive conversations.

Legislative collaboration on inescapable issues like infrastructure, healthcare reform, and education can rebuild trust and show that governance can work without extreme partisanship. By rejecting extremism within their ranks, Democrats can set a standard for responsible, policy-focused politics and call on Republicans to do the same.

You have to bring the public with you. Educational campaigns focusing on civic education and the importance of a functioning two-party (or multi-party) system can create an informed electorate that values stability, responsibility, and prosperity. Perhaps even providing strategic financial support for moderate Republican candidates can also help reshape the political landscape.

In helping Republicans clean up their mess - our mess - Democrats can contribute to restoring a balanced and functional political system. This isn't about charity or pity; it's about recognizing that a healthy democracy requires responsible leadership from all sides. By investing in the resurgence of moderate, policy-focused Republicans, we can ensure a more stable and effective government for everyone.

God help us all if we don’t find a way to work together to better ourselves, our communities, and our nation.