Others in the modern class of pundits tend to use the idea of appealing to Middle America as a euphemism for being a centrist. But as a native of the Midwest — Ohio, to be specific —  and someone who paid attention to the results of the 2018 midterm elections, I disagree. I believe that candidates with a progressive social and economic message could be more competitive for Democrats in the Midwest battleground states than the theoretical centrist unicorn.

The idealized image of the moderate Democrat is a socially liberal, fiscally conservative candidate, like the older class of Blue Dog Democrats. The politicians that won the Midwestern states in the 2018 midterms championed pragmatic and responsible leadership, but the policies that won were undeniably progressive. Democrats took the House on healthcare and other kitchen-table issues, and won ballot measures advancing progressive policies throughout Middle America.

The people I know from my Midwestern bubble are the same people that Democrats are trying to win all over the country: working class Americans who experience a common anxiety over the economy, retirement and healthcare. When we consider Democratic policy independently of the Democratic politicians themselves, the proposals are consistently popular.

Missouri voted to prevent gerrymandering (even though the state GOP is trying to undo it); Louisiana voted in favor of major criminal justice reform, amending Reconstruction-era felony conviction requirements; Medicaid expanded in Idaho, Nebraska and Utah; minimum wage hikes were approved in Arkansas and Missouri.

Considering the popularity of these policies, the problem seems to lie with the common perception of Democrats as coastal elites. In the upcoming 2020 presidential election, the selection of the right candidate could help break that image by reminding the country that the Democratic Party is the big tent party, even for those who voted for President Trump and especially those who felt ignored by establishment politics.

Republican politicians will continue to demonize Democrats and smear their images, especially in the middle of the country. But the automatic response should be a pivot to policy, because as electoral results show, Democrats can continue to win the policy discussion. I’ve seen Democratic candidates convince some of my fellow Midwesterners — who I would have never thought persuadable — by illustrating and explaining their positive vision for the country, including plans to expand affordable healthcare, increase wages and fight government corruption. Republicans will win at fear mongering, but the Democrats can win the ground game if they start an image-rehabilitation program in the American Heartland to put forward their positive vision and popular progressive message.

In “Pundit in Training,” Nathan takes a look at the fact that while young people are most likely going to constitute the largest voting block in the United States, we seem to lack a proper grasp of their perspectives and opinions. With this column, Nathan aims to wield his many opinions to try and understand the world of American politics through a student lens.

Nathan Maue is a senior in CAS majoring in Computer Science.

Opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of WSN, and our publication of opinions is not an endorsement of them.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, April 1, 2019, print edition. Email Nathan Maue at [email protected].