The take
We are all grappling with this historic pandemic and its unprecedented disruption to our everyday lives. The once center-stage November election – one with unparalleled consequences – seems like background noise.
Every American has a role to play in determining who the decision makers will be, beyond voting, knocking on doors, and marching in the streets. And our upcoming election still matters, perhaps more than ever before.
Money, unfortunately, defines the contours of our politics. Andrew Yang underscored this during the December presidential debate: “The question is why am I the lone candidate of color on this stage? Fewer than five percent of Americans donate to political campaigns.”
And the most money comes from a select few. Less than half of one percent of Americans donate more than $200 to federal candidates and other political organizations. Yet their donations make up more than 70 percent of political money. Grassroots donors can transform who represents us and, when effectively organized, one’s wealth will not predetermine their influence.
That’s why my cofounder, Mackenzie, and I launched The Next 50 last summer.
Over the past year, we have:
Hosted over 50 grassroots fundraisers across five cities for 18 presidential candidates, and dozens of candidates running up and down the ballot across the country.
Raised $1M for candidates online and through in-person events.Met with some of the country’s top political advisors and shaped presidential campaign policy platforms with our climate briefs.
Analyzed over 550 grassroots organizations from 43 states and 145 of the most consequential congressional and senate races.
Built a tool, with this analyzed data, to help you make strategic political contributions that support your values.
We want to leverage these experiences and relationships to make politics more accessible to you.
In that spirit, this begins our weekly commitment to you: a regular perspective on our politics and how you can get involved.
What you should know
Let’s start with the big picture: 50 years ago, conservatives developed a plan to support corporate interests. (Yes, if you were wondering, that’s where The Next 50’s name comes from.)
Their increased power within Congress and state legislatures is proof: Conservatives are winning. Americans have a history of giving money to support our values. In 2015-2016 alone, we gave $770 billion to charity. However, less than two percent of that giving went to candidates and organizations that would help uphold those values.
What you can do
Want to have a big impact? Look down ticket: The average cost of winning the top-funded state legislative seats in 2015-2016 was $184,722. Many presidential fundraisers raise more than that in one event! Host a fundraiser for a state legislature candidate and you can make a big dent toward winning an important seat.
Virtual fundraisers work: We’ve hosted them successfully for presidential candidates and congressional candidates (yes, on Zoom!). However, few campaigns are trying them because they don’t have experience with them and see them as higher risk.
You can host candidates in-person (after the quarantine): In major cities, candidates typically host high-dollar fundraisers from 7-9pm. Any other time, you could host them for a grassroots fundraiser. Want to host an event? We can help.
What we are reading
Coronavirus Will Revive an All-Powerful State (Bloomberg)
“The Leviathan is back, in a stunning revolution hardly anyone foresaw, and, though undoubtedly welcome in the short term, it should be feared in the long run.”
DOJ seeks new emergency powers amid coronavirus pandemic (Politico)
“The Justice Department has quietly asked Congress for the ability to ask chief judges to detain people indefinitely without trial during emergencies — part of a push for new powers that comes as the novel coronavirus spreads throughout the United States.”
The People in Charge See an Opportunity (The Atlantic)
“There is nothing new about the sudden enthusiasm for aggressive government intervention during a health crisis. Throughout history, pandemics have led to an expansion of the power of the state...At least while they were frightened, people complied. At times when people fear death, they go along with measures that they believe, rightly or wrongly, will save them—even if that means a loss of freedom.”
Could Biden’s Weakness With Young Voters Hurt Him In The General Election? (FiveThirtyEight)
“Biden needs to do well with younger voters — but he’ll be trying to persuade them to vote, not necessarily to back him. In short, his problems with younger voters in the Democratic primary aren’t likely to be repeated in the general election.”
Candidate of the week
We start with Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and freshman Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D). She is a 33-year-old, registered nurse with experience in our healthcare system and among the less than nine percent of Congress with a background in science. President Obama appointed her to serve as a senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A Republican won this race by 18 points in 2016. Rep. Underwood flipped the seat in 2018, winning by five points. She is running in a heavily contested race. The cost per vote last cycle was $30. You can learn more on her website. Or donate here.
Challenge of the week
Commit what you can to candidates up and down the ballot between now and November. Give strategically to swing races where you can have the highest impact (we'll help!). Want to organize your friends? Tell us here.For too long, a small, privileged group of people have had access to our political leaders and have been disproportionately responsible for decisions about who will represent us. Every week, we hope to bring the information and practices that they receive to you. Together, with that knowledge, we can create a new politics in the image of our country and the country we want to become.
With gratitude and in partnership,
Zak
P.S. We would love to hear from you – reach us here with ideas and ways you want to get more involved.