Now is the Time for Democrats to Become the Small Government Party

by Josh Guckert

In the aftermath of a devastating and unexpected loss to the Republicans, Democrats must make a decision as to what direction they will take their party. After their own beacon of hope, Barack Obama, largely let them down for eight years, they are now faced with President Donald Trump.

The most frightening thought to Democrats is that Trump will use the executive power largely introduced by George W. Bush in the aftermath of 9/11 and expanded upon by Obama. However, as they face the threat of looming use of force by an overreaching government, they don’t have to accept the status quo. Rather, Democrats should build upon the principles they already have to reach a logical result: that the government which governs least governs best.

The “progressive” and youthful base of the Democratic Party was not attracted to Bernie Sanders and repelled by Hillary Clinton because of tax rates or spending on infrastructure. Rather, they wanted a President who would allow Americans to live and let live, no matter race, gender, or sexual orientation. They desired a President who would reform the criminal justice system, stop putting people in jail for drug use, and end persecution of people who were different.

It was for that reason that so many of these Democrats flocked to Gary Johnson in spite of the Democratic elite insisting that he “didn’t care” about hallmark progressive issues like income inequality and climate change. These everyday Democrats saw a man in Johnson who had sincerely on principle held strong positions in favor of legalizing marijuana and equal rights for same-sex Americans with no caveats.

With all of this in mind, the Democratic Party infrastructure has a simple way to oppose Donald Trump: become a small government party. This may seem absurd, but the Democrats were indeed the party of classical liberals at the turn of the 20th century. President Grover Cleveland served two (non-consecutive) terms and fought against expansion of government.

Now, as Trump promises limits on immigration, harsh protectionist tariffs, and populist pleas for increased spending on nearly every government program, Democrats must extend speak their own outrage at government excesses in the marketplace just as eloquently as they have in the social sphere. For decades, Republicans have held a monopoly on libertarian thinkers, and now, greatly needing to reexamine their party’s strategy, Democrats must begin to make their pleas accordingly.