Dennis Sullivan , former editor of MSNBC, wants to brand and stage Hillary's important Jobs Campaign to capture public imagination.
Today in Michigan, the heart of the heartland, Hillary gave a rousing speech to cheering factory workers about her plan to create nearly 11 million good-paying jobs. Whereas, Moody's Analytics estimates Trump's plans will destroy 3.4 million jobs,Hillary will lead the boldest investment in American infrastructure since Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System.
To ensure Hillary's Jobs Plan captures the public imagination, and to have the men of the Rust Belt and their families hear her and feel the serious caring she feels for them, Clinton should, in addition, host a series of big rallies, beginning with a large kickoff and concert in the football stadium of The Ohio State University, headlined by Bruce Springsteen ("Youngstown") . Tim Kaine would then introduce Hillary to proclaim The Heartland Recovery Plan, modeled on the European Recovery Act or Marshall Plan, aimed at creating a turning point for the region during the four years of Hillary's first term. This will match the four years the original Marshall Plan was in operation.
Like its post-War predecessor, the Clinton Plan would initiate bold infrastructure projects, create technological training programs, set up innovative trade agreements, and create millions of new jobs.
We might have called it the Rust Belt Marshall Plan, but people in the region don't necessarily like the term "rust belt", especially as many of the region's cities, such as Pittsburgh, are undergoing post-industrial regeneration.
The Heartland Recovery Plan will significantly boost the economic fortunes of citizens in western New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, Northern Illinois, and eastern Wisconsin. The anxious voters of this "rustbelt" have suffered the consequences of industries moving to the West, increased automation, the decline of the US steel and coal industries, free trade agreements such as NAFTA, globalization, outsourcing of jobs beyond our borders. Great American cities like Chicago, Buffalo, Detroit, Milwaukee, Gary, Cincinnati, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, St. Louis and Pittsburgh have all felt the effects of these changes. A region made prosperous by generations of immigrants now feels the need to reject new arrivals from Mexico and Syria. All of these realities have heightened the appeal of a dictatorial candidate who offers instant, magical, nostrums posing as solutions.
The Heartland Recovery Plan would be a cooperative effort by the federal government, state governments and the private sector. Companies from the region will be invited at the 2016 campaign rally to make pledges that will eventually supplement funds from federal and state budgets that will kick in during the first days of Hillary's presidency. Governors and mayors will also be invited to participate in the campaign
Among the many prosperous companies located in the region are:
GM, FORD, DOW, WHIRLPOOL, TRW, KRAFT HEINZ, ROCKWELL COLLINS, SHERWIN WILLIAMS, AIRSTREAM, EATON CORP, EVENFLO, COOPER TIRES, GOODYEAR, CATERPILLAR, HOLLISTER, NCR, WENDY'S , BURPEE, CRAYOLA, DICK'S SPORTING GOODS, GENERAL NUTRITION CENTERS, PPG, RODALE,WOOLRICH,HARLEY-DAVIDSON,TRANE,CUMMINS ,ELI LILLY,TREK BICYCLES and many, many more.
Clearly, if these successful companies can be persuaded that the Heartland Recovery Plan will bolster their growth and profits, they can also be convinced to support enabling legislation in Congress and to invest in worker training programs and new equipment to assist the economic and cultural comeback of our nation's heartland. It is an easy case to make.
Nor should it be hard to win the cooperation of some of the great musicians who either come from the region or who are identified with it.
New Jersey is not normally considered a Rust Belt state, but Bruce Springsteen's Youngstown is certainly a Rust Belt lament and it would make a great opening number, preceded perhaps by the National Anthem performed by Pittsburgh's Christina Aguilera. Then, how about a number or two from The Black Keys from Akron? Follow that with something by Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders, also from Akron. And then! From Chardon Ohio! the Chardon Polka Band! Then, a radical change of pace: Eminem, from Detroit, with his Sing for the Moment, addressing some of the darker aspects of growing up in difficult times. And then .. a big finale, with all the performers plus Hillary, Tim, Bill, and the entire audience, led by Bruce chanting Born in the USA, perhaps with updated lyrics for the occasion.
Because voters seem to be making up their minds early about the candidates, an opening rally in September, followed by a series of smaller rallies in other Heartland cities, would be optimal to reach working Americans and their families.
Everybody cares about supporting families with good-paying jobs and ending the era of the worst inequality in America since the Great Depression. Any sane person knows that Hillary Clinton has the best chance of renewing the Heartland and that Trump is just trying to enrich his family and his rich buddies with more loopholes and tax exemptions.
So, enough of the wonkiness, let's go out and sell Hillary's Plan with a joyous and emotional campaign!
# # #
August 11, 2016
