Danae Columbus: Democrats must re-imagine their party after strong Trump victory

Danae Columbus

After unexpected numbers of America’s voters placed their trust for the future in Donald Trump, the national Democratic Party must do some serious soul searching to better understand how they veered so far from the heart and soul of America. Clearly voters were sick and tired of politics as usual and yearned for a restoration of America’s traditional values.

Though Trump had done an excellent job of insulting millions of women, Hispanics, Jews, Muslims, African-Americans and the disabled, white working-class Americans stormed the ballot box, while many African-Americans and Hispanics either stayed home or voted outside their normal comfort zone.

It’s easy to understand why voters think that American should never settle for anything less than the best and that government is over-regulating their lives and is too soft against foreign enemies.

In the end, nearly 60 million Americans supported Trump’s mantra that putting American interests first will help grow the economy and create more jobs in America. Though many people believe in the core values the Democratic Party has promoted over the years, they cannot support them on an empty pocketbook.

It will take time for Trump to heal the racial and ethnic divide his election caused, but Americans will have faith in Trump’s choices, his prudence and his temperament as he sets an ambitious agenda for the future.

HOW WILL LOUISIANA BENEFIT FROM TRUMP’S PRESIDENCY?

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is in a good position not only to bring home additional funds for the rebuilding after the Great Flood of 2016 but to educate the new president on the ongoing need for coastal restoration. Former Congressman and now Beltway lobbyist Bob Livingston was an early supporter of Trump and should be the go-to man for many Louisiana business interests. The oil and gas industry should expect changes in federal regulations that will benefit them.

Former Gov. Bobby Jindal could be the next secretary of Housing and Human Resources. It’s also safe to say that President Trump might want to appoint a new U.S. Attorney. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, who served as co-chair of the Trump campaign in Louisiana, is said to be under consideration.

Let’s not forget outgoing Senator David Vitter, who might just find a new reason to stay in Washington. Joe Canizaro and Boysie Bollinger raised considerable funds for Trump and will enjoy special access in the new Washington. Other local Republicans including state party chair Roger Villere, Jay Batt, and Brian Wagner will also have sway with the administration.

BONIN TO FACE GUILLORY IN CRIMINAL COURT RUN-OFF

Former assistant District Attorney Kevin Guillory is in an uphill battle against appeals court judge Paul Bonin for a vacant seat at Criminal District Court. Bonin enjoys the endorsements of dozens of elected officials, and early conventional wisdom was that he would easily win in the primary. But with two competent African-American opponents, a lively campaign has taken place. Congressman Cedric Richmond (who easily won re-election) and the Central-City based political organization BOLD supported first-time candidate Dennis Moore who ran third. These two groups could play heavily in the election’s ultimate outcome.

Now that Judge Regina Bartholomew –Woods handily defeated Judge Laurie White for appeals court, candidates will start lining up for Woods’ current seat at civil district court. The election will be held in March, 2017.

Danae Columbus has had a 30-year career in public relations, including stints at City Hall, the Dock Board and the Orleans Parish School Board. Among the recent candidates who have been represented by her public relations firm are Foster Campbell, Regina Bartholomew, City Council members Stacy Head and Jared Brossett, Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, former Sheriff Charles Foti and former Councilwoman Cynthia Hedge-Morrell.