Although the two major parties in the United States often accuse each other on undermining freedoms or neglecting economic growth. Yet, fundamentally, they share these objectives but debate the methods to achieve them. However, their core value propositions diverge significantly in their priorities. Democrats typically emphasize equality and inclusion, whereas Republicans prompt more safety and security concerns.
These values correspond to different levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow’s model includes five levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Typically, individuals prioritize lower-level needs before addressing higher ones. Equality and inclusion align with love and belonging needs, appealing to voters’ morality and empathy, encouraging a sense of community and fairness.
On the contrary, the Republican emphasis on safety and security often capitalizes on fear, warning voters of immediate dangers such as supposed crises at the US-Mexico border or characterizing immigrants as threats. These claims, while powerful, often stem from misleading propaganda rather than fact.
Interestingly, Democrats have recently adopted safety and security rhetoric, warning that a re-election of Trump could spell the end of democracy. This strategy echoes Republican tactics, leveraging fear despite evidence suggesting a low likelihood of Trump overturning U.S. democracy based on his failed attempts in 2020. This shift in Democratic strategy is a departure from earlier ideals, notably articulated by Michelle Obama’s “when they go low, we go high” during the 2016 election. The Democrat lost the election of 2016 bitterly, which may changed the strategy to intriguing fear rather than an adherence to previously high standards.
This situation mirrors the broader counter-terrorism efforts. Terrorists cannot outmatch the United States militarily, but if the U.S. were to undermine its democratic principles and adopt authoritarian tactics, it would signify a moral defeat and lost the war with terrorists. The United States shall not descend to a state that runs on people’s fear. It will cause an American Hitler to grab power.
While the strategies of both parties vary widely across different issues, it is crucial for the U.S. to address basic needs effectively. When the lower level needs are satisfied, we can prioritize more on higher level needs, and strive towards a more perfect union.
