Breaking Through the Cacophony: Michigan Voters Signal a Focus on Domestic Concerns

Because Tuesday's Michigan Primary was more of a match for Republicans than Democrats, we can't read too much into the results. But in one respect, the outcome seems quite clear—voters are shifting their priorities from Iraq to home. Michigan voters (home of the original Reagan Democrats) voted with their pocketbooks; the pre-eminent concern for them was the economy. While they tell the candidates and the media that they still care deeply about Iraq and terrorism, they are rightly worried about their "bread and butter" issues that require new solutions (“change”), leadership, and attention here at home. This is a positive trend for those of us calculating strategy for the America Forward campaign. Slogging through the fall, and trying to break through the near cacophony of Iraq and security messages, we wondered if any domestic issue would break through to voters. The economy clearly did in Michigan. As a result I predict you'll see all the "front runners" rapidly seeking ways to deliver a message about their priorities for the domestic agenda.