WAGNER: Democrats must capture the nation’s energy
It’s going to be a long four years, but we’ve got to get through it—and make sure our democracy comes out alive.
Jennifer Wagner Chartier/ Special to IBJ
Articles
WAGNER: Democratic Party has chance to rise from ashes
We can make excuses and say Democrats lost in 2016 because it was a wave. It was undetectable anger, a populist outcry that didn’t show up in the polls. Or we could recognize it as an opportunity.
WAGNER: Turning a painful loss into a teachable moment
Make no mistake: This was a loss but not a failure. Secretary Clinton didn’t win, but she was on the ballot as the first major-party female presidential candidate in American history.
WAGNER: Indiana is lucky to have nonpartisan debate commission
The commission, which is the oldest incorporated and independent state-level debate group in the nation, has hosted televised debates in contested primary and general election races since its birth. All of the debates are broadcast by a live statewide feed as they happen and then archived on the commission’s website.
WAGNER: Young’s attempts to rebrand Bayh ring hollow
Bayh swept into office in his early 30s eager to solve problems and work across the aisle. Not only did he balance the budget, but he turned it into a surplus.
WAGNER: Yes, we can—again
A star named Barack Obama was born at the Democratic National Convention in 2008. John Kerry would go on to lose that election, but out of that loss would begin a new era for the Democratic Party.
WAGNER: Gregg-Pence outcome to set stage for fascinating 2020
The do-over battle between John Gregg and Mike Pence will either lead to the second term of a governor who’s proven unable to resist wading into divisive social issues or the first term of a governor whose main campaign message was not being the other guy.
WAGNER: Hogsett’s ethics reforms should be just first step
Revamped ethics rules approved by the City-County Council build on an ordinance signed by former Mayor Greg Ballard in his first term. Ironically, one of the most glaring omissions in the ordinance is that it doesn’t apply to those who approved it.
WAGNER: State, federal candidates need suburban moms
If Democrat John Gregg can define himself as a worthy alternative, someone who can actually govern, the moderate moms so important in the 2012 election, might rally to his side in the governor’s race.
WAGNER: Superdelegates help stop a Trump in Democratic Party
Superdelegates provide stability and a voice of reason—or at least a voice to raise questions about electability and what’s best for the future of the party.
WAGNER: Politics without purpose is no fun
Like so many of my friends, I just can’t find much joy in mindlessly hurling insults to advance an agenda—if there even is one—that helps no one.
WAGNER: Dems need clear ideas to fill Pence leadership void
I have some strategic advice for my fellow Hoosier Democrats who’ve signed up to be on the ballot: It’s time for us to stop talking about the lack of Republican leadership on big issues and instead begin providing Democratic leadership on big issues.
WAGNER: Come November, Hillary could win Hoosiers’ hearts
Hillary Clinton is running a solid state-by-state campaign to be our next president, but she’s not center stage. The Republican circus side show has occupied that space.
WAGNER: It’s harder to hold people to truthiness standards
Chuck Todd was visibly annoyed by his guest on “Meet the Press” a few Sunday mornings ago.
WAGNER: Deep gratitude for an under-appreciated public office
With the exception of the happy task of issuing marriage licenses, the Marion County clerk oversees a panoply of important but not particularly uplifting duties: collecting child support, administering court filings, maintaining old records and running our local elections.
WAGNER: Female politicians face double standard on the trail
“I don’t want to sound mean or insulting,” the message began. He continued to ask whether I’d ever considered having plastic surgery to correct the dark circles around my eyes.
WAGNER: The long and winding road to recruit candidates
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a conservative special-interest group. It opened with four paragraphs about a Statehouse issue along with a list of House members the group wanted its supporters to call and email. But that’s not what caught my eye.
WAGNER: It’s a brave new world in the suburbs
Earlier this year, I wrote for this publication about the rise of a new Hoosier swing voter, women my age who live in the doughnut counties around Indianapolis.
WAGNER: Indiana Dems need branding makeover
I spent a large chunk of the last eight years as the spokeswoman for the Indiana Democratic Party. It was the best of times (big wins in 2006, 2008 and 2012), it was the worst of times (it sure would be nice to forget about 2010 and some stinging losses at the local level).
WAGNER: Take the opportunity to live elsewhere
I never imagined I’d be writing this column, and I want to preface it with a blanket statement that will never change: I’m a proud Hoosier, and I love my hometown of Indianapolis.