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Normalizing Deviance [1]

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Date: 2025-02-13

My career in the mortgage industry spanned the mid-to-late 2000s, a period when "liar loans" became the norm. Due largely to lax oversight under the Bush administration, the industry normalized issuing loans to borrowers with no means of repayment. Over time, staff turnover led many to either abandon traditional underwriting standards or never learn them. This normalization of deviant behavior was the root cause of the financial crisis.

Today, we are witnessing a similar process in politics. The normalization of political deviance is not just an unintended consequence of Trump’s radical agenda—it is its goal. Even if the Roberts Court checks some of his most extreme actions (a dubious proposition), his conduct is already setting dangerous precedents that threaten constitutional democracy. While Democrats must vigorously oppose these transgressions, we must also present a unified, clear, and public alternative vision for America.

We should position ourselves as the party of traditional American values—personal freedom, civil rights, democracy, and the rule of law—in direct opposition to Trump’s radical and un-American agenda. Our challenge is not just to resist, but to offer a compelling alternative vision that unifies our party and appeals to the broader electorate. The best way to achieve this is by challenging Trump’s economic policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of working- and middle-class Americans. This approach has the potential to drive a wedge between Trump and independent voters, as well as his less emotionally committed supporters—many of whom will suffer most under his policies.

How do we accomplish this? I propose a modern "Contract with America"—a straightforward, 10-point program that defines the debate on our terms. These points should reflect party consensus and serve as a consistent framework for opposing Trump’s assault on democracy. Key elements should include:

Tax fairness : Implementing a significantly higher inheritance tax to protect Social Security and Medicare. The push to abolish the estate tax presents a clear line of attack—let’s frame the debate as Musk vs. Medicare.

Personal privacy and liberty : Framing this as a defense of traditional American values rather than rights could make the message more inclusive and avoid the toxicity Republicans have injected into political discourse.

Addressing global warming: Highlighting the economic risks of global warming—such as the increasing challenges to housing resulting from difficulty in getting and paying for homeowners insurance—could resonate across party lines.

I welcome thoughts on additional points of broad agreement. In particular, how should we address immigration? Climate-driven migration will only grow in the coming years, making this a crucial issue—one that has fueled right-wing movements worldwide. Additionally, should we emphasize a plank on “Restoring America’s leadership of the Free World” in response to Trump’s isolationist tendencies and appeasement of authoritarian regimes?

Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

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