Dean R. Prestemon, Ames

Letter to the Editor

Democratic leaders and activists are scrambling to determine what went wrong in the 2016 election and what actions need to be taken to revitalize the party. The answers are obvious since the blueprint has been provided by the campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Sen. Sanders generated so much enthusiasm and positive support from young and older voters because he had a clear progressive vision and focused solely on important people issues. He did not go negative and denigrate his opponent. Rather, he projected a positive and optimistic future for this nation. Perhaps most important, he clearly identified and promoted the appropriate, significant role that government should play in this country.

While Sen. Sanders did not consider fundraising to be his primary function, more than adequate support rolled in from millions of small contributors who recognized that he was consistent, trustworthy and speaking for them.

If the Democratic Party wants to be successful, it must discard the rejected operating procedures of the past and convince an expanded electorate that the party's policies and candidates will improve the quality of life of all the people. It is really that simple. Is the Democratic Party up to the challenge?

— Dean R. Prestemon, Ames