December 2015

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In December 2015, major U.S. Democrats were engaged in several significant political activities, primarily centered around the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election and key legislative and social issues. Below is a detailed overview of their notable activities during this period, based on available information:
Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Campaign:
On April 12, 2015, Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the 2016 presidential election, becoming the first major Democrat to do so. By December 2015, she was the frontrunner in national polls, maintaining an overwhelming lead over her primary opponents, particularly Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Clinton’s campaign focused on her establishment credentials, appealing to women, African Americans, Latino Americans, sexual minorities, moderates, and older voters. She secured endorsements from a vast majority of Democratic officeholders, reinforcing her position as the party’s establishment candidate.

In December, Clinton participated in Democratic primary debates and campaign events, emphasizing issues like healthcare, economic policy, and national security, especially in response to the San Bernardino shooting on December 2, which killed 14 people and reignited debates on gun control and domestic terrorism.

Bernie Sanders’ Rising Campaign:
Senator Bernie Sanders, running as a Democratic candidate despite his independent status, gained significant traction by December 2015. His rallies drew large crowds, particularly among younger voters under 40 and progressives, highlighting a divide within the Democratic Party between establishment and outsider factions.

Sanders’ campaign focused on progressive policies like universal healthcare, wealth inequality, and reducing corporate influence in politics, positioning him as a challenge to Clinton’s dominance.

Democratic National Committee (DNC) Activities:
The DNC, responsible for overseeing Democratic campaign strategies, was actively coordinating the 2016 presidential primary process. In December 2015, the DNC faced controversy over its handling of a data breach involving Sanders’ campaign accessing Clinton’s voter data, leading to tensions between the two campaigns. The DNC temporarily suspended Sanders’ campaign access to voter data, which sparked debates about fairness in the primary process.

The DNC also organized primary debates, with one held on December 19, 2015, where Clinton, Sanders, and Martin O’Malley discussed issues like gun control, foreign policy, and economic inequality, reflecting the party’s focus on these topics.

President Barack Obama’s Activities:
As the sitting Democratic president, Obama was active in December 2015 on several fronts. Following the San Bernardino shooting, he called for stronger gun control measures and addressed concerns about domestic terrorism, framing it as a national security issue.

Obama also championed the Paris Climate Agreement, finalized in December 2015, calling it “a turning point for the world” in the shift toward clean, renewable energy. This was a key achievement for Democrats, aligning with their environmental priorities.

Obama continued to push for his signature Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), defending its progress in ensuring healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, a cornerstone of Democratic policy.

Congressional Democrats:
Democrats in Congress were navigating a Republican-controlled House and Senate, making it challenging to pass legislation. However, they were vocal on key issues:
Gun Control: After the San Bernardino shooting, Democratic leaders like Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi pushed for stricter gun laws, including background checks and restrictions on assault weapons, though these efforts faced Republican opposition.

Budget and Fiscal Policy: Democrats participated in year-end budget negotiations, securing funding for priorities like education and healthcare while opposing Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and repeal parts of Obamacare. A bipartisan budget deal was passed in December 2015, reflecting some Democratic influence despite their minority status.

Civil Rights and Social Issues: Democrats continued to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which gained momentum after the 2014 Ferguson events and remained prominent in 2015 following additional police-related incidents. Congressional Democrats, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, advocated for criminal justice reform and addressed racial inequality.

State-Level Democratic Activity:
In Pennsylvania, Democrats achieved a significant victory in the November 2015 state Supreme Court election, with Kevin M. Dougherty, David N. Wecht, and Christine Donohue winning three vacant seats. This Democratic sweep shifted the court’s balance from three Republicans and two Democrats to five Democrats and two Republicans, marking a historic change not seen in over 300 years.

In New York, former Democratic Assemblyman Sheldon Silver faced legal consequences. By December 2015, he had been indicted on bribery and corruption charges, convicted on November 30, 2015, for taking over $4 million in bribes and kickbacks. This scandal tarnished the Democratic Party’s image in New York.

In Pennsylvania, Democratic Attorney General Kathleen Kane faced ongoing legal issues, having been charged in August 2015 with perjury and obstruction, which continued to unfold into December, impacting Democratic leadership in the state.

Public Opinion and Party Dynamics:
Democrats held a slight edge in party affiliation, with Gallup polls showing a three-point advantage over Republicans in 2015 (down from five or six points in prior years). However, 39% of Americans identified as independents, reflecting a challenge for Democrats in maintaining voter loyalty.

Democrats maintained strong support among minorities (e.g., 87% of Black Americans supported Biden in 2020, a trend consistent with 2015 data), women, younger voters, and those with higher education, particularly in urban areas like New York and California.

Notable Losses:
On December 2, 2015, Sandy Berger, former National Security Advisor under President Bill Clinton, passed away. His death was noted as a loss for the Democratic establishment, given his influential role in foreign policy.

These activities reflect the Democratic Party’s focus in December 2015 on preparing for the 2016 election, addressing national security and gun violence, advancing environmental and healthcare policies, and navigating state-level political and legal challenges.