The Problem with the Democratic Party

I say this in love.

Now, if you’ve grown up in church like I have, you know that whatever is coming next isn’t going to feel like love, but it’s probably something you need to hear.

Having said that…

While some may think there are dozens of things wrong with the Democratic Party, I break them down into three main things: messaging, media, and the movement.

Messaging

The key to messaging is to know the desired impact you want to have, who you want to have it on, and WHY you want to have that impact. Of the three, the last is the most important. When you clearly know these three things, you are able to develop a clear message that’s effective.

Going viral for “taking down GOP Senator” doesn’t count as messaging.

Saying “Trump”, “Musk”, and “billionaires” in every press interview and social media post also doesn’t count as messaging.

Democrats talk more about Trump and the agenda of the GOP than they do. It’s painful to watch. More than that, it’s infuriating because the country is at stake, like… literally.

Unless the desired impact is to keep the country divided, end our democratic process, and become isolated from the rest of the world, the Democratic Party may want to do something different.

Media

The Democratic Party doesn’t have an answer for the conservative media machine. To be fair, combating the “Trump effect” in mainstream media is difficult. They’ve learned that the name gets clicks, views, and shares - consistently. (Another reason Dems should stop talking about him so much.)

It’s not just mainstream media though. Even progressive podcast/social media is an issue. What’s so crazy about this point is that many have been saying it since before the election. There’s simply no democratic equivalent to Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, Charlie Kirk, Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, and rest of the right-wing influencing team.

Again, to be fair, in the months since the election, we’ve seen the rise of Meidas Touch, Brian Tyler Cohen, and even Aaron Parnas. My question is are they doing anything different than mainstream media? Are they filling the gaping hole in Democratic media with a message that delivers the desired impact to the people they are trying to each?

Movement

While I’ve listed it last, it’s actually the basis for the first two and therefore, ridiculously important. When you think of movement, what comes to mind? Going somewhere, right?

Where’s the Democratic Party going? Who’s leading the way? Is everyone on board with the destination, the route, and the navigator?

If you know the answers to these questions, I think the American people would love to know them because I haven’t ran across anyone who can articulate them and I talk with thousands of people on social media daily.

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I know better than to criticize without offering potential solutions. Now, you might be thinking “Who are you to speak on this issue?” “What makes you qualified to tell people who’ve been doing this for decades what needs to be done?”.

I’m just me. I have no special expertise in politics and I don’t move in political circles.

I just talk to people and I’m pretty good at it.

So, here are my thoughts on the off chance that someone, somewhere, who does move in those circles and has the expertise that will get people to listen, happens to read them:

Movement

The Democratic Party’s destination has to be the preservation of the democratic, constitutional republic that is our country. The road the party must travel to reach this place includes humility, accountability, and vulnerability. If these things lead the way, the party can reestablish its credibility.

Why humility? Because the party appears to associate more often and better with celebrities than regular people. Because the party is partially responsible for getting us to the place we are currently in. Because humility is required to become unified behind a solid message and leadership.

Why accountability? Because the party is partially responsible for the place we are in and hasn’t done enough when it could to protect the American people. Because people will not forgive, believe, or trust until the party takes accountability for not doing their job as public servants representing the people, the country.

Why vulnerability? Because the only way to be humble and take accountability is through vulnerability. Because vulnerability is the conduit to connection and the Democratic Party desperately needs to connect with the people.

Messaging

Here’s where you get to do the work. I literally started smiling when I wrote that sentence. (I’m weird lol) Anyway, the party’s messaging has to be able the people.

You have to outline:

What you want to accomplish for the people and how it's going to benefit them. It must be tangible and have a realistic timeframe in which you can get it done. People have to be able to picture it happening and how it will feel when it happens.

The tasks that need to be done, the process for getting them done, and the cooperation it takes to get them done. That last one is pretty important. People need to be in this with you - you’re on this road together.

Media

The media of the party must represent the movement of the party and be able to articulate the message effectively. With click bait, deep fakes, and misinformation campaigns, it’s difficult for people to know what sources to trust.

The Democratic Party needs 5-7 solid voices that can communicate the facts, the message, and the movement who are the real deal. You can’t afford shiny objects that look great but aren’t of any value to the movement. Now, there are some shiny objects out there who can be transformed with the right training. You’ll know them because you will feel it.

Find the people who exhibit the characteristics listed above (with a few more) and communicate them effectively - then elevate their voices. They are out there.

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The Democratic Party has to figure out where they are going, the most effective way to get there, who’s leading the way, and how to share it with the American people - AND get their buy in.

Again, just my opinion. Take what resonates and leave the rest.