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ABE WON'T BE SILENT - Are you sick and tired of asking yourself and anyone who will listen, “How the heck did the Democrats lose?” The quote in my headline is ultimately the biggest reason why. Cue the film Cool Hand Luke starring Paul Newman. Sadly, it was a failure to communicate, not a failure to achieve.
In the fall of 2023, the progressive think tank, Data for Progress presented a sobering analysis to the White House: voters simply weren’t hearing about President Joe Biden’s most significant—and popular—accomplishments.
Danielle Deiseroth, executive director, summarized the problem succinctly:
“No one was hearing about the popular things the Biden administration was doing. The responses we would get were all, ‘Well, we’re trying.’”
It’s mind boggling. The administration delivered on infrastructure, but only 43% of independents believed they had. They expanded healthcare benefits, yet just 39% of voters knew about it. At a time when messaging clarity could have been the Democrats’ lifeline, they blew it—skipping opportunities like the Super Bowl halftime interview and failing to cut through the noise of today’s fractured media ecosystem. Not to mention NOT embracing independent media. Here’s the deal: if you’re going to brand yourself as “progressive”, which Biden had veered into because his awesome accomplishments had been hailed by the progressives. Yet, because he failed to communicate the progress, to many in that movement, he wasn’t progressive enough. Hence, I’d argue the word “progressive” has become toxic—if not the kiss of death for the Democratic Party going forward in the short term.
The Problem with “Progressive” Politics
For millions of Americans, the term “Progressive” conjures up versions of far-left and “woke” ideologies—positions that alienate everyday voters. Perhaps unfairly, yet to many it is associated with things like ideological purity tests and worse, the pro-Hamas protesters who are also spewing anti-American rhetoric and burning our flag. Whether that purview is fair doesn’t matter. Because why? Perception is reality. Ask Donald Trump, who built a mega-dynasty on that basic PR principle. Perception and fierce unity of messaging has paved the way for Republicans to dominate this election cycle—winning the House, the Senate, and the presidency.
[SIDEBAR] We can officially retire the word Republican. Even Mitt Romney said, “MAGA is now the Republican Party.”
If Democrats want to claw their way back, they need to stop communicating weakness. Handwringing over polls and panic about Trump returning to power doesn’t project strength; it projects fear. Turn on MSNBC or CNN, and you’ll see what I mean. The doom & gloom on a loop analysis and conversations dominated by bloviators obsessing on the end of the world narrative is a depressing mix of dread that clearly repels viewers. (Cue the ratings.)
Quaking in your boots isn’t a marketing strategy. Projecting your quandary against the new MAGA Party’s “performative strength” is a surefire way to keep losing—and not just viewers. For the past ten years we’ve heard:
1. “The Democrats can’t message their way out of a paper bag.”
2. The Democrats have to stop bringing a butter knife to a gun fight.”
3. The Democrats never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”
[SIDEBAR] A remedy I suggest is a strong focus on local politics and the upcoming down ballot races over the next two years. Potentially is can be local politics which will be the salve for the democrats and will help save them from themselves.
Independent Media—Mainstream Echo Chambers
Another glaring issue? The left-wing media machine hasn’t evolved its strategy. MSNBC and CNN are stuck in the same stale programming format that helped lead Democrats here in the first place. Meanwhile, independent media has surged because it’s willing to have the conversations people actually want to hear with fresh faces, perspectives, and in many cases, humor. Young people especially are fed up with partisan echo chambers, yet Democrats continue to rely on the same bloviators—hour after hour—most who have lost touch with the electorate long ago. Heck, these are the hypocrites who wanted TikTok banned, then jumped onto the platform this recent election cycle—and it still might happen!
Words Matter—It’s Time for a New Approach
You know I’m not here to talk about “rebranding” the Democratic Party because the word brand—in the world according to me—applies to products like Coke, L'Oréal, and Gucci. Being branded a Democrat isn’t a winning proposition right about now and why I registered as an Independent on November 6. Democrats need to choose their words carefully. Language matters. Words like “progressive” might energize a portion of the base but may alienate far more people. See current presidential outcome.
For now, I’ll be watching to see how things proceed with the Dems. Those determined to resist by drawing lines in the sand—when you’re not even near the beach—is not a winning strategy—it’s just shouting into the void. Frankly, I don’t care if this position garners likes or loses me followers on TikTok and Instagram or applause and subscribers YouTube and Bluesky. I get to stay honest as we navigate a moment where truth doesn’t matter anymore.
Democrats have scored many great achievements. They have the talent. But unless they learn to communicate with strength, unity, and clarity, they’ll keep losing to the MAGA Party—that—love it or hate it—understand the power of perception, performance, and unified messaging. Even if it’s mostly lies—sadly.
(ABE GURKO is the executive producer of a documentary “Won’t Be Silent,” about the extraordinary Women of Protest Music. He's an Opinionator who hosts a podcast, "Won't Be Silent," engaging in conversations from the edge of democracy. Abe is a contributor to CityWatchLA.com. [email protected])
