Office Hours: What’s the “Message”?

Friends,

Today I’m seeking your guidance about the message progressive Democrats should lead with in a few weeks when the midterm elections begin.

Yes, I know: It’s a big tent and Democratic candidates will tailor their messages to voters in their own states or congressional districts, who may be swayed by slightly different ones.

But rarely before in American history has the choice been so stark and so clear. The current occupant of the Oval Office is a malignant sociopath who’s gotten America into a losing war in the Middle East, turned much of our country into a police state, caused prices to soar, and pocketed billions off his office. He’s backed by a bevy of billionaires who have bet the house on AI, and congressional Republicans have been spineless zombies.

This is, or should be, the progressives’ hour. (Also, remember that the Democratic message in the midterms can influence the message in 2028.)

So what, in your view, should progressive Dems lead with? What’s the core message you’d like to hear from them in coming weeks?

I’ve canvassed people I consider savvy political advisers and observers, and grouped their responses below. Please share your own view.

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