By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Former Obama staffers Jon Lovett and Jon Favreau criticized the Democratic Party’s communication style, urging a shift from formal press release language to more relatable, conversational tones. They argued that Democrats need to engage with voters on a personal level, abandoning the assumption that identity politics alone will secure votes. The hosts emphasized the need for honesty about past mistakes, including acknowledging concerns about President Biden’s age, to regain credibility and effectively counter misinformation. This more approachable communication style, they believe, is crucial for electoral success.
Read the original article here
Former Obama staffers are urging Democrats to ditch the press release style of speaking and adopt a more relatable, everyday language. The suggestion centers on the idea that current Democratic communication often fails to connect with average voters. This disconnect is viewed as a significant contributor to electoral setbacks.
The core of the argument is that overly formal and technical language alienates many voters. Instead, Democrats are encouraged to use language that is easily understood by the average person, regardless of their educational background or political knowledge. This approach prioritizes clarity and directness over complex jargon.
The suggestion isn’t merely about simplifying vocabulary; it’s about mirroring the conversational style of everyday life. The goal is to cultivate an authentic connection with voters, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding rather than detached formality.
Several examples are cited, illustrating how seemingly minor changes in language can make a significant difference. Instead of meticulously crafted statements that sound more like policy briefs, the advice emphasizes expressing ideas in a conversational, accessible manner that resonates with the common person.
There is a push to inject more emotion and personality into the messaging. The overly cautious and politically correct approach is seen as a detriment, making the Democrats sound less authentic and more out of touch with the anxieties and struggles facing many Americans. The goal isn’t to become vulgar or inflammatory, but rather to exhibit genuine emotion and sincerity in a way that connects more effectively.
The idea of using populist rhetoric isn’t dismissed outright. However, the emphasis is on authenticity and relatability, not simply mimicking the style of populist leaders who may be perceived as manipulative or disingenuous. It’s about finding a way to bridge the gap between sophisticated policy positions and the average person’s understanding.
The concern that Democrats are seen as elite, out-of-touch, and overly academic is explicitly addressed. The proposal suggests actively challenging this perception by embracing a simpler, more straightforward communication style. The goal is to present themselves as relatable figures who understand the struggles of everyday life.
The suggestions highlight the need for Democrats to adapt to the evolving media landscape. The days of relying solely on traditional media and formal speeches are over. The party needs to embrace various media platforms, utilizing social media and more informal methods to reach and engage a wider audience. The need to be more proactive and engaging on social media is highlighted as a key factor in reclaiming lost ground.
The critique extends beyond language, touching upon the party’s overall approach to communication. Simply “dumbing down” the message is not sufficient. The party needs to rethink its overall strategy, abandoning outmoded approaches and embracing creative and inclusive means of engaging with the public.
One suggested strategy is to increase the visibility of relatable figures within the Democratic party. The hope is that this will help counter the perception of a disconnected, elite leadership. The emphasis is on letting the voices of ordinary people within the party become more prominent.
While acknowledging the importance of retaining a certain degree of decorum and professionalism, the underlying message encourages Democrats to show more emotional intelligence and understand the pulse of the populace. It’s a plea for Democrats to become more human in their communication, rather than remaining rigidly entrenched in a formal style that hinders their ability to engage effectively with the electorate.
The recommendation is not to abandon reasoned argument and well-researched policy; rather, it’s to find a more accessible way of conveying those arguments and policies to a broader audience. The call to action is to bridge the communication gap between the policy makers and the electorate, building a sense of trust and shared understanding that transcends the often-divisive political rhetoric. This is seen as a crucial step in regaining lost ground and rebuilding the electorate’s faith in the Democratic party.