Return of the Commonsense Party

Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist and CNN contributor, recently delivered a scathing critique of her own party's communication strategy and messaging approach following Kamala Harris's presidential loss[1][4]. Her comments highlight several key issues she believes are hindering the Democratic Party's ability to connect with voters:

Lack of "Common Sense" Messaging

Roginsky argued that the Democratic Party has lost touch with "common sense" politics and struggles to communicate effectively with ordinary Americans[1]. She emphasized that this failure is not the fault of individual leaders like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or Barack Obama, but rather a systemic issue within the party's approach to voter outreach[4].

Disconnect with Latino Voters

One specific example Roginsky pointed out was the party's use of terms like "Latinx" when addressing Latino voters. She argued that this attempt at political correctness actually alienates many within the Latino community, making Democrats appear out of touch with their experiences[4].

Overemphasis on Political Correctness

Roginsky criticized what she sees as an excessive focus on political correctness among progressives, particularly in handling sensitive issues like campus protests. She argued that failing to address disruptive behavior damages the party's credibility with voters who prioritize education and order[4].

Virtue Signaling and Authenticity

The strategist took issue with practices like prominently displaying pronouns, suggesting that such actions often come across as performative rather than genuine. She urged Democrats to "stop with the virtue signaling and speak to people like they're normal," emphasizing the importance of authentic communication[4].

Call for Straightforward Communication

Roginsky advocated for a return to what she described as "common sense" politics, urging Democrats to simplify their approach and speak the same language to all voters. She argued that tailoring messages to specific groups based on polls and focus groups has backfired, making the party seem less authentic[4].

Long-standing Issues

In her critique, Roginsky stressed that these communication problems are not new, stating that the party has been making the same mistakes for years. She warned that until Democrats adopt a more grounded approach to voter outreach, they may continue to face setbacks in elections[4].

Roginsky's comments reflect a growing concern among some Democrats that the party needs to reassess its communication strategy and find ways to better connect with a broader range of voters. Her critique suggests that a return to more straightforward, relatable messaging could be key to regaining voter trust and improving electoral performance[1][4].

Citations:

[1] https://www.mediaite.com/tv/democratic-strategist-on-cnn-absolutely-loses-it-on-dems-for-not-knowing-how-to-talk-to-normal-people-not-the-party-of-common-sense/

[2] https://www.quirks.com/articles/democrats-messaging-challenges-two-fundamental-misunderstandings

[3] https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/4782516-the-democrats-communications-strategy-for-trump-is-collapsing/

[4] https://tdpelmedia.com/democratic-strategist-julie-roginsky-urges-party-to-embrace-common-sense-politics-as-trump-claims-landslide-victory-in-battleground-states/

[5] https://democrats.org/news/dnc-releases-2024-party-platform-draft-outlining-historic-record-and-bold-agenda-for-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris-to-finish-the-job/

[6] https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/07/politics/video/democratic-party-went-wrong-julie-roginsky-digvid

[7] https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/11/07/10-democratic-thinkers-on-what-the-party-needs-right-now-00187993