Democrats Need A PR Firm - They Have No Unified Message

[gab13by13]

Democrats are just allowing Magats to frame the talking point that massive cuts are needed to control the deficit.

The fucking reason that massive cuts are needed is because of Magats giving 4.7 trillion dollars to basically 70 people, fucking say that.
End the tax cuts for billionaires and massive cuts won't be needed. These tax cuts will be permanent by the way. The largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in our nation's history.

Why weren't Democrats out and about on Memorial Day screaming that Magats are gutting the VA, are gutting healthcare for our veterans all because 70 of the richest people in America need more money?

I believe that a lot of Congressional Democrats are following Chuck Schumer's strategy, to let Krasnov burn it all down and then win elections.

Just imagine what the narrative would be had every Congressional Democrat done what Bernie and AOC did?

Holding town halls, especially in red districts, with specific topics for each town hall was the best course of action. It will be up to us, the people, to throw out the billionaires and town halls would have motivated and informed and given a course of action to the people who are ready to fight back. Indivisible has done more than the DNC or DNCC or whatever has done.

Democrats are spending money ordering drapes for our new house while it burns down.

Is saying that 4.7 trillion dollars are going to basically 70 people an exaggeration? You bet it is, but it is also true. Too bad Democrats didn't repeat that over and over again to force Magats to defend that.

[Scrivener7]

1. We have needed one for decades, and it is a mystery to me why we don't get one.

[Iris]

25. Right? I really believed the party was run like a machine but I guess I was completely wrong

I saw a deep bench in the potential VP candidates and figured there would be some kind of succession planning around that at the very least.

[MaineNative]

2. Thanks

You inspired me to go to the DNC and send them a rant on this subject. I thought Ken Martin was supposed to be a real bulldog. To date, he's more like a chihuahua. Dear god, we are fucked if we continue down this path.

[usonian]

7. Lots of us have.

They aren't listening.

[CousinIT]

10. Yes. I've done the same, ranted at them about it. Still...NADA. n/t

[Falcon101]

40. DNC Needs to Think Outside the Box

We need a mid term convention and start talking to red states and areas. We need something different. Ken Martin is not what we need

[Tickle]

3. Here's my answer on how does no tax on tips

At first glance, “no tax on tips” and “no tax on overtime” sounds like it helps working people — and it can. But here’s how the rich could benefit too:

1. Loopholes get exploited: High-income earners with flexible compensation deals (like executives or business owners) might start calling big chunks of their bonuses or extra pay “overtime” to avoid taxes. If there's no strict limit on what counts as "overtime," they could game the system.


2. Business owners save more: Employers (especially wealthy ones) might shift how they pay workers — giving more “tips” or “overtime” instead of regular wages. That can reduce their payroll tax obligations too. Less taxes paid = more profit kept.


3. Uneven impact: A rich person getting tax-free overtime on a $200/hour consulting gig gets a bigger break than a waitress getting tax-free tips on $5/hour. The rich save more simply because their numbers are bigger.

In short: good idea in theory for workers — but without strict guardrails, the rich find ways to use it more effectively, and disproportionately benefit.

[gab13by13]

6. I also wonder if people will start tipping less

if they believe that their servers are making more money? Better include those tips in the bills.

[NCDem47]

9. Everything about U.S. tipping culture is out-of-control

It's ridculous how the service economy has abused this in ways that were never intended. This hurts everyone overall and consumers have burnout which leads to resentment and a disdain for any tipping.

[RandiFan1290]

54. That is from AI.

I see they finally got ya.

Buh bye!

[MineralMan]

4. Are WE not Democrats?

What do WE need to do?

[gab13by13]

13. We need to constantly call our Reps,

we need to get out and protest.

I get 7 or 8 texts every day to donate to Democrats, I started donating to Indivisible and joined the ACLU, groups that are out fighting.

I wish that Congressional Democrats had held a town hall within 50 or 60 miles where I live, I would have gone in a minute. My Rep is Glenn Thompson, a Magat who breathes methane and drinks oil. There are elections in my district where Democrats don't even get on the ballot, I have had to write in names. Wish that someone would have held a town hall near me because I know there are a lot of Magats on Medicaid and food stamps.

We need to get out on June 14th, the day of Krasnov's military parade and protest all across the country.

We need direction from Congressional Democrats, not the direction coming from Chuck Schumer to let Krasnov burn it all down. He said that on Chris Hayes' show.

[MineralMan]

23. You miss my point entirely.

[gab13by13]

26. Did I?

[Scrivener7]

46. Maybe you should start a thread about that. Answering THIS thread that way is really just saying, "Shut up."

THIS discussion of how our leaders can ramp up their tepid response is a legitimate and essential one.

If it is not the one you want to engage in, by all means go and start the discussion you want to have.

[MineralMan]

47. Well, thank you for your suggestion.

Despite your scolding, I have frequently started threads by discussion the concept that we are all Democrats here. Those threads are almost always about getting involved with Democratic Party organizations where you live. So far, such threads have not been well received on DU. Imagine that.

If you look downthread, you will see that I have introduced that idea in this thread, as well.

My issue is people referring to "Democrats" as though they were some sort of alien group none of us have anything to do with. In my opinion, that is exactly the problem. Instead of becoming active as Democrats, we tend to complain that the "Democrats" are not doing what we think they should be. So, my question, each time, is "Are we not those very Democrats? Is it not us who are failing to do what is needed?"

The answers to those two questions tell the actual story.

It is easy to scold people, isn't it?

[Scrivener7]

49. It does seem to come easily to you. And again, your questions in response to the topic of THIS thread

are really just a way to shut THIS conversation down. Repeating that attempt and then pointing out that you have done it again down thread does not change the fact.

[NCDem47]

5. Perhaps it's not the message alone, but it's the appartus to get it out too

The right wing has far, far deeper tentacles into owning and controlling mediums by which messages get out in an efficient and effective manner. It sucks!

All we can do is hone the message...and then make it repeatable and memorable and get every single Dem to stick to it when given a platform. We've got to have that discipline. And get REALLY creative to amplify that mesage.

[gab13by13]

14. The MSM will cover a town hall like MSNBC did for fired federal workers.

Example ; SignsalGate and NLRB Gate have been swept under the rug. Just imagine if Democrats had publicized a town hall monitored by Malcolm Nance just on this topic. Have security experts present to tell personal stories. Get General Mattis or someone else who is high profile to tell their stories. Let the people know that Magats are a threat to our national security.

The MSM would have covered an event like that, I guarantee it.

Do similar town halls for different topic, get Martin O'Malley to moderate a town hall over the gutting of our safety social net.

Make the MSM cover us.

[CousinIT]

8. I have literally screamed at them to get their messaging act together.

They need 24x7x365 OFFENSIVE messaging and a rapid-response war room to COORDINATE with the DNC and Dems in Congress on CONSISTENT, daily messaging. They need to put Republicans on their back feet and KEEP them there on DEFENSE. Permanently. Republicans know how to do this. Democrats?

[NCDem47]

11. Preach. Yes, we're working from behind here.

Coordination and sense of uregency need to be there. Like yesterday.

[CousinIT]

17. Dems are 40 years (at least) behind on this. n/t

[usonian]

12. If "leaders" can't get this basic message out (sent by Bernie) then ... I just don't know.

People attending rallies in huge numbers are saying
YES to raising the minimum wage,
YES to expanding Social Security,
YES to guaranteeing health care as a human right,
YES to cutting the cost of prescription drugs,
YES to paid family and medical leave,
YES to equal pay for equal work,
YES to more affordable housing,
YES to making childcare and higher education affordable to all,
YES to taking on the existential threat of climate change.

And most importantly they are saying
YES to a government and an economy that works for all of us and not just the billionaire class and the Oligarchs.

[gab13by13]

15. Now, imagine the impact

if every Congressional Democrat had done what Bernie and AOC did.

[Fiendish Thingy]

24. Indeed- but Bernie and AOC's message is the opposite of what PR firms would recommend

The consultant class would advocate for supporting the Laken Riley anti-immigrant act and deregulation of crypto currency, because both poll well with men.

[gab13by13]

27. Then find a different PR firm.

I'm not talking about winning the next election, I'm talking about surviving.

[Fiendish Thingy]

22. That is the message AOC and Bernie presented at their recent rallies

Thousands of attendees enthusiastically agreed.

[JustAnotherGen]

38. They are unAmerican maga Repubs

To win the middle you have to demonize and denigrate the opposition.

[mopinko]

16. 2028 campaign needs to start now.

and i hope we have a dozen candidates.
msm can ignore a senator or a former biden admin official, but they cant ignore a candidate for prez.

[gab13by13]

18. The ole GOTV strategy.

The house is burning down, we need more than 12 fire fighters. I want a Congressman to do a town hall within 60 miles of me so I can attend. I have had to write in Democrats' names in my district. A presidential candidate will never come to my district.

By 2028 our house will be demolished. Right now we need all hands on deck to stop the Big Ugly Death Bill.

[mopinko]

19. that's y we need to start now.

i’m not talking about putting our eggs in the 2028 basket, i’m talking about stealing a megaphone.

[murielm99]

21. Town halls are being done by Democrats in Illinois.

They are supported by the Illinois Democratic Chairpersons' Association.

I don't know where you live. Get something going on your own if there is nothing in your state.

[gab13by13]

28. That is fantastic, it's the right approach,

I'm talking about coordination from the top down. The town hall that MSNBC held was done on 1 specific topic, fired federal workers who made their firings personal, who told their stories.

Democrats' eyes should have been opened to do more of those types of town halls.

Have you seen any debate on cable news about tax breaks for billionaires being a bad idea? The debate is over what to cut and that is a losing proposition.

[murielm99]

29. Tell the Democratic reps near you what you want.

Contact your state party. If you are represented by a republican, hold your own town hall with a cutout of the guy at the front of the room.

I went to a meeting several years ago when one of our more clueless members brought a guest. She kept asking, "Why don't THEY do this? Why don't THEY do that?" I should have spoken up. There is no THEY. We are THEY.

If you are not getting what you want, organize it yourselves.

[MineralMan]

42. Run for office where you live as a Democrat.

Is there a Democratic Party organization in your state or district? Do you attend meetings of that organization? No? Why not?

People who call themselves Democrats need to be part of the Democratic Party organization. If you are, you can influence what the party does where you live. If you're not, then nobody knows what you think or what you want.

Don't write in names. Run for office and put your name on the ballot. It's easy to do.

The National and State party organizations will not come and help you if there is no organization where you live. They want to see some activity so they aren't wasting their time.

Get busy. Be a candidate. Hold your own town hall. Don't complain unless you're willing to get involved where you live. Nobody will listen to you until you are actively involved.

[Fiendish Thingy]

20. A PR firm is the last thing Dems need

And they probably already have at least one on retainer.

They also don’t need a “unified message”, they just need an effective message, even if only a portion of the party conveys it (see the recent rallies by AOC and Bernie for effective messaging)

PR firms will advise caution and minimal risk taking, which is the last thing Dem leadership needs to hear.

NYT just reported the DNC has a project entitled “how to listen to men”.



That’s what the PR/consultant class brings to the table.

[gab13by13]

30. I repeat, find a different PR firm then.

This isn't about winning the next election, it's about controlling the narrative. You are talking about a different topic, a different strategy.

Find a PR firm with the mission statement to get Democrats to control the narrative.

You and I can hold a brainstorming session, get a dozen members from DU, and come up with ideas and follow through with action.

We had Hakeem Jeffries who united his caucus to oppose the CR and take a stand, and then we had Chuck Schumer kneecap the House and publicly support the CR with the strategy to let Krasnov burn it all down.

Here is my PR suggestion; have every Congressional Democrat say every day that Magats are giving 4.7 trillion dollars to basically 70 people and the working poor are going to pay for those tax cuts. Repeat that 70 billionaires do not need more money. Repeat that 70 billionaires do not need more money. Repeat that 70 billionaires do not need more money. Make Magats defend that.

That's just one idea.

[Fiendish Thingy]

34. Survival is a much different focus than controlling the narrative

In fact, they are almost opposites.

Survival-oriented consultants would advise keep your head down, take few risks.

Controlling the narrative requires sticking one’s neck out, taking risks, taking bold positions that get and hold attention.

The Dems have significant numbers of survivalists, and a few inspirational bold future leaders who are currently limited in number.

[Silent Type]

31. We darn sure need something. Unfortunately, even if we get rid of the $470 B a year from tax cuts to wealthy,

we'd still be in the hole by roughly $1.2 Trillion every year. Better, yes, but not by much.

[Clouds Passing]

32. Spines of Courage are needed by all Dems.

[Iggo]

33. They need real leadership, not "Yay, it's my turn!"

Fuck seniority. Get your best players in the game!

[Picaro]

35. Absolutely agree

I’m slowing down my donations because I fundamentally don’t believe that they’re going to do any good

I had a good analogy would be football. The game of football has changed fundamentally and you couldn’t even survive on the field if you tried to play it in the old equipment, the old conditioning, and the old tactics and strategy. A team like that would get wiped off the field.

Old guard Democrats seem to think they’re playing the same game that they’ve always been playing. The problem is is that their opponents are playing some other game that has nothing to do with democracy.

A good PR firm could go a long way towards tightening up their messaging and taking advantage of the plethora of weaknesses on the other side. These people are really really weak. No one wants what they are trying to do to the country. But right now no one on the Democratic side other than a notable few are doing much of anything

If we continue on this road we, the American people, will lose everything.

[Bluethroughu]

36. "Promote the General Welfare", should be the message.

It's the Constitution clause, that has been neglected since the 80's and our inequality proves it.
The solution:
1. Tax the billionaires the same rates as everyone else, no write-offs any different than the working class.
2. Lift the income tax cap on Social Security and expand the income.
3. Medicare for all.
4. ENFORCE THE SHERMAN ANTI-TRUST ACT
5. Women should be the soul decision makers of their own bodies.
6. No tax dollars for religious entities.
7. No corruption in government, bribes or gratuity is corruption and should be an automatic suspension of position until fully investigated, for everyone including the Supreme Court.
8. No felons allowed in government.

[JustAnotherGen]

37. Or we could

Unleash Crockett, Maxine Waters and Gwen Moore on their asses.

They will piss a lot of people the young guns in our party are begging to be their friends - but it will be effective.

[Iamscrewed]

39. Message

The GOP is a lying pile of criminals.

[Tetrachloride]

41. Fetterman, Joseph Lieberman and Rahm

unity

and butter

[awesomerwb1]

43. So many things the Dems are behind the GOP

Unified message:
daily talking points

Stop with the "while I agree with my friends across the aisle about __________________" DO NOT concede anything.

Do focus groups year round, EVERYWHERE.

Dems are the masters of the circular firing squad. The masters of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

It's insane and a poor way of running a major political party.

[tonekat]

44. Maybe this is the destiny of the USA

Maybe there are just too damn many stupid people who swallow the whole Republican tub 'o lies, and just don't care.

I remember after W. got elected a second time. Hunter Thompson wrote "Maybe Americans like fascism?"

[Kid Berwyn]

45. "Not our job."

Because if We the People were to actually, ya know, know what Democrats are about, they would vote for Democrats. That is what all the disinformation is for. So, we can't have that now, can we? Besides, lookit all that's spent on TV and radio advertising every two years -- and all the fundraising to buy same.

In England, instead of using all their time to raise money, the House o' Commonfolk representatives have to actually meet with their constituents. What a mess. They're called "surgeries."

[JCMach1]

48. Saw an old Huey P Long speech. Damn if it wasnt spot on to our times

We need that equivalent

?si=Xp_5ugLLLKL1cN04

[JCMach1]

53. Meanwhile DNC types are trial ballooning Rahm Emmanuel

[Sympthsical]

50. That we're taking the Sarandon approach is an exquisite irony

Let Trump burn it all down, and then we can get what we want.

Hasn't she been vilified for a decade because of that statement? And now it's Chuck Schumer's stated electoral philosophy.

Sometimes life really is funny that way.

[Ping Tung]

51. What they need is to stop playing Trumps game of appealing to the Republican Dark Side.

The Democrats have principles like Equality, Fairness, Freedom, Compassion, Peace, etc, that they should be advertising instead of the like-warm Centrist drivel of politics-as-usual.

Tell them , and us, what they actually stand for. Let the MAGAS do the shouting and spitting and hating. Be the adults in the fight with the spoiled brats and full of fear idiots. searching for a strong daddy figure to save them from the non-existent bogey man that Trump threatens them with.

The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary. H.L. Mencken












B

[themaguffin]

52. Dem leaders should be able to own the news cycle calling out the GOP bill, but here we are.