Writer and policy wonk Heather McGhee on how Democrats failed to reach voters on policy, why having Beyoncé on your side isn't enough, and what it will take to build a left media in the Trump years
The point about local news is a good one and has perhaps become under-discussed in recent years relative to podcasts, social media, gaming, etc. If my googling is correct, Sinclair's market cap is currently $1.06B. So we are talking substantial sums of (other people's) money, but not impossible amounts, to set up a competing system. It would be interesting to hear from subject matter experts about what that would look like.
"To build up our influencer network to really make a play for the world of video games. We just need to take it seriously, and understand that it's not enough to be an elite party." I agree with this strategy and I'd like to remind everyone of the "outrage" from traditional media when the DNC gave content creators space, interviews and time during the convention, and the MSM "outrage" when Harris wouldn't sit for their interviews. How many young voters watch TV and/or cable shows or do they stream instead. I'm 72 and I don't have a flatscreen nor do I have cable. Many also exclusively use their phones and text. I'd also like to recommend Don Moynihan's recent essay on his Substack, Can We Still Govern? One subheading is The Media Refuses to Recognize the Right Engaging in Identity Politics. "Identity politics is sometimes about establishing empathy and respect for less powerful groups, people who are different from you...Identity politics is also about increasing the salience of shared group markers in order to celebrate that identity while also excluding and dehumanizing outgroups...Part of the appeal of Trump's identity politics is the promise of control over others. In the aftermath of Trump's victory, messaging celebrating the expected control over women exploded on social media. In America, identity politics can only be identity politics if it comes from the left, and if it centers on historically marginalized groups. Right wing politics that emphasize male, Christian and white identity is not defined as identity politics. As the perceived natural order of things, it is seen simply as politics."
I am so glad that people are finally waking up to the juggernaut that is the right wing media. We had Fox & talk-radio for 30+ yrs but now we also have more TV stations plus social media. MSNBC is no match for shameless Fox & others. I have been calling my representatives since Trump was elected in 2016 but politicians are still talking about what lessons we should take away from this election WITHOUT dealing with the issue of media.
I really really disagree with your assessment that trump gave meaning to his followers! I listened to many of his rallies and it was 99% gibberish and there was absolutely no coherent msg (other than immigrants, immigrants, border, border). The ugly truth is that half our population doesn't give a shit about democracy or policy, but the one thing they do know is THEY DO NOT WANT A BLACK WOMAN AS PRESIDENT! I knew the orange monkey king would get back into ofc the minute I heard Harris was gonna be the nominee. I'm surrounded by racist, sexist family and friends; so I'm not living in an echo chamber like a lot of liberals. So you can analyze all you want, but it's as simple as Americans would rather have a monkey for president than a Black woman!
A question for all you pundits out there. I am serious. In 2020, Trump got 74,223,000 votes. In 2024, he got 74,708,000 votes. That os a difference of 485000 votes. In 2020 Biden got 81,000,000 votes. In 2024 Kamala got 71,000,000 votes. That is almost 10,000,000 less. Where did they all go. They didn’t vote for Trump. He just did marginally better than last time. But Kamala got shellacked by her own party.
What stands out for me in her interview : kabuki democracy and the elite party. Serious systems check, serious identity/perception check is critical. Trump's BIG win hopefully shows us our BIG weaknesses. And we've got to assess this stuff on the ground level, the real -normal-people level, the heart and gut, not lost in the cognitive euphoria clouds of theoretical righteousness. Political correctness was a giant turnoff, however wonderful some of the substance is, the approach was/is shaming, and ultimately shaming feels terrible and doesn't win. And leaves a giant subterranean vulnerable pit for others like Trump to fill.
i’m tired of crying quietly to myself every election cycle of the feeble defining and branding of dems. The gop always does a very thorough slam on dem efforts or candidates before dems even consider it. I remember watching kerry get swiftboated to death and ignores it.
When one side gets millions from corporations and we only take money mostly from poor people. The people listening don’t care about that. Its part of why they are called elites. Yes I know there is a point to it. There is a reason a billion dollars could not adequately describe who we are
Dems need to learn how to MESSAGE. Do a fireside chat! Tell the American public what you are doing each month for them! Put your name on the check you send out, and on the highway sign for the infrastructure product. For some reason Democrats are silent about the good they are doing. When even Democrats don't know what their president is doing, how can Republicans and low-info voters?
I have a suggeation. In answer to Trump’s reassertion of his promise to dismantle public education, Biden could use his executive authority to forgive all student loans. Imagine what that would do for the moral of the left, and to be clear that includes Democrats. Don’t even start with the reasons Biden can’t do that when Trump can promise to bring an end to public education as we know it.
The prospect of a T. administration is so appallinng that your all-caps writer makes great sense. Yet, is it realistic that the invocation of the Insurrection Act would have valid force? Heather McGhee's advice of creating and funding a vast network of opposing media seems overly ambitious and unrealistic, but whatever can be done must be done, and right away. Local and statewide action may work, somehow.
The point about local news is a good one and has perhaps become under-discussed in recent years relative to podcasts, social media, gaming, etc. If my googling is correct, Sinclair's market cap is currently $1.06B. So we are talking substantial sums of (other people's) money, but not impossible amounts, to set up a competing system. It would be interesting to hear from subject matter experts about what that would look like.
"To build up our influencer network to really make a play for the world of video games. We just need to take it seriously, and understand that it's not enough to be an elite party." I agree with this strategy and I'd like to remind everyone of the "outrage" from traditional media when the DNC gave content creators space, interviews and time during the convention, and the MSM "outrage" when Harris wouldn't sit for their interviews. How many young voters watch TV and/or cable shows or do they stream instead. I'm 72 and I don't have a flatscreen nor do I have cable. Many also exclusively use their phones and text. I'd also like to recommend Don Moynihan's recent essay on his Substack, Can We Still Govern? One subheading is The Media Refuses to Recognize the Right Engaging in Identity Politics. "Identity politics is sometimes about establishing empathy and respect for less powerful groups, people who are different from you...Identity politics is also about increasing the salience of shared group markers in order to celebrate that identity while also excluding and dehumanizing outgroups...Part of the appeal of Trump's identity politics is the promise of control over others. In the aftermath of Trump's victory, messaging celebrating the expected control over women exploded on social media. In America, identity politics can only be identity politics if it comes from the left, and if it centers on historically marginalized groups. Right wing politics that emphasize male, Christian and white identity is not defined as identity politics. As the perceived natural order of things, it is seen simply as politics."
I am so glad that people are finally waking up to the juggernaut that is the right wing media. We had Fox & talk-radio for 30+ yrs but now we also have more TV stations plus social media. MSNBC is no match for shameless Fox & others. I have been calling my representatives since Trump was elected in 2016 but politicians are still talking about what lessons we should take away from this election WITHOUT dealing with the issue of media.
I really really disagree with your assessment that trump gave meaning to his followers! I listened to many of his rallies and it was 99% gibberish and there was absolutely no coherent msg (other than immigrants, immigrants, border, border). The ugly truth is that half our population doesn't give a shit about democracy or policy, but the one thing they do know is THEY DO NOT WANT A BLACK WOMAN AS PRESIDENT! I knew the orange monkey king would get back into ofc the minute I heard Harris was gonna be the nominee. I'm surrounded by racist, sexist family and friends; so I'm not living in an echo chamber like a lot of liberals. So you can analyze all you want, but it's as simple as Americans would rather have a monkey for president than a Black woman!
A question for all you pundits out there. I am serious. In 2020, Trump got 74,223,000 votes. In 2024, he got 74,708,000 votes. That os a difference of 485000 votes. In 2020 Biden got 81,000,000 votes. In 2024 Kamala got 71,000,000 votes. That is almost 10,000,000 less. Where did they all go. They didn’t vote for Trump. He just did marginally better than last time. But Kamala got shellacked by her own party.
Just learned Harris campaign paid Oprah 1m$... If there isn't a poster child for elite nonsense, this is it.
Harris paid Oprah $1 million in failed bid to help campaign: report
Oof.
This is such a spot on commentary. It needs to be repeated endlessly to the Democratic leadership until they get it.
Ok. Wow. Intense.
What stands out for me in her interview : kabuki democracy and the elite party. Serious systems check, serious identity/perception check is critical. Trump's BIG win hopefully shows us our BIG weaknesses. And we've got to assess this stuff on the ground level, the real -normal-people level, the heart and gut, not lost in the cognitive euphoria clouds of theoretical righteousness. Political correctness was a giant turnoff, however wonderful some of the substance is, the approach was/is shaming, and ultimately shaming feels terrible and doesn't win. And leaves a giant subterranean vulnerable pit for others like Trump to fill.
i’m tired of crying quietly to myself every election cycle of the feeble defining and branding of dems. The gop always does a very thorough slam on dem efforts or candidates before dems even consider it. I remember watching kerry get swiftboated to death and ignores it.
When one side gets millions from corporations and we only take money mostly from poor people. The people listening don’t care about that. Its part of why they are called elites. Yes I know there is a point to it. There is a reason a billion dollars could not adequately describe who we are
Dems need to learn how to MESSAGE. Do a fireside chat! Tell the American public what you are doing each month for them! Put your name on the check you send out, and on the highway sign for the infrastructure product. For some reason Democrats are silent about the good they are doing. When even Democrats don't know what their president is doing, how can Republicans and low-info voters?
I have a suggeation. In answer to Trump’s reassertion of his promise to dismantle public education, Biden could use his executive authority to forgive all student loans. Imagine what that would do for the moral of the left, and to be clear that includes Democrats. Don’t even start with the reasons Biden can’t do that when Trump can promise to bring an end to public education as we know it.
*morale
The prospect of a T. administration is so appallinng that your all-caps writer makes great sense. Yet, is it realistic that the invocation of the Insurrection Act would have valid force? Heather McGhee's advice of creating and funding a vast network of opposing media seems overly ambitious and unrealistic, but whatever can be done must be done, and right away. Local and statewide action may work, somehow.