Why Crafting a Message for Democrats Is So Hard

The following post for members is by David T.S. Jonas, who most recently served as policy director for Tom Perriello’s (D-VA) campaign for Governor.

Imagine for a moment that you are hired to come up with the Democrats’ overarching slogan for the 2018 Congressional races. You have just a few words to sum up the message for the entire party, one that will both generate enthusiasm among the base and also try to win back swing voters that were lost in 2016. You walk into a room to find Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Tom Perez, and a bevy of staffers who are ready to finally come together on a single message.