Democratic strategist and CNN contributor Julie Roginsky delivered a candid critique of her party on CNN’s “Newsroom,” emphasizing the inherent communication issues that are alienating potential voters. Roginsky articulated that the current struggles cannot solely be attributed to prominent figures like President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris. Instead, she believes the broader Democratic Party has failed to connect with average Americans, labeling them as a party that is “not the party of common sense.” This disconnection, she argues, has been ongoing and has persisted due to their inability to engage effectively with constituents. The lack of authenticity in communication seems to be one of the central problems, suggesting that the party has strayed from common understanding and relatable messaging.
Roginsky specifically pointed to how the Democratic Party has approached cultural and identity-related issues. She cited the use of the term “Latinx” as an example, arguing that such terminology creates a disconnect with Latino voters. Roginsky contends that the party’s focus on political correctness often overshadows the need for relatable discourse. She expressed concern that issues like campus protests should not be ignored for fear of alienating certain factions within the party, arguing that these actions send a misguided message about the value of education and respect for others’ learning environments. Roginsky believes that this sort of cultural sensitivity is, at times, misapplied, leading to a lack of coherent and relatable messaging that normal people can understand and appreciate.
The strategist noted that language ultimately plays a critical role in how the Democratic Party is perceived. Instead of addressing people in a straightforward manner, there appears to be a tendency to tailor messages according to various demographic groups based on polling or focus group data. Roginsky criticized this tactic, suggesting it falls short of the common-sense approach that voters are looking for. By attempting to appeal to different cohorts in overly parsed ways, the party risks losing sight of a unified messaging strategy that is necessary for democratic engagement. As a result, Roginsky called for a return to straightforward, plain language that resonates more effectively with ordinary citizens.
Roginsky’s analysis isn’t new; she has been voicing these concerns for over a decade. The persistent issues with communication, she argues, are well-rooted in the party’s structure and strategy. The disconnect between party leaders and constituents is a long-standing problem that has not been adequately resolved. Her call for the Democratic Party to reclaim its identity as a beacon of common sense highlights a broader concern about the practical implications of political rhetoric—the necessity of translating policy and positions into language that ordinary people can grasp and relate to. She yearns for Democrats to be a party that people find relatable and one that speaks in terms of shared understanding.
In outlining her vision, Roginsky argues for a more authentic approach to communication that emphasizes understanding over posturing. She implored her colleagues to strip away the performative aspects of modern political discourse, suggesting that overly nuanced language and virtue signaling do not serve the target audience well. Instead, she advocates for transparency and a focus on universal values that can bring a diverse electorate together. The idea is to foster a political environment where voters feel seen and understood, rather than left out due to over-complicated methods of communication.
Ultimately, Roginsky urges the Democratic Party to reflect on their messaging strategies and reassess how they can connect with voters on a more fundamental level. The gap between party dialogue and the realities of everyday Americans must be bridged if the party hopes to regain trust and respect from the electorate. By doing so, she believes that Democrats can move away from the pitfalls of blame and instead foster an environment of accountability and understanding that will resonate with ordinary voters. Until this shift occurs, Roginsky warns that replacing blame with introspection and a focus on commonality is crucial for the party’s resurgence in relevance and effectiveness.
