A memo circulating on Friday has urged Democrats to move away from “elitist” language that could alienate voters, particularly if they aim to counter President Donald Trump’s agenda.
The memo, titled “Was that what I said?”, comes from a Democratic think tank called Third Way. It critiques the use of terms seen as overly progressive, pointing out phrases like “therapy speaking,” “seminar room language,” and “organizer jargon.” The authors highlighted 44 words and phrases that might be seen as divisive, such as “privilege,” “safe space,” “existential threat,” and “incarcerated people.” The memo argues that this kind of language can make Democrats appear as radical “loving coercers” to many average Americans.
The memo emphasizes that it’s not about policing language but rather encouraging thoughtful communication. Interestingly, Third Way acknowledges that it has used some of these terms in the past. They want Democratic officials to be mindful before employing such language. For instance, they suggest thinking carefully before sending out heated tweets, especially in conversations with persuasive voters like friends and family. The note urges reflection on whether using such terminology helps or hinders their message.
Matt Bennett, the executive vice president of Public Relations for Third Way, specified that the memo targets “everyone in Democratic politics playing a public role.” He said these terms create a red flag for many Americans, not necessarily due to bias, but because they fear that free speech is being stifled by those on the left.
Notably, there’s a sentiment that some working-class voters feel “betrayed” by Democrats, as they perceive the party as catering to a “cool school-like” coalition without including them. This frustration stems from a belief that the language used is, in fact, damaging and self-destructive, alienating those it aims to protect. Even after a tough election cycle, many on the left seem disconnected from how their language comes across to the broader populace. Bennett added that many outside their political bubble find this rhetoric either nonsensical or offensive.
This memo coincides with growing worries among prominent Democrats following recent election losses. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel cautioned in June that the party should focus less on identity politics and aim for broader appeal to win elections again.
On CNN’s “Inside Politics,” John King mentioned the disconnect some former Democrats now voting for Trump feel, suggesting that they see a shift in the language being spoken by current Democrats. He expressed a need for politicians and reporters to connect with everyday Americans rather than focusing solely on urban elites. There’s a concern that Central Americans, among others, might believe that such elitist language alienates them further.
