Recently, national Republicans have adopted a straightforward messaging strategy, framing the midterms as a clash of “common sense vs. communist crazy.” This phrase resonated with many speakers during the GOP midterm convention held in Dallas last week.
This catchy line was crafted by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain from Michigan, who shared it as part of messaging advice to other GOP offices, as reported.
McClain explained to The Post, “For months leading up to the convention, I worked with our team to establish a clear and consistent message highlighting the contrast at the heart of this election: common sense versus communist crazy.”
She added, “My aim was straightforward: juxtapose our record against their agenda and ensure Republicans conveyed that message cohesively.”
Back in late June, former President Trump began labeling Democrats as communists, particularly after the Democratic Socialists of America gained traction in key primary races.
He later issued a stark warning about communism during his Fourth of July address to the nation.
Seizing that momentum, McClain opted to label the far-left as communists—rather than socialists—leading to the creation of the “common sense vs. communist crazy” slogan.
Her team even had it tested through polls last month to gauge its effectiveness and encouraged its use among Republicans during House GOP meetings, in packets for the August recess, and in guidance for communications directors.
This refrain soon became commonplace in House GOP leadership press conferences and McClain’s television appearances.
For instance, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer from Minnesota began chastising reporters for referring to the DSA as its name instead of using his preferred label: “communists.”
During his convention speech, Emmer declared, “The left-wing corrupt media wants us to call them democratic socialists. It’s just another lie. We mustn’t let them do that. There’s nothing democratic about socialism. And honestly, these people aren’t even socialists.”
He emphasized, “They’re communists, and they’re anarchists, and they despise our country.”
Since at least the Biden administration’s start, Democrats have also portrayed Republicans as radicals, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries often labeling them as “extreme MAGA Republicans.”
However, Republicans are optimistic that their efforts to spotlight the far-left will resonate more effectively this time.
McClain stated, “Our record is one of small government with significant results. We closed the border, made our cities safer, and implemented what we consider the largest tax cut for working and middle-class families ever.”
She contrasted that with the Democrats’ agenda: “They plan to reopen the border, defund the police, permit men and boys in girls’ locker rooms, and take even more money from Americans.”
Looking back on the GOP midterm convention, McClain commended the “consistency of the message throughout” the event among Republican speakers.
Despite being perceived as underdogs in the race for House control—Kalshi gives them about a 15% chance of retaining it, along with discouraging polling on the generic congressional ballot—top Republicans, including McClain and House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana, insist the GOP will outdo expectations.
