Last week marked a troubling conclusion to President Trump’s first 100 days in office, with his approval rating dropping to a historic low. Many Americans believe the economy is likely in a recession, and overall, there’s a lack of optimism about the future.
In fact, a significant number of people gave Trump an “F” for his initial days in office, with independents being a considerable portion of that group. His approach to various issues has drawn widespread disapproval.
Some view Trump as a potential threat to democracy, believing that his power should be restrained to prevent further harm. Fortunately, there’s a consensus among Americans regarding the necessity of constitutional checks and balances. A large majority, including many Republicans, reject the idea that the president should disregard Supreme Court rulings he disagrees with.
In response to negative coverage and polling, Trump’s tactic has been to attack the media and those who report unfavorable information about him. This behavior has become routine for him, to the point where it’s almost expected.
I find myself more curious about how we, collectively, can navigate the next 100 days and even the next 1,000 to improve our country.
“We” refers to the majority of Americans—Democrats, independents, and Republicans alike.
“We” involves recognizing civil servants as crucial to a generational shift in political leadership.
“We” also includes both moderate and progressive advocacy groups, which I help lead.
Importantly, “we” must encompass those Americans who have lost faith in democracy, especially those who feel disillusioned and manipulated by right-wing tactics.
One person whose thoughts I value is Rob Flaherty, who played a key role in the Biden White House’s digital strategy. He recently offered insights into how the Maga movement effectively engages millions who are disenchanted with traditional political methods.
Flaherty suggests that “opt-out” voters have been drawn into right-wing politics through a network of influencers and podcast hosts, bypassing standard media and advertising approaches.
This method of communication opens doors much more successfully than conventional political strategies. Flaherty emphasizes the need to invest in building effective cultural communication channels.
This perspective resonates with me. My organization, founded by Norman Lear, has long advocated for political discourse through popular media, much like Lear’s efforts years ago to highlight authoritarian nationalism through creative storytelling.
He once sparked conversations about religious nationalism through a compelling ad campaign that emotionally connected with viewers.
Combining Lear’s principles with Flaherty’s ideas is vital for modern advocacy in our changed media landscape. I believe Democratic leaders also acknowledge the need for this shift.
Importantly, the cultural strategy Flaherty discusses must extend beyond short-term goals of party control and election results.
This approach can help us connect with millions of Americans who might otherwise be overly fixated on a singular political figure.
Ultimately, this is how we can foster a better future for America over the next 100, 1,000, or even 10,000 days.
Svante Myrick is the president of People for the American Way.
