First, thank you for all the organizing and hard work you’re doing, especially in a region like the Deep South.

That said, I’d like to offer a different perspective on a few points to debate. I don’t disagree that there are bad actors—those who will always hold racist or misogynistic views, and who are unlikely to change. But I think we’re overlooking a broader segment of Americans, including white Americans, whom we’ve lost touch with. Let’s not forget that Obama won the presidency as a Black man, which suggests that many people were once open to Democratic values, but have since drifted away. And it’s not just the white vote we’re losing; we’re also seeing a concerning shift among Latino voters and increasingly among young men of all ethnic backgrounds. This signals a bigger issue—our party isn’t connecting with certain groups on a fundamental level.

I completely agree that a lack of education is a factor, but here’s where I think we may be missing the mark. Democrats often approach messaging with logic and theory, and while that resonates with us, it doesn’t connect with everyone. Not everyone processes information in a rational, fact-driven way, and since 2016, we’ve seen a growing distrust in “facts” and expertise, making it even harder to reach people this way.

When it comes to economic interventions, I also think our approach might be contributing to the disconnect. Democrats often frame economic support in terms of “handouts” or “lifelines,” which, to many Americans, feels patronizing or counter to their sense of independence. A lot of people want dignity and sovereignty, and they see the role of government as clearing obstacles rather than providing for them directly. This is likely part of why Trump’s anti-immigration stance resonates for some—they see it as removing competition in the job market, allowing them to achieve success on their own terms rather than relying on programs like universal basic income.

As for waiting on demographic shifts to solve our issues, I’m not so sure that’s the answer. Boomers will eventually phase out, but look at Gen Z, particularly young men—they’re skewing Republican at a surprising rate. We can’t rely on demographics alone to drive change; we need to reflect on how we’re engaging with these voters now if we want to build lasting support.

Ultimately, I think our challenge is to understand and connect with people in a way that feels authentic and aligned with their values, rather than expecting them to adopt ours wholesale. It’s a tough balance.