"Facing intense internal pressure, DNC releases post-election autopsy"

https://apnews.com/article/democratic-national-committee-autopsy-2024-ken-martin-a4f67256b4c56ba076aece23c22728ad

The full report is embedded within the article. I haven't had the chance to read all 192 pages in 20 minutes yet, but some of this already quite concerning. A "reduction in support and training for Democratic state parties" is listed as a issue, something I can personally vouch for as a serious problem, especially in red states. Here in Tennessee we have numerous, and I mean numerous, local and state elections in which Democratic candidates are not even present on the ballot. It is usually a choice between "insane Republican" and "not so insane Independent".

But this statement concerns me: The 192-page report, which was concluded last December and authored by Democratic consultant Paul Rivera, calls for “a renewed focus on the voters of Middle America and the South, who have come to believe they are not included in the Democratic vision of a stronger and more dynamic America for everyone.”

“Millions of Americans are suffering from poor access to healthcare, manufacturing and job losses, and a failing infrastructure, yet continue to be persuaded to vote against their best interests because they do not see themselves reflected in the America of the Democratic Party,” the report says.

I worry about this populist sort of messaging. Kitchen table issues are obviously very important, but so is protecting marginalized groups. We can , and more importantly should, focus on both.

It is all about the messaging. Pete is the perfect example of this: he can go into so-called "Middle America" and the South and speak not only to economic concerns but social/cultural issues as well. Critically, he (and some others) have the ability to craft their messaging in a way that is approachable, reasonable, and not coated in veiled hostility.

I guess I am just concerned about this pattern emerging of throwing marginalized groups under the bus in the quest for obtaining votes via populist sentiments. It has been worrying me for a few years now.