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A recent memo has sparked conversation within the Democratic Party, advising officials to eliminate what many consider elitist jargon that may alienate potential voters. This message, circulated on Friday, urges Democrats to reassess their use of language if they aim to effectively counter President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Titled “Was It Something I Said?” the memo from the Democratic think tank Third Way cautions party leaders against language filled with progressive framing. Terms labeled as “therapy-speak,” “seminar room language,” and “organizer jargon” can create barriers between Democrats and everyday Americans.
According to the memo, a total of 44 words and phrases have been identified as divisive. This list includes terms such as “privilege,” “safe space,” “existential threat,” “the unhoused,” “birthing person,” “Latinx,” and “incarcerated people.” Third Way argues that these terms can lead many Americans to perceive Democrats as radical enforcers of wokeness.
Third Way emphasizes that it is not attempting to police language. The organization openly acknowledges using some of these terms within its own publications. However, it stresses the importance of careful consideration before employing such terminology.
“Before you draft your angry tweet thread, think about conversations with persuadable voters in your own life—especially friends, family, and co-workers—and consider whether the use of the language above would help or hurt your case,” reads the memo.
The think tank asserts that these terms raise red flags for numerous Americans. This reaction does not stem from bigotry but rather from a fear of being canceled for speaking freely in predominately liberal environments.
Matt Bennett, Third Way’s executive vice president of public affairs, remarked that the memo targeted everyone involved in Democratic politics who engages with the public.
“When elected officials, candidates, and high-profile spokespeople use this kind of language, it is deeply alienating,” Bennett stated. “While it may be well-intentioned, by empowering the right, it ends up harming the very individuals it aims to protect.”
The organization’s push for better messaging occurs amid frustration with language that they believe has become damaging and self-defeating.
“Even after the terrible losses in November, too many on the left have not absorbed the message that they reside in a bubble. Folks outside of that bubble find such language a mix of silly and offensive,” Bennett added.
This memo echoes the sentiments of several prominent Democrats following the November elections. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel warned in June that the party must shift focus away from identity politics and broaden its appeal to win future elections.
“Why do Democrats have a problem?” Emanuel asked during a recent interview. “Because we’re punks, and we not only talk like punks, we talk down to people, immersing ourselves in issues that don’t resonate with the electorate.”
On CNN’s “Inside Politics” last Friday, anchor John King affirmed Third Way’s perspective regarding Democratic messaging and its connection to voters.
“Many former Democrats are now Trump supporters,” King remarked. “They perceive the Democratic Party as speaking a different language.”
King continued, emphasizing the need for politicians and journalists alike to address topics that matter to mainstream America, rather than exclusively to residents of cities like New York or San Francisco.
“I believe many individuals in middle America feel that elitists have lost their way and use a language that seems foreign to them,” he concluded.
As election cycles approach, the recommendations from Third Way could prove pivotal for Democrats seeking to regain trust and relatability among an increasingly diverse electorate. Adapting language may facilitate more meaningful connections, ensuring that party dialogue resonates with the core values and concerns of American voters.
This call for a linguistic shift reflects a broader movement within the party to foster inclusivity and relevance. By conscientiously selecting language that resonates with the electorate, Democratic leaders may strengthen their platforms and enhance voter engagement at the grassroots level.
