Former Advisor Critiques Democratic Strategies Amid Sanders’ Campaign Tour

Tezlyn Figaro, a former advisor to Bernie Sanders, has recently criticized the Democratic Party for its failure to adapt its messaging beyond the interests of White liberals. In a candid interview, she highlighted significant gaps in the party’s outreach to various demographics.

Since their defeat against President Donald Trump in November, the Democratic Party has struggled to establish a unifying message or leadership. Representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders have been actively speaking at events across the nation. However, Figaro insists that their approach, particularly in Sanders’ ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour, needs to evolve.

Reassessing Demographic Messaging

During her appearance on the Breakfast Club podcast hosted by Charlamagne tha God, Figaro stated, “Bernie Sanders’ demographic, and I’m just going to be honest, the progressive demographic, the Rainbow Coalition, is primarily composed of White liberals, pretty much, White progressives.” She underscored a crucial point: the party also needs to engage individuals who feel disenfranchised and have lost faith in the political system.

Challenges of Reaching Diverse Audiences

Figaro further elaborated on Sanders’ recent appearance at the Coachella music festival, noting that ticket prices were exorbitantly high. “He is talking to a very progressive, White-ran movement, to me,” Figaro described, reinforcing the notion that even Latino audiences can feel excluded in discussions heavily influenced by White perspectives.

Addressing Sanders’ ability to navigate discussions about race, Figaro pointed out her background as his former racial justice director, stating, “He struggles when dealing with race.” Her remarks expose a vital concern among different identity groups regarding representation within the Democratic landscape.

Understanding the Issues that Matter

The conversation continued as Figaro emphasized the disconnect between elite narratives about wealth inequality and the reality for many individuals. “Everybody ain’t mad at rich people, Charlamagne,” she remarked, recognizing that a substantial number of people are focused on improving their financial situations rather than being consumed by the actions of the wealthy.

In response, Charlamagne argued that Sanders articulates a stronger message than most Democrats by focusing on issues of oligarchy and corporate influence. He acknowledged the merit of the ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour, noting its sincerity in contrast to other Democratic leaders who might accept funds from billionaires and corporate lobbyists.

The Need for More Inclusive Messaging

Figaro took it a step further, asserting that Sanders’ message often misses the mark with various audiences. “The hood don’t know who the [oligarchy] is,” she expressed, highlighting a fundamental misunderstanding among many citizens about elite terminology. She elaborated, saying, “When people are talking about ‘neo-liberal’ – all of that, they don’t know what you’re talking about. So there’s different messages people need to have to engage.” This observation reveals a critical gap in the Democratic Party’s outreach strategy, especially among working-class communities.

Struggling With Organizational Structure

As the conversation progressed, Figaro voiced her opinion that the Democratic Party has become too large and diverse to serve everyone effectively. “It’s too big. It needs to be broken down,” she argued, emphasizing the necessity for tailored messaging. She believes that not every candidate will resonate with every demographic: “Everybody is not going to relate to Bernie Sanders. Everybody is not going to relate to AOC. Everybody is not going to relate to Jasmine Crockett. Everybody is not going to relate to me.”

Looking Towards the Future of the Democratic Party

This reflection indicates a growing recognition within the party that successful political strategies must embrace complexity and diversity rather than relying solely on a one-size-fits-all approach. As Figaro articulates, each constituency has its own needs and concerns, suggesting that the party’s future effectiveness will depend on its ability to communicate authentically with different groups.

Fox News Digital reached out to Sanders’ office for comment but did not receive an immediate response. These discussions underscore the urgent need for the Democratic Party to rethink its approach in an ever-changing political landscape.