Jen Psaki Critiques Ineffective Media Training for Democrats

MSNBC host Jen Psaki has openly criticized the media training advice often provided to Democrats, deeming it as the worst possible guidance. During a recent episode of The Bulwark’s podcast, Psaki expressed strong disapproval of the strategy suggesting that leaders should simply prioritize answering the questions they prefer.

Psaki articulated her concerns, stating, “The worst, worst media training advice that people give is ‘answer the question you want to answer.’ That is the freaking worst advice, especially for this moment in time.” Her remarks highlight a growing sentiment among some political commentators that a more authentic approach is needed for effective communication.

She elaborated on the disconnect that can occur during interviews. Psaki remarked, “Because, you know what? Who cares if it’s you interviewing the person or me interviewing the person? It doesn’t matter to us. People sitting at home… If you ask them, ‘Hey, what do you think should be done about Elon Musk?’ And their answer is, ‘We’re gonna build roads and bridges and defend the Affordable Care Act.’ People at home are like, ‘What in the hell?’ Right? It’s almost disrespectful to them.” Clearly, she believes that politicians must engage meaningfully with the public.

Encouraging Authenticity Over Talking Points

Psaki does not shy away from emphasizing the importance of authenticity in political messaging. She urged Democrats to abandon rigid talking points. “Rip the talking points up,” she advised. “Decide what you think authentically. You’re going to piss people off out there. Guess who pissed people off a lot when I was there? Barack Obama. He’s not perfect either. I’m not saying that. But piss people off, it’s fine.”

By challenging Democratic leaders to be more daring in their messaging, Psaki advocates for a bolder and more relatable approach to politics. Her call for authenticity doesn’t merely aim to provoke reaction; instead, it seeks to foster connections with voters who are increasingly disenchanted with political lingo.

Emphasizing Human Connection in Politics

In addition to encouraging a shift away from scripted responses, Psaki commissioned Democrats to allow their “quirky flags” to fly. This metaphor signifies the need for politicians to display their humanity, suggesting they should showcase their interesting, funny, and personable traits. Once again, the intent is to resonate with voters who may feel detached from conventional political discourse.

Psaki’s remarks about authenticity build upon themes she previously discussed. Appearing on comedian Jon Stewart’s podcast, she critiqued the Democratic Party’s convoluted language. She advocated for a more straightforward dialogue with voters, insisting that the terms “authoritarianism” and “oligarchy” should be excluded from political communications. She noted, “Nobody talks this way,” urging her party to connect with voters in a more relatable manner.

Recent Polling Insights on Democratic Approval

Psaki’s challenge to her party comes at a time when the Democratic Party is experiencing historically low approval ratings. Recent polls conducted by CNN and NBC News reported that only 29% and 27% of respondents, respectively, had favorable views of the Democratic Party. This marks the lowest approval ratings for the party in over three decades.

This decline in approval underlines the need for substantial changes in how Democrats communicate their vision and policies. Voter engagement is critical, especially as the party prepares for the upcoming election cycle.

Moving Forward: The Importance of Adaptation

As the political landscape evolves, so too must the strategies employed by political parties. Psaki’s insights serve as a crucial reminder that adapting to the audience’s expectations is paramount for effective political communication. The recommendation to ditch talking points in favor of authentic dialogue could very well be the key to reconnecting with voters who feel sidelined by traditional political practices.

In summary, Psaki’s critiques offer valuable lessons for current and future Democratic leaders. By focusing on authenticity and viewing voters as individuals with valid concerns, Democrats can potentially reshape their approach to political discourse. As the party faces challenges both internally and externally, embracing these ideas may empower them to cultivate a deeper connection with the electorate.