What A Day Make America What Again? Policy Priorities For A Progressive Future
Nov 15, 2025
Waleed Shahid, a Democratic strategist known for his focus on electoral messaging, joins Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress, and writer Matthew Yglesias from Slow Boring. They discuss how policy should align with campaign narratives to win elections, highlight the importance of anti-corruption messaging, and explore strategies for addressing cost-of-living issues. The panel emphasizes governing effectively in urban areas and the need for big-tent approaches to unite diverse voters while discussing agile messaging on climate and local concerns.
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Policy Needs A Compelling Narrative
- Policy must fit into a candidate's broader narrative and brand to win elections.
- Waleed Shahid argues ticketing and banning congressional stock trading tell a corruption-and-rigging story voters understand.
Make Cost Of Living The Core Message
- Cost of living and lowering everyday expenses should headline the Democratic message.
- Neera Tanden says focusing on utility costs and ACA marketplace credits shows Democrats understand people's pain.
Opposition Messaging Is Easier In Midterms
- Midterm messaging can be oppositional by highlighting what people are upset about, like rising costs.
- Matthew Yglesias stresses Democrats broadly agree on economic fairness and political reform even if elites prioritize other issues.