To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Matt Bennett: Lessons Democrats Can’t Ignore
Nov 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Matt Bennett, Executive Vice President of Third Way, explores why New York Mayor Mamdani's success shouldn't be a model for swing-state Democrats. He emphasizes the need for a strategy focused on persuasion, rather than ideological purity, and highlights the importance of reaching out to working-class voters. Bennett outlines the strengths of moderate candidates and warns against alienating language. He encourages a pragmatic approach to governance and messaging to reclaim support from crucial voter segments.
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Modern Center-Left Evolution
- Third Way positions itself as a modern center-left force that evolved since the 1990s.
- Matt Bennett says moderates can be combative and must adapt to a changed world to win elections.
Simple, Sticky Messaging Wins
- Mamdani ran a highly effective, simple affordability message that voters could repeat.
- Bennett says Democrats should emulate stickier messaging and stronger social media use, not necessarily his ideology.
NYC Is Not A Nationwide Blueprint
- New York City is a deep-blue outlier and not a model for swing-state America.
- Bennett notes Mamdani underperformed moderates like Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger on crucial constituencies.