The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Pod Save the Democrats

Jan 31, 2022

Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of the Pod Save America podcast and a former senior advisor to President Obama, discusses the pressing issues facing the Democratic Party today. He highlights the 'Democratic messaging deficit' and the disconnect between public perception and legislative achievements. The duo explores how media bias impacts the party’s narrative, emphasizing the need for more emotional messaging to connect with voters. As midterms approach, Pfeiffer urges Democrats to adapt their strategies to effectively mobilize their base amidst challenges like inflation and healthcare.

01:00:41

Episode guests

Daniel Pfeiffer

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Navigating Political Challenges: Lessons for Democrats

16min

The Impact of Media Bias on Democratic Perception

6min

Media, Profit, and Sensationalism

4min

The Disparity in Political Messaging: Democrats vs. Republicans

3min

Navigating the Political Landscape: Media and Messaging

15min

Navigating the Political Landscape: Midterm Elections Outlook

3min

Strategic Lessons for Democrats

8min

Sean Illing talks with Dan Pfeiffer, former senior advisor to President Obama and co-host of the Pod Save America podcast, about what is wrong with the Democratic Party's brand right now. They discuss what Dan calls the "Democratic messaging deficit," as well as whether the Democrats' stated values are in line with their efforts while in control of the Congress and White House, and what the Dems are really in store for in the midterm elections later this year — and beyond.

Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews Writer, Vox

Guest: Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer), co-host, Pod Save America from Crooked Media; former senior advisor to President Obama

References:

"U.S. Political Party Preferences Shifted Greatly During 2021" by Jeffrey M. Jones (Gallup; Jan. 17)
"Qualitative Research Findings - Virginia Post-Election Research" by Brian Striker and Oren Savir (ARG Research; Nov. 15, 2021)
"Sununu says he skipped Senate bid to avoid being 'roadblock' to Biden for two years" by Lexi Lonas (The Hill; Jan. 18)
"How the Media's Addiction to Bad News Hurts Dems" by Dan Pfeiffer (The Message Box; Jan. 3)
"The most common words in Hillary Clinton's speeches, in one chart" by David Roberts (Vox; Dec. 16, 2016)

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This episode was made by:

Producer: Erikk Geannikis
Editor: Amy Drozdowska
Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey
Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall

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