Democratic strategist Lis Smith joins to unravel the tangled web of Matt Gaetz's Venmo transactions linked to serious allegations. They dive into the implications of Trump's questionable cabinet picks and how loyalty risks overshadow qualifications. Lis emphasizes the need for Democrats to enhance their media strategy and vitalize connections with voters. The discussion also touches on the future leadership of the DNC and the challenges of navigating campaigns in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Matt Gaetz faces ongoing scrutiny due to leaked Venmo payments linked to allegations against him, highlighting personal accountability in politics.
Sen. Jon Tester emphasizes the need for Democrats to focus on localized concerns, like inflation and agricultural competition, to connect with voters effectively.
The podcast discusses the overwhelming financial influence in campaigns that distorts messaging and reduces direct voter engagement, impacting democratic representation.
Deep dives
The Importance of Localized Issues
The podcast emphasizes that the key issues affecting voters in Montana revolve around inflation, cost of living, and border security. John Tester notes that rather than focusing solely on national talking points, he concentrated on his personal experiences and solutions for these localized concerns. This approach aimed to resonate with constituents who felt disconnected from broader national Democratic narratives. However, despite these efforts, it became clear that many voters were influenced by prevailing national sentiments that overshadowed individual campaigns.
Challenges with National Branding
John Tester explains the uphill battle he faced due to the national Democratic Party's brand, which is often viewed unfavorably in Republican-leaning states like Montana. He opted to stay clear of national Democratic figures and ideals to maintain his image as a Montana-centered candidate. By emphasizing his personal connections and local background, he intended to differentiate himself from the negative national perception. Ultimately, however, the overarching political landscape proved difficult to navigate, affecting voter sentiment.
The Role of Money in Campaigns
The discussion highlights the enormous amount of money spent during campaigns, reaching over a quarter of a billion dollars in Montana alone. This financial influx from various sources often leads to overwhelming advertising noise, which can distort a candidate's true message and image. Tester points out that such financial power allows candidates to avoid direct voter interaction, diminishing the accountability that face-to-face engagements traditionally provide. This situation raises concerns about the impact of money on democracy and political representation.
Shifts in Agricultural Support
Tester discusses how the agricultural community, which once formed the backbone of Democratic support, has shifted over time. He reflects on how farmers are now more reliant on government subsidies than ever before, which changes their perspective on government assistance. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of fostering true competition in agricultural markets to help farmers thrive without heavy government dependence. By focusing on local economic dynamics, Tester argues that Democrats can regain the trust of farmers and rural voters.
The Need for Effective Messaging
The importance of effective messaging within the Democratic Party is underscored, particularly regarding policies aimed at working-class voters. Tester critiques the party's failure to communicate its achievements and support for unions adequately. Key legislative victories, such as the infrastructure bill, were not publicized in a manner that resonated with voters. This lack of clear messaging contributed to voters' disconnect from the party, highlighting a significant area for improvement moving forward.
The problems dogging attorney general pick Matt Gaetz don't seem to be going away, as new leaks expose a history of thousands of dollars in Venmo payments to two women at the center of the complaints against him. Meanwhile, newly unearthed video of RFK Jr., Trump's choice for health secretary, shows him speculating about whether the Covid pandemic was planned by the government. Tommy is joined by Democratic strategist and media expert Lis Smith to unpack all the chaos, plus what the Dems are missing, what needs to shift in their media strategy, and the big questions driving the race for DNC Chair. Then, Dan sits down with Sen. Jon Tester to reflect on his re-election battle in Montana, how Democrats can win in the heartland again, and the best way to connect with voters in red states.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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