Tangle Will Kaback interviews lead author Simon Bazelon about his Deciding to Win report and where politics are headed.
Dec 31, 2025
Will Kaback chats with Simon Bazelon, a political researcher and lead author of the Deciding to Win report, about the future of politics. They discuss how voter priorities are shifting, with a focus on identity over economic themes. Simon argues that moving left won't mobilize nonvoters and emphasizes the importance of candidate quality. The duo also dives into the need for authenticity aligned with popular policies and explores potential 2028 nominees with crossover appeal. This engaging conversation spotlights key insights on electoral dynamics.
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Party Shift Away From Economic Messaging
- The Deciding to Win report diagnoses a decade-long Democratic shift toward identity and cultural issues over economic concerns.
- Simon Bazelon argues that this shift misaligns the party with voters who prioritize jobs, the middle class, and the economy.
Elite Influence Changed Party Priorities
- Bazelon attributes the shift to an increasingly professional-class Democratic elite whose priorities diverge from the electorate.
- He shows non-college voters care far more about crime, border security, and gas prices than highly educated Democrats do.
Field Authentic, Centrist Candidates
- Recruit authentic candidates who genuinely hold views aligned with most Americans on popular policies.
- Prioritize authenticity combined with positions that match public opinion on core issues.