To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Simon Bazelon: Deciding to Win
Nov 2, 2025
Simon Bazelon, a policy analyst and lead author of the report Deciding to Win, shares insights into how Democrats have strayed from economic issues that resonate with working-class voters. He discusses the shift in priorities driven by highly educated donors and advocacy groups since 2012. Bazelon argues that addressing public safety and economic concerns is crucial to recapturing swing voters. He also emphasizes the need for fresh political faces that align with voter preferences on immigration and crime while tackling the party's evolving image in light of modern challenges.
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Decide To Win Politically
- Democrats must decide to win by making every decision in favor of winning rather than indulging denial or ideological purity.
- The report frames winning as a deliberate strategy starting from opposing Trump and rebuilding electability.
Elite Shift Away From Economic Priorities
- Since ~2012, highly educated donors and elites shifted Democratic priorities away from bread-and-butter economic issues.
- That misalignment explains why working-class and swing voters feel Democrats no longer speak to their concerns.
Voter Priorities Versus Perception
- Voters want Democrats to prioritize concrete economic and safety issues like Social Security, affordability, jobs, and crime.
- Voters perceive Democrats over-prioritize cultural issues like DEI and LGBTQ rights relative to their concerns.
