Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for free
Your guide to what Trump’s second term means for Washington, business, and the world
The writer is chief executive of the Messina Group and former campaign manager for President Barack Obama
Donald Trump’s impact on global trade and his administration’s efforts to reshape the federal government have created instability and negatively affected American businesses and workers. Despite this, many who supported him in the last presidential election did so because they did not see a viable economic alternative from the Democrats.
It is clear that trust in Trump’s economic policies played a significant role in his electoral success. To regain the trust of voters, Democrats need to focus on presenting a clear economic agenda that resonates with the American people.
Instead of getting caught up in policy debates, Democrats should focus on communicating their values effectively. Trump has excelled in this area, and Democrats need to follow suit by providing clear and concise messaging on economic issues.
As the Trump administration pushes for new tax cuts that could harm the working class and increase the national deficit, Democrats should emphasize four key economic values in their campaign strategy.
The first value is prioritizing the economy. Voters believe that Trump prioritizes their economic well-being, while Democrats are seen as focusing more on cultural issues. Democrats need to clearly articulate their economic priorities to win back support.
The second value is embracing wealth as part of the American dream. Democrats should not shy away from promoting the idea of financial success and prosperity as a core American value.
Being pro-business is the third key value that Democrats should embrace. While some in the party may be hesitant, it is essential to recognize the importance of businesses in driving economic growth and job creation.
Lastly, Democrats should position themselves as champions of economic innovation. By focusing on education and training for future industries, Democrats can show their commitment to preparing the next generation for a rapidly evolving economy.
As Democrats work towards the next presidential election, it is crucial that they effectively communicate these core economic values to voters to rebuild trust and support.