This is a great idea. We know we can pull off digital gatherings because folks did it for Kamala, and they did it rapidly with a lot of energy. Based on the reality that most of America is tuned out, and when they DO engage digital content it's in an algorithm echo chamber, I think about what other media we can use. Flyers, postcards with a question like those posed in the post, something.
This is a great idea. We know we can pull off digital gatherings because folks did it for Kamala, and they did it rapidly with a lot of energy. Based on the reality that most of America is tuned out, and when they DO engage digital content it's in an algorithm echo chamber, I think about what other media we can use. Flyers, postcards with a question like those posed in the post, something.
During his 2018 campaign for Congress Joseph Kopser did one of the best things I’ve ever seen a candidate do, i.e., he did periodic livestreams from his kitchen. The topic, of course, was campaign issues. I loved them because they were extremely informative and leisurely. Kopser took the time necessary to explain in full a public policy issue and his thoughts on it. There was no media to chop his words into 30 second soundbites. ( As I recall, they were on Sunday evenings and usually ran about 30 minutes.)
During his runs for higher office, Beto O’Rourke would livestream from his van as he traveled around the state/country. People would text in questions to the staff which he would answer as he drove from town to town. From the perspective of someone who believes in open, transparent government and accessible government officials, the livestreams were unforgettable.
Fast forward to 2024 and North Carolina Congressman Jeff Jackson (now that state’s Attorney General - Elect) did his own take on this outreach method. He did short pieces (about 3 – 5 minutes) discussing key issues before Congress and/or giving viewers an inside view into Congressional operations. Those videos appeared on all the typical platforms but wisely texts of those appearances were available as well. As you can see from the photograph above, when he was in North Carolina, he recorded those videos from his kitchen.
If the Democratic Party is interested in my advice, I’d recommend that they begin a live 30 – 60-minute Sunday evening outreach program (9 p.m. Eastern time) with a rotating series of guests, broadcasting from their kitchens. I’d use the first half hour to discuss a scheduled topic (e.g., the closing of rural hospitals or options to ensure the solvency of the Social Security system). I’d open the last half of the program to questions from the public.
I’d consider a radio call-in show as well – perhaps during afternoon drive time. When I lived in Baltimore, the now late Mayor William Donald Schaefer had a weekly half hour call-in program on WBAL radio. It was “can’t miss” programming.
Although Kopser and Jackson operated solo, I’d look for a host/set of hosts to help shape the conversation. Names that come to mind, because of their experience as elected officials and their comfort on air, include the aforementioned former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke, former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill, current New Jersey Senator Corey Booker, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, about to be ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and about to be ex-California Congresswoman Katie Porter. The goal should be to utilize hosts from various parts of the country with diverse government/public policy backgrounds. Look for hosts that would be excellent at Educating & Engaging the audience. Look for people (both as hosts and guests) that are good at starting a dialogue. (Source: https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-breaking-down-the-red-wall-a0b)
I pitched it through LinkedIn to a few people .. no chance to respond yet. I'm guessing that a few hundred likes and restacks will help. I will use these comments to promote as they echo what I've heard from others.
This is a great idea. We know we can pull off digital gatherings because folks did it for Kamala, and they did it rapidly with a lot of energy. Based on the reality that most of America is tuned out, and when they DO engage digital content it's in an algorithm echo chamber, I think about what other media we can use. Flyers, postcards with a question like those posed in the post, something.
During his 2018 campaign for Congress Joseph Kopser did one of the best things I’ve ever seen a candidate do, i.e., he did periodic livestreams from his kitchen. The topic, of course, was campaign issues. I loved them because they were extremely informative and leisurely. Kopser took the time necessary to explain in full a public policy issue and his thoughts on it. There was no media to chop his words into 30 second soundbites. ( As I recall, they were on Sunday evenings and usually ran about 30 minutes.)
During his runs for higher office, Beto O’Rourke would livestream from his van as he traveled around the state/country. People would text in questions to the staff which he would answer as he drove from town to town. From the perspective of someone who believes in open, transparent government and accessible government officials, the livestreams were unforgettable.
Fast forward to 2024 and North Carolina Congressman Jeff Jackson (now that state’s Attorney General - Elect) did his own take on this outreach method. He did short pieces (about 3 – 5 minutes) discussing key issues before Congress and/or giving viewers an inside view into Congressional operations. Those videos appeared on all the typical platforms but wisely texts of those appearances were available as well. As you can see from the photograph above, when he was in North Carolina, he recorded those videos from his kitchen.
If the Democratic Party is interested in my advice, I’d recommend that they begin a live 30 – 60-minute Sunday evening outreach program (9 p.m. Eastern time) with a rotating series of guests, broadcasting from their kitchens. I’d use the first half hour to discuss a scheduled topic (e.g., the closing of rural hospitals or options to ensure the solvency of the Social Security system). I’d open the last half of the program to questions from the public.
I’d consider a radio call-in show as well – perhaps during afternoon drive time. When I lived in Baltimore, the now late Mayor William Donald Schaefer had a weekly half hour call-in program on WBAL radio. It was “can’t miss” programming.
Although Kopser and Jackson operated solo, I’d look for a host/set of hosts to help shape the conversation. Names that come to mind, because of their experience as elected officials and their comfort on air, include the aforementioned former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke, former Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill, current New Jersey Senator Corey Booker, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, about to be ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and about to be ex-California Congresswoman Katie Porter. The goal should be to utilize hosts from various parts of the country with diverse government/public policy backgrounds. Look for hosts that would be excellent at Educating & Engaging the audience. Look for people (both as hosts and guests) that are good at starting a dialogue. (Source: https://sharonlawrence.substack.com/p/elections-breaking-down-the-red-wall-a0b)
This is a fantastic idea. How do we get this before those folks and help promote?
I pitched it through LinkedIn to a few people .. no chance to respond yet. I'm guessing that a few hundred likes and restacks will help. I will use these comments to promote as they echo what I've heard from others.
Excellent suggestions! Some great avenues to reach voters to inform them about issues in their neighborhoods, their state and the country.
After I thought about it I realized Al franken would be an excellent host too!