Democrats, Stop Hiding. Start Fighting.
Democrats can’t afford to sit back and wait for power — they need to seize the narrative and make their presence unavoidable every single day.
I’ve already written about what Democrats did wrong in 2024. Now it’s time to focus on the future. Or the here and now.
If Democrats want to win in 2026 and beyond, they need to stop playing defense and start setting the narrative. That means showing up, speaking out, and making sure every American knows what they stand for. The Republican Party never stops pushing their message, no matter how extreme, and Democrats cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while Trump steamrolls his way through another term. Here’s what needs to happen — immediately.
Congressional Democrats: Stop Waiting for Permission to Lead
Every single day, Democrats in Congress should be holding press conferences. Yes, every single day. Lay out the legislation you’re introducing — even if it won’t pass — and make it crystal clear what you’re fighting for. Force Republicans to own their votes against popular policies. Are they blocking protections for reproductive rights? Gun control? Social Security? Say it loud and say it often.
And don’t just say it in D.C. Go on cable news. Get on social media. Write op-eds. Make TikToks if you have to. Whatever it takes to cut through the noise and make sure Americans know that Democrats are actually doing something, not just waiting for the next election to roll around. If Republicans want to push disastrous policies, then Democrats need to be just as aggressive in telling the country how they’re going to stop them.
Filibuster the News Cycle
Democrats need to coordinate messaging so that every member is talking about the same issue on the same day. If the entire party is hammering a key issue at once, the media will have no choice but to cover it. Control the narrative instead of reacting to Republicans' latest outrage.
Shadow Hearings
If Republicans refuse to hold real hearings on critical issues like abortion access, election security, or climate change, Democrats should hold their own. Invite experts, activists, and impacted individuals to testify. Create viral moments that put pressure on the media to cover the reality Republicans are trying to ignore.
State-by-State Strategy
It’s not enough to fight in D.C. Democrats need to embed lawmakers in swing states, hold town halls, and connect directly with voters. Make sure people hear from Democrats in their own communities about how policies affect their daily lives.
DNC Chair: Be Everywhere. Be Unavoidable.
The Democratic National Committee cannot be silent or reactive. The chair of the party should be holding daily press conferences, outlining exactly what legal and political strategies are being put in place to counteract the Trump administration’s worst policies. Republicans are trying to dismantle democracy in broad daylight. What is the DNC doing about it? The public needs answers — and action.
Just as importantly, the DNC chair should be a household name. That means hitting the cable news circuit, showing up on podcasts, and dominating social media. If Trump’s team is plotting their next move, the DNC needs to be two steps ahead, making sure every voter knows the stakes and what’s being done to fight back.
Deploy Surrogates Aggressively
The DNC chair can’t be the only one making noise. Every Democrat with a platform should be hitting the airwaves, local news, and social media to spread the message and challenge right-wing narratives. Flood the space with Democratic voices.
Fund Local Organizing
Democrats can’t just parachute in during election years. The DNC should be investing in state parties and grassroots organizing year-round. The Republican machine is relentless; Democrats need to be even more so.
Expose Republican Corruption
The GOP is riddled with scandals, voter suppression efforts, and blatant power grabs. The DNC should be running a permanent, high-profile campaign documenting and exposing these issues. Make sure voters see the receipts.
Take to the Streets
Momentum doesn’t sustain itself. It’s built. That means organizing marches, rallies, and direct action. There is no “off year” when democracy is on the line. The Republican Party thrives when people become disengaged and exhausted. Democrats cannot afford to sit back and wait until 2026 to start caring again.
If Trump’s administration makes moves to roll back rights or consolidate power, there should be immediate, large-scale protests. Not just in D.C., but nationwide. The energy of the 2020 protests didn’t happen by accident — it happened because people understood the urgency. That urgency has not gone away, and it won’t unless Democrats channel it into action.
No More Excuses
The biggest mistake Democrats could make is convincing themselves that they don’t have power just because they aren’t in control of Congress or the White House. Power isn’t just about holding office — it’s about setting the agenda, shaping public perception, and making sure the other side is always on the defensive.
Republicans are counting on Democrats to shrink back, to be polite, to wait their turn. It’s time to prove them wrong.
Yes!!! And Timothy Snyder's suggestion of having a Dem shadow cabinet - a lawmaker for each major topic - commenting forcefully in the news on his/her topic every day.
It would be great to have an Democratic press conference everyday...maybe right after "Barbie" speaks to fact check her and update us on what actions are being taken to stop the insanity.