How Democrats Break Through in 2026

[applegrove]

How Democrats Break Through in 2026

December 26, 2025 at 10:15 am EST By Taegan Goddard 35 Comments

https://politicalwire.com/2025/12/26/how-democrats-break-through-in-2026/

Playbook: “Third Way, the center-left think tank, is releasing its latest slate of polling today capturing the mood after the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term — and making the case for the kind of messaging it believes Democrats need to deploy to break through. The poll’s main takeaway? You guessed it: It’s still the economy, stupid.”

“The numbers: Of the 2,000 registered voters surveyed in the poll, shared exclusively with Playbook, 84 percent say they’re experiencing high inflation, 60 percent believe the economy isn’t growing and 66 percent think unemployment is increasing. The survey finds Republicans and Democrats tied at 38 percent on which party is most trusted to handle the economy. Democrats are up by 11 points on handling cost-of-living concerns, up 6 points on energy costs and tariffs, up 20 points on health care … and the list continues.”

“Among the most intriguing points is the issue that broke through the most with voters: food assistance. Following the government shutdown when millions were facing a lapse in food stamps through SNAP, coupled with concerns over grocery prices, food ranked as the most salient issue for voters among the 14 that Third Way tested.”

[JustAnotherGen]

1. Too soon to tell

And I don't trust them. These folks haven't figured out we are in the midst of a Dictatorship. The rules of old don't apply anymore.

I also believe that poor white voters in ruby red districts will fall for the racist and xenophobic tropes.

50 State Strategy - yep.

But our Governor elect's (Sherrill) messaging in NJ would fall flat in a House District in Arkansas. There was a veneer of retribution and state's rights in her campaign. Places like Arkansas, Mississippi . . . Some of those House Districts will NEVER understand that we want revenge.

[LuvLoogie]

3. Plenty of middle class and rich

Last edited Fri Dec 26, 2025, 04:27 PM - Edit history (1)

white voters will fall for/promote the racist and xenophobic lies as well.

Too many Dems are just biding just their time, waiting for the midterms. We must have our most moderate Dems calling out that racist piece of shit regime on a daily basis.

[JustAnotherGen]

6. It was ONLY racism and xenophobism

Where I live. Driving around in their Porches with Trump flags. But they are outnumbered in NJ.

[LuvLoogie]

9. I'm in/from Chicago. The MAGA hate us, LOL.

God bless J.B. Pritzker and Brandon Johnson.

[hedda_foil]

2. I wouldn't follow Third Way's lead across the street.

[applegrove]

5. But they are in the big tent.

[hedda_foil]

8. True, but they must never lead us agaIn.

[Fiendish Thingy]

4. Don't know where Third Way got it's numbers on economic trust

All polls I’ve seen have Dems ahead of republicans by double digits.

I’m sure the Third Way folks would advise that Dems should move to the right to build trust with voters…

Republican-lite loses to Real Republican, every time.

[BannonsLiver]

7. Not sure that I care what third way thinks but...

Not taking the bait on culture war nonsense the MAGAt party is sure to chum the waters with over the next year is a good idea.