In Wisconsin, Did Democratic Strategists Tell Candidates to ‘Soften’ Their Pro-Labor Message?

In Wisconsin, Did Democratic Strategists Tell Candidates to ‘Soften’ Their Pro-Labor Message?

In Wisconsin, Did Democratic Strategists Tell Candidates to ‘Soften’ Their Pro-Labor Message?

John Nichols discusses the Wisconsin recall elections and why Democrats and President Obama have shied away from pro-labor positions. 

Copy Link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Bluesky
Pocket
Email

In Tuesday’s recall elections in Wisconsin, Democrats ousted two Republican incumbents but were unable to win enough seats to take control of the State Senate. That may be because Democratic strategists advised candidates to avoid discussing union issues and to "soften and dumb down" their pro-labor message. 

On MSNBC’s Hardball, John Nichols discusses why the Democratic Party in Wisconsin, and President Obama, have been reluctant to defend working people and advance a pro-labor, pro-jobs agenda—and how that reluctance may cost them in future elections. 

Kevin Donohoe

Your support makes stories like this possible

From Minneapolis to Venezuela, from Gaza to Washington, DC, this is a time of staggering chaos, cruelty, and violence. 

Unlike other publications that parrot the views of authoritarians, billionaires, and corporations, The Nation publishes stories that hold the powerful to account and center the communities too often denied a voice in the national media—stories like the one you’ve just read.

Each day, our journalism cuts through lies and distortions, contextualizes the developments reshaping politics around the globe, and advances progressive ideas that oxygenate our movements and instigate change in the halls of power. 

This independent journalism is only possible with the support of our readers. If you want to see more urgent coverage like this, please donate to The Nation today.

Ad Policy
x