In a surprising critique, Hawaii Democratic Senator Brian Schatz has publicly expressed concern over the Democratic Party's use of obscure language, pointing directly at Vice President Kamala Harris. Schatz's comments come in the light of recent election struggles for the Democrats, highlighting a broader issue within the party.
According to Fox News, Senator Schatz suggests that unfamiliar political jargon has contributed to the Democratic Party's disconnect with voters.
Speaking to Politico, Schatz pinpointed terms like "LatinX" as examples of language that could alienate voters. He noted that such terms, although not essentially misleading or unpleasant, are simply not part of the everyday American lexicon.
The Senator recalled an instance where Vice President Harris used the phrase "center the needs of the working class." Schatz argued that such phrases, while common in political spheres, do not resonate with the general public. "I don’t know anyone in the world who says 'center,'" Schatz commented, stressing that the language used in politics often sounds foreign and pretentious to the average citizen.
This issue of rhetoric is not just about word choices but about the resultant perception of politicians as out-of-touch or performative, according to Schatz. He believes this perception damages the authentic connection between elected officials and their constituents.
Brian Schatz also criticized the over-reliance on what he calls "magic words" dictated by activists, which can seem performative and estranging. He shared a personal anecdote about being corrected for using "cessation of hostilities" in place of the more straightforward "ceasefire," to underline his point about simple language preference.
"And this idea that there are magic words that we must be forced to say defines progressivism and political courage by essentially saying whatever a bunch of activists want us to say, as opposed to doing the thing," Schatz argued. Through these examples, Schatz emphasized the need to use common, relatable words to foster a genuine dialogue with voters.
In his critique, Schatz did credit Harris for effectively addressing middle-class concerns. However, he pointed out that her strategies might have fallen short in the "change election," where she represented the incumbent administration and thus failed to embody the desired "change."
"And the sitting vice president didn’t look like the change president because that’s impossible," Schatz remarked, reflecting on the challenges faced by incumbents in elections focused on change. The Senator's comments underline key electoral challenges and the importance of communication style in political success.
In conclusion, Senator Schatz advocates for a transformation in how Democrats engage with the electorate, highlighting the need for language that resonates more broadly with voters.
"There’s nothing untoward or chickens--- about saying things and phrasing things in ways that are appealing to people. That’s half of the business that we’re in," he explained, affirming the need for political language to be clear and appealing.
Schatz's call to abandon "magic words" and adopt a maximally popular vernacular could signal a significant shift in Democratic strategies moving forward, especially in the aftermath of their recent electoral losses.
In his revealing interview, Senator Schatz criticized the Democratic Party, including Vice President Kamala Harris, for using alienating language that distances them from everyday Americans. He emphasized the necessity for straightforward, understandable language that resonates with voters and avoids the pitfalls of appearing performative or detached.
Schatz highlighted specific examples where this issue has manifested, such as Harris' use of "center the needs" and the broader party's adoption of terms like "LatinX," which he notes have not been well received among the Latino population. The senator's critique could potentially influence future communication strategies within the Democratic Party as it reassesses its approach following electoral setbacks.