Overview

• Senators Ruben Gallego and Governor Andy Beshear warn that terms like “equity,” “oligarchy” and “intersectionality” sound too academic and risk alienating working-class voters.
• Democratic strategist James Carville labels certain left-wing terms “not helpful” and calls for simpler rhetoric to strengthen the party’s message.
• Former White House chief Rahm Emanuel brands Democrats’ image as “weak and woke,” fueling calls for a clearer identity.
• Rhetoric expert Allison Prasch argues that Democrats’ focus on precise advocacy-speak makes them seem less authentic than Republicans’ broader messaging.
• The debate over language is part of a larger effort to overhaul the party’s messaging after 2024 election setbacks and persistently low approval ratings.