Following the recent election cycle, Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz offered a critique of the language used by Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris. In an interview with Politico, Schatz emphasized the importance of communicating with everyday Americans in a way that resonates with them. He suggested that certain terms and phrasing, while perhaps not intentionally offensive, can create a disconnect with voters.
Schatz pointed to specific examples, such as Harris' use of the word "center" when discussing working-class needs. He noted that while common in political and academic circles, the term isn't typically used in everyday conversations. He also mentioned the term "Latinx," highlighting its unpopularity among the Latino community.
Schatz recounted personal experiences where his own word choices, like "cessation of hostilities" instead of "ceasefire," were perceived as overly formal or detached from common parlance. He argued against the pressure to use specific "magic words" dictated by activist groups, advocating for authenticity over performative language. He believes this focus on specific terminology can alienate voters who see it as inauthentic.
Looking ahead to future elections, Schatz urged Democrats to embrace language that is "maximally popular" with voters. He stressed the importance of connecting with people on their terms, using language that is relatable and understandable. He ultimately attributed Harris' loss to President-elect Trump to the electorate's desire for change, a perception difficult for a sitting vice president to overcome.
