361. Rachel Bitecofer: Counterpunch — Winning Democracy's Fight

Town Hall Seattle Civics Series

Should Democrats be looking to the other side of the aisle for political strategy?

Political scientist and strategist Rachel Bitecofer seeks to explain the intricate dynamics of contemporary politics in her new book, Hit ’Em Where It Hurts. Seeking actionable strategies for Democrats to connect with voters and reclaim the narrative in a pivotal election year, Bitecofer dissects the strategies employed by Republican candidates, offering insights into how to counter these tactics and resonate with voters.

The political landscape often sees Republican candidates capitalizing on sentiments of anger, fear, and resentment, effectively swaying voter preferences away from the carefully articulated platforms of the Left. Bitecofer argues that Democrats should counter this tactic by positioning themselves as champions of freedom, health, wealth, safety, and common sense, presenting a stark contrast to the perceived extremism of the Right.

This politically charged but cautiously optimistic event will encourage voters to think critically about the future of our democracy and the role each of us can play in shaping it.

Rachel Bitecofer is a political scientist and election forecaster turned political strategist. Bitecofer’s interviews and analysis have been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Salon, Politico, The New Republic, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, MSNBC, and many other prominent news sources. She worked with Democratic Party candidates and organizations to implement negative partisanship strategy in the 2022 midterms.