Even longtime political professionals are still navigating the Trump era, trying to understand voter desires, political communication, and party evolution. Former Republican strategist Sarah Longwell, founder of The Bulwark and author of "How to Eat an Elephant," has conducted focus groups for years to grasp voter thinking. In a conversation with Times editor John Guida, she reveals that Democrats increasingly use the word "fighter" to describe what they want in leaders.

They urge politicians to stop acting like diplomats and instead recognize the Republican Party as a threat, mounting an effective counteroffensive. Frustration grows over leaders who call Trump an existential danger but fail to act accordingly. Voters see age concerns as proxies for deeper issues, viewing the old guard as sclerotic and out of touch.

Longwell advises Democrats to adopt "narrative dominance" by building new media platforms, moving beyond mainstream reliance. She highlights communicators like Jon Ossoff, Zohran Mamdani, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Josh Shapiro, and Pete Buttigieg as authentic messengers who can connect with voters on material issues.