In this episode of Branding Democrats, we welcome progressive creator Jay, best known as @RTPtalks on TikTok.

We start the episode with Jay sharing his journey from being a former Republican and lifelong Mormon to now not only being a Democrat but also creating progressive content.

Our conversation then delves into the Republican focus on election fraud, the strategic implications for the GOP whether Trump wins or loses, and the potential for Trump to claim fraud if defeated. We discuss how the Democratic Party can counteract misinformation and enhance its messaging on economic policies, reproductive rights, and the integrity of the judiciary.

The discussion shifts to the potential dangers of a Trump presidency, particularly with Project 2025—a concerning initiative by Trump to ensure loyalty over competence in his administration. We talk about the threat of Trump severely undermining democratic institutions and the integrity of governmental operations.

The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of messaging and the role of media in shaping public perception. Jay talks about the power of engaging content and live discussions in shifting political views, particularly among those initially resistant to Democratic ideas.

To hear more from Jay/RTP:
TikTok: @RTPtalks

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In this episode of Branding Democrats, we welcome the progressive creator Shauna, known as @WonderlandNews on TikTok. Known for her coverage of global events and their impact on American politics, Shauna shares her approach to staying informed.

In this episode, we discuss the rise of right-wing governments across the world, where Shauna articulates her concerns about a global ideological shift. She introduces the "horseshoe theory," which argues that extreme political ideologies often closely resemble each other.

We talk about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and how Trump’s withdrawal from this partnership has undermined global labor standards and facilitated a race to the bottom in global wages. This is something she wishes more Americans knew about because it affects both American workers and international labor markets.

The conversation shifts to how Democrats can better leverage their successes, especially in terms of managing the economy and improving healthcare access. We challenge the false idea that GOP tax policy is better for the average American, highlighting instead their preference for a system that disproportionately benefits the wealthy at the expense of middle and lower-income groups.

If you want to hear more from Shauna, follow her on TikTok: @WonderlandNews.

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In this episode of the Branding Democrats podcast, we welcome back Claudio Vallejo, a progressive creator out of Texas, better known as @whatsupcv. 

This week, the discussion centers on Donald Trump's recent conviction on multiple felony counts and its implications as the election looms close.

We talk about why President Joe Biden's campaign is notably reserved in its response to Trump's legal woes. Claudio gives his take on the strategic silence of Biden's campaign and the Democratic Party's general approach to politeness and morality in political warfare. We express concerns about the Democrats' lack of aggressive counter-narratives, especially in response to the Republicans' exploitation of Hunter Biden's legal troubles and other GOP talking points.

The discussion shifts to the societal impact of conspiracy theorists like Marjorie Taylor Greene and the Republican Party's failure to push back against extremist elements within its ranks. We talk about how the MAGA GOP abandons substantive policy-making in favor of sensationalism and fear-mongering. Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to fight for the people and get policy passed.

We wrap up the episode reflecting on the historical context of current political challenges and underscoring  the stakes of the upcoming election. America needs us to show up in November!

To hear more from Claudio:
TikTok: @whatsupcv
Instagram: @whatsup_cv

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ariel Morel, CEO and Founder of O³ Consulting Group, to discuss a critical issue: the need for reform in the U.S. Supreme Court's appointment process. Our conversation focuses on the importance of introducing term limits for Supreme Court justices, a proposal aimed at enhancing fairness and responsiveness in the judiciary.

Dr. Morel delves into his motivations for creating a popular petition on change.org to introduce term limits, driven by recent judicial decisions that have adversely affected marginalized and underrepresented communities, including the rollback of affirmative action and women's rights.

As the conversation unfolds, we explore the broader consequences of not having term limits, including the risk of justices becoming ideologically rigid and disconnected from contemporary issues. We discuss the mechanics of implementing term limits and the potential for such reforms to foster a judiciary that better reflects the diversity and dynamics of the American populace.

America does not have to be ruled by an unelected council of high priests. Let’s do something about it. Sign Dr. Ariel Morel’s petition below.

[SCOTUS Term Limits Petition]

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In this episode, we welcome Matthew Krayton, founder of Publitics, an award-winning firm specializing in political strategy, public affairs, and public relations.

Matthew begins by sharing his journey from aspiring high school social studies teacher to prominent political consultant, including his work with the Biden campaign. We explore the role of political consultants and address criticisms related to campaign funding, with Krayton highlighting the challenges of "fundraising to fundraise."

The discussion then pivots to the Democratic Party's need for culturally relevant messengers to effectively convey the party's values. Matthew critiques the Republican Party's successful negative branding of Democrats and advocates for a clearer, more consistent Democratic messaging strategy.

We delve into the complexities of modern campaigning, where Matthew underscores the growing challenge of engaging audiences through mass communication. He champions the importance of genuine one-on-one interactions for effective messaging. Addressing the disillusionment among younger voters, particularly regarding Biden's handling of the Middle East, Krayton argues for empathetic communication of complex international issues, moving beyond simple soundbites.

The episode wraps up with a focus on storytelling and personalized narratives to make policy impacts more tangible and emotionally resonant. Matthew discusses using real-life examples to demonstrate how Democratic policies benefit individuals and communities, reinforcing the party's brand as empathetic and people-focused.

Publitics Website
Publitics Linkedin

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In this episode of the Branding Democrats podcast, we welcome back Brian Hansbury, the co-founder of the Media and Democracy Project.

We begin the episode by diving into the current initiatives and goals of his organization, which is actively fighting against disinformation and pursuing a media landscape that prioritizes democracy over profit. Brian explains the Media and Democracy Project's newly launched Pro-Democracy Election Coverage Guidelines for the 2024 election, outlining steps to combat misinformation and encourage media outlets to treat election coverage with the gravity it deserves.

The conversation also covers the importance of supporting local journalism, with Hansbury highlighting how local reporters play a pivotal role in maintaining democratic accountability, as illustrated by their exposure of figures like George Santos. Moreover, the episode explores innovative solutions like the Local Journalism Funding Act and other grassroots efforts that aim to revitalize and democratize news reporting.

We end the episode with a conversation about the impact of media narratives on public perception. It is clear that social media is shaping young voters' views, and people are taking advantage of that. We emphasize the need for critical thinking and media literacy to navigate the complexities of modern information consumption.

To learn more about Brian and The Media and Democracy Project:

Election Coverage Guidelines
FCC Petition
Donate

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In this episode of the Branding Democrats podcast, we have guest Bobby from the Bronx, a passionate Democrat residing in Barcelona.

Bobby shares his unconventional political journey, from his initial Republican leanings and a brief flirtation with libertarianism to becoming a staunch advocate for the Democratic Party.

During our conversation, we discuss public perceptions of Biden, especially in the context of his significant achievements. Bobby, a self-proclaimed Biden cheerleader, recently authored an article highlighting President Biden's accomplishments. Despite Biden's track record, there are still doubts about his ability to lead the country. We emphasize the need for more effective communication of Democratic successes, not just for individual candidates but for the party as a whole.

Our discussion then transitions to the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict and the implications of GOP affiliations with Putin. Bobby argues that supporting Ukraine is not only a moral obligation but also strategically beneficial for the US. We explore how aid to Ukraine has acted as an economic stimulus for American manufacturing and provided invaluable military insights.

We wrap up the episode talking about the GOP's bizarre alignment with Putin. Russia was once enemy number one in the US and especially with Republicans. How did Vladimir Putin infiltrate the Republican Party? Well, we can thank Traitor Trump for that, whose financial viability depends on Putin.

To hear more from Bobby:
Biden Accomplishments Article
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
From Red to Blue

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In this episode of the Branding Democrats podcast, we are joined by @polypolitics a left-leaning political speaker, creator, and debater.

This week’s episode focuses on the significance of "movable voters" in the upcoming elections—predominantly young, women, and racially diverse individuals who do not identify with MAGA ideologies. We talk about how Democrats can message to effectively reach these people, particularly on issues of financial security and personal freedoms.

We then take a deeper dive into the complexities of immigration policy, a hot-button issue likely to influence movable voters. Chris (@polypolitics) emphasizes the need for clear Democratic messaging on their efforts to maintain and enhance border protections while facing Republican obstruction. The discussion reflects on Biden's approach to immigration and the broader implications for the upcoming elections.

Our conversation turns to the rise of right-wing media and the impact of organizations like Turning Point USA, aiming to indoctrinate America's youth with far-right ideologies. Chris talks about into alarming trends towards Christian nationalism and the potential dark future of America under right-wing theocracy, drawing parallels to historical instances of authoritarian rule. We discuss MAGA's obsession with Putin and how this relationship with Russia threatens the sanctity of our democracy as well as global stability.

To hear more from PolyPolitics:

TikTok @polypolitics
Youtube

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In this episode of the Branding Democrats podcast, we are joined by the charismatic creator Chiodo Supply, known as @chiodosupply4.0 on TikTok.

In our conversation, we explore Trump's financial predicament and his portrayal of the legal proceedings. Chiodo, known for his blunt commentary, does not hold back in expressing his frustrations with the persistent spread of misinformation and the alarming normalization of extreme viewpoints. 

The episode delves into the challenges of messaging and public perception, particularly with how Trump's business failures are perceived by his supporters. Chiodo talks about the dichotomy between Trump's self-proclaimed image as a successful businessman and the reality of his financial losses, discussing the broader implications for how wealth and success are portrayed in political narratives.

Through our candid discussion, we hope to inspire you all to remain engaged, informed, and hopeful in the ongoing struggle to uphold democracy and social justice.

Want to hear more from Chiodo?
TikTok: @chiodosupply4.0 @chiodosupply4ever

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show.

In this episode of the Branding Democrats podcast, we are joined by activist and online creator Jessica Craven. Known for her TikTok content and as the author behind the SubStack newsletter "Chop Wood Carry Water," Jessica shares her journey to becoming a pivotal voice in progressive causes.

In our conversation, we delve into the nuances of political activism and the power of authenticity in content creation. Jessica emphasizes the importance of engagement over conversion in activism, aiming to empower rather than persuade.

We discuss the controversial potential TikTok ban and its possible impact on young voters' perceptions of the Democratic Party. We ponder the broader implications of this debate, especially concerning free speech and government intervention.

We conclude the episode with a conversation on freedom. We contrast Democratic values of freedom and equality against the backdrop of the current political climate, where these principles are under threat by the Republican Party. This is seen clearly with women's rights, where Democrats fight to protect a woman's right to her body, and Republicans try everything they can to take it away.

Jess’s Strategic Giving Recommendations
TikTok: @jesscraven101!
Instagram: @jesscraven101
Chop Wood Carry Water Substack 

Email g[email protected] if you’d like to be a guest on our show.