Thread by @AndyKimNJ

In 2020 I was one of 7 dems that won a district that Trump won, so I held a series of listening sessions with people who voted for Trump and voted for me to understand their actions. I reread the transcripts yesterday and much of it felt like it could have been said today. THREAD

Across the board the conversations began with expressions of what I can only describe as deep disgust in politics. Severe distrust in politicians and the status quo. And this wasn’t about the specifics of the moment, but instead deep seated long-term dissatisfaction. 2/12

Even after 4 yrs in office, Trump wasn’t seen as the status quo or as a “politician.” There was a clear belief that Trump was different. Some raised real concerns about Trump’s policies and personality, but those concerns didn’t override their disgust for politics. 3/12

The perception that he was different and also taking on the status quo boosted him. In other words, the deep existing distrust in politics and governance gave oxygen to Trump’s strength. 4/12

But for these voters, they also saw me as “different.”  What stood out to me is that their comments presented an opening for a different way to be different. Trump’s playbook isn’t the only way. 5/12

For instance the 2020 crossover voters resonated with my heavy focus on reform and taking on corruption. They liked that I don’t accept corporate PAC funding as they see special interests as a major corrupting force in politics that drowns out the voice of regular people. 6/12

I learned never to underestimate the extent to which people distrust and despise politics, especially those that do not engage regularly. 7/12

There were other issues that they raised but the main point I wanted to convey is that the hinge was on what it means to be “different.” Not about being just different from Trump, but different from the same old same old entrenched politics that people are wholly angry at. 8/12

I’m sure this reflection on 4 yrs ago isn’t perfect for this moment, but it speaks to the need to immediately dive in and assess rather than shoot from the hip. I do not have an easy answer to what went wrong because none exists, but the nuance and humility is important. 9/12

There is too much hubris in our politics. Too many people who think they have all the answers. Let’s go out and have deep and thoughtful conversations with people. Listen to them. And then earnestly work to address their concerns and rebuild trust. 10/12

We do that while we seriously think through what it means to be “different.” To show that our defense of democracy/institutions doesn’t mean we defend what is clearly a broken politics that has contributed to the greatest amount of inequality in our nation’s history. 11/12

We’re on an unsustainable trajectory as a nation if we don’t address this distrust. On election night I said “I believe the opposite of democracy is apathy.” I still believe we can heal the country and restore trust and integrity to public service. Let’s get to work. END