While we're all waiting on primary results, I'd like to push back against the (misguided) talking point that Democrats either don't have a message or aren't running on the issues.
This criticism is the flip side of the other common talking point--that Democrats are tied to unpopular national views/leaders and can't relate to their districts. Sometimes, we're accused of both, which is particularly fun.
As part of an organization working with candidates across the country and in all different offices, I get a view of a wide variety of campaigns and I can confirm that they are all different, but they all share one common view: They are running to make things better.
They aren't just running against Trump or against Washington. They are running to solve problems. For many, that means protecting health care provisions the Republicans are determined to undermine.
Many, like @ginaortizjones and @ElissaSlotkin have seen why the health care system matters so much and are running to protect coverage. Some, like @LUnderwood630 and @DrKimSchrier have worked in health care and know the policy from the inside.
Some people, like @tammybaldwin are focused on their record and plans to fix opioid addiction issues, given her own family experience.
Some women are bringing their experience to issues that matter the most to their districts--like @XochforCongress
They are women like @Abby4Iowa, who has been standing up for Iowa women's reproductive rights.
Yes, like our @emilyslist women already in Congress, they will stand up to Trump. But they're not running just to be against something. They have platforms, ideas and experience that will speak to the needs of their districts.
Much like @pwcdanica in her Virginia race last year--she was certainly willing to speak out against her homophobic opponent, but she ran largely talking about dealing with roads and traffic in her district.
That sort of thing doesn't tend to break through in the national news--in part because it is so district-specific (and in part because Trump takes up so much oxygen), but it's there and it's how we're going to win.
But the next time you hear someone saying Democrats aren't running on the issues, ask them which race specifically they're watching. Because that's the sort of thing that comes from watching a little bit of cable, not actually following campaigns.
