Third Way—a moderate-leaning Democratic think-tank—is warning Democrats that the language they use could cost them persuadable voters, arguing that some commonly used phrases sound “extreme, divisive, and superior” rather than inclusive.
In a statement, Third Way said the party cannot afford to drive people away with terminology that is often mocked in focus groups. The group pointed to figures ranging from comedian Sarah Silverman to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear raising concerns about how Democrats’ rhetoric can come across to average voters.
The memo, titled “Was It Something I Said?,” was published on Aug. 22 and outlines words and phrases the group says put “a wall between us and everyday people of all races, religions, and ethnicities.” According to the memo, these terms were intended to signal empathy and inclusiveness, but instead are perceived as elitist or confusing….