Jon Cowan

Leading the Democratic Party into the Future | Global Conference 2025

Josh Barro, Jon Cowan, Jason Furman, Sarah Longwell, Chuck Rocha, Neera Tanden

Post-2024 election strategists including Neera Tanden, Jason Furman, and Sarah Longwell analyze the Democratic Party's defeat by highlighting a disconnect between popular policy platforms and voter perceptions of economic insecurity and cultural identity. The panel identifies critical failures in messaging regarding inflation and immigration, noting that the party's heavy spending on abortion rights and reliance on a "consultant class" alienated the white working-class coalition essential for winning swing states. To secure future victories, experts recommend a strategic pivot toward authentic working-class narratives, an "all-of-the-above" energy approach, and a departure from activist-driven constraints to re-engage moderate voters on issues of cost of living and national security.