Early in the year—two weeks before the inauguration—Prof. Timothy Snyder made a strong case for Democrats to adopt the British practice of the opposition party appointing an official Shadow Cabinet—a team whose main purpose is to deliver a counter-narrative to the party in power. As far as I can tell, Snyder’s proposal has gone nowhere except to disappear behind his paywall.
So, here’s Plan B.
Snyder’s proposal was good. But this one is better— simpler, cheaper, and much less cumbersome. Instead of finding a counterpart to every cabinet secretary (plus DOGE), just appoint one press secretary for the Democrats. Back the Press Secretary with a tight, experienced comms team and—if budget permits—a social-media rapid response squad à la kamalaHQ (late of Threads, Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and the Platform Formerly known as Twitter—no link).
Lately, Cheri Jacobus, ex-Republican, made the case for a Democratic Press Secretary in a series of posts Xeets (again, no links provided to X. It’s my policy). Today, Keith Olbermann seconded the idea on his February 17 pod. (beginning at 26:56).
The key job of the Democratic Press secretary: to hold a daily press brief. Use that daily briefing to deliver a clear and pointed counter-narrative against the constant firehose of disruption, corruption, and chaos spewing from Trump, Musk, Hegseth, etc.
Don’t let the press and the public be overwhelmed by Bannon’s tactic of flooding the zone with shit. Counter it with factual, focused responses and initiatives.
Olbermann suggests a work-week that runs Sunday through Thursday. The early Sunday briefing should aim to set the agenda for the Network news gabfests. Give them a framing they have to respond to. As Olbermann says, “You would own the Sunday shows now and forever. Own the news cycle on Sundays.”
Surely between the DNC and the coffers of DCCC and DSCC, Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Leader Chuck Schumer, and Chairman Ken Martin they can find the budget to fund this initiative.
Either Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or former Secretary Pete Buttigieg could handle the job with brilliance. They have the skills to communicate with clarity and engagement and they have the prominence to command attention.
As Olbermann said, the is a “Low effort, low danger, high yield idea.”
Seems like Pete Buttigieg would be the logical choice. He’s between gigs, he is a military veteran, he can slice and dice the idiots on Fox, and is not afraid to. Also,it would give him free press, and elevate his profile for his run for Governor of Michigan.
Please Dems get it together and do this!!!!
A great idea! PETE BUTIGIEG would be ideal! Smart and an exceptional communicator. He really should be PRESIDENT, but for now he would be very effective at a daily Democratic Press briefing.