A group of progressive politicians and strategists is hosting a private event called Persuasion 2025 to diagnose Democrats’ failings in the 2024 election and propose fixes for the upcoming midterms and 2028 presidential election. The event, which includes top progressive leaders, aims to find new thinking on how to win without compromising values.
The event’s organizers, including Way To Win co-founder Jenifer Fernandez Ancona, want Democrats to move beyond being the “lesser of two evils” party and take a more leftward path. They argue that the party needs to focus on issues like economic inequality and corporate corruption, rather than trying to appeal to moderate voters.
The event features a range of participants, including Democratic politicians, activists, and strategists. Some will discuss topics such as U.S.-Israel politics, persuasion across the anti-MAGA coalition, and economic storytelling. Others, like Gen Z influencer Kat Abughazaleh and researcher Anat Shenker-Osorio, will share their perspectives on how to reach young audiences online.
The event is seen as an attempt to bridge the gap between progressive and centrist Democrats, who have been at odds over how to recover from 2024’s poor results. While some attendees argue that center-left solutions won’t work, others see the event as a chance to find new ways to connect with voters and win elections.
The organizers believe that the party needs to take a more inclusive approach, one that incorporates diverse voices and perspectives. By doing so, they hope to inspire young people and build a stronger connection with voters who feel disillusioned with traditional politics.
Overall, Persuasion 2025 represents a new effort by progressive Democrats to find solutions to their party’s challenges and win elections in the long term.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/30/progressive-dems-plot-path-forward-with-persuasion-2025-event-00586041