Do Not Blame Trump [View all]

Democratic strategists are advising 2026 Democratic candidates not to focus on Donald Trump, Venezuela, or even the mighty Epstein files. They say the key to winning the midterms is to point out that the Republicans have failed to do anything about affordability and to explain what they will do to make life better for people. James Carville was right: "It's [still] the economy, stupid." If Democrats can make a case on how they will make the economy better, that will be the key to winning, the strategists say.

It isn't like talking about Trump is taboo. It is fine if it fits in with affordability. For example, blaming Trump's tariffs for the high price of everything is fine. One tool the Democrats can then talk about using is having Congress take back the power to levy tariffs and use them only in a highly targeted way. For example, a high tariff on Chinese solar panels combined with a subsidy for American-made solar panels could be a way for people to reduce their electricity costs (by generating their own power), while also creating manufacturing jobs. Another good topic would be health care costs and how Republican policies (such as blocking subsidies) have made them go through the roof.
https://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2026/Items/Jan08-7.html