"We have a message problem, a messenger problem, an ideas problem and a brand problem." Dem strategist Lis Smith has some advice for her party.
From The Odd Years by The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter
October 13, 2025 · 29 min · Season 1 · Episode 21
About this episode
Democratic strategist Lis Smith discusses the current identity crisis within the Democratic Party and offers insights on leadership and strategy amidst a government shutdown.
It's safe to say Democrats are going through something of an identity crisis at the moment. They have no clear leaders, no driving issues, and no real power in Washington. And that makes the current government shutdown an interesting test case for Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer over what they think their voters want and how best to fight Donald Trump. Our guest today, Democratic strategist Lis Smith, has not minced words when it comes to perceptions of her party.
People in this episode
Host: Amy Walter
Guest: Lis Smith
Topics covered
- identity crisis
- Democratic Party
- government shutdown
- leadership
- political strategy
Keywords
- Democrats
- identity crisis
- government shutdown
- political strategy
- Lis Smith
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Democrats
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