Former Republican strategist turned Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson laid out his thoughts on the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on a new podcast — and he had effusive praise for the whole affair, feeling confident that Democrats have at last internalized the messages he and his fellow strategists have repeated for years.
The key takeaway, he said: This is "not your father's Democratic Party."
"You saw joy. You saw happiness. You saw aggressive, smart attack politics against Donald Trump and the MAGA movement," said Wilson. "It has been amazing. It has been a really interesting sight to see."
Beyond that, Wilson said, Democrats have now embraced a new brand of liberal patriotism, that puts front and center not complaints about the state of the country, but a promise to solve problems in it. "You saw people who were proud of this country. You saw people who were proud of the American flag. You saw people who have absolutely embraced the fact that strength is not cruelty and cruelty is not strength."
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And the strength of that message, he said, is exemplified by the diverse range of speakers at the convention, from former President Barack Obama to Trump-skeptical Republicans like former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL).
The upshot, he said, is that at this weeklong gathering in Chicago, America saw on display, a "center-left party ... [where] you do know these folks have absolute commitment to this country." And they are prepared to spend "every minute of every day" fighting against Donald Trump until the election and beyond.
"You've seen a powerful case made for Harris from Republicans, from Lincoln Project-type people," Wilson concluded. "It's been a great week here."
Watch the video below or at the link here.
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