When politicians start talking like college professors, voters tune out.
A new memo written by Third Way, a center-left think tank, tells Democrats to stop using 45 different words and phrases that make them sound out of touch. The document, called “Was It Something I Said?”, says this kind of language is building a “wall between us and everyday people.”
The memo, shared with Politico last week, admits what most voters already know: too many Democrats talk in jargon that feels elitist, academic, or just plain weird. And it’s not just conservatives saying this. Democrat strategist James Carville has blasted his own party for using “idiotic NPR jargon.”
Everyday People Don’t Talk This Way
The list of problem words is divided into six groups, ranging from “therapy speak” to “seminar room language” to “organizer jargon.” Examples include:
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Microaggression, body shaming (therapy talk)
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Critical theory, systems of oppression, cultural appropriation (seminar talk)
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Stakeholders, the unhoused, barriers to participation, food insecurity (organizer talk)
And then there are the terms that drive normal folks crazy: Latinx, birthing person, and cisgender.
Polling backs up the problem. Pew Research found that only 4% of Latinos actually use the word Latinx and three out of four dislike it. Yet Democrats and big corporations keep pushing it.
On immigration, a majority of voters – including independents – say they prefer the term “illegal immigrant” over softened phrases like “undocumented worker.”
Nevada Knows the Difference
Here in Nevada, plain talk has always mattered. Former Gov. Kenny Guinn wasn’t flashy, but people trusted him because he spoke directly. Gov. Joe Lombardo has a similar reputation today. He doesn’t use academic buzzwords – he talks like a sheriff who wants to get the job done.
Meanwhile, when Democrats on the Las Vegas City Council or Clark County Commission start using terms like “unhoused neighbors” instead of homeless, or “food insecurity” instead of hunger, a lot of voters roll their eyes.
They feel politicians are more worried about sounding politically correct than fixing problems like crime, inflation, or education.
It’s no surprise then that Republicans have had success framing Democrats as “woke.” President Trump’s campaign ads hammer that contrast: “Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you.” It’s simple. It’s direct. And it connects.
Critics Say It’s Just Window Dressing
Democrats defending the memo argue it’s not about censorship, just about clarity. They want to open conversations, not shut people down. But critics on the right say this is too little, too late.
Changing words doesn’t change policy. If the policies still sound extreme – on crime, immigration, or gender issues – voters won’t be fooled by new phrasing.
The conservative outlet Western Journal put it bluntly: this memo is an attempt to hide “woke extremism” behind nicer packaging.
Nevada’s Political Reality Check
The 2024 elections proved that voters in Nevada and across the country are tired of being lectured. Democrats lost ground in places they thought were safe. Even here, Democrats hold the Legislature, but Republicans are gaining steam in county-level races.
And ordinary Nevadans notice when politicians sound more like they’re giving a lecture at UNLV than speaking at a town hall in Elko.
If Democrats want to compete, they’ll need more than new words. They’ll need to listen to what people actually care about – like safe neighborhoods, affordable groceries, and schools that teach kids how to read and write.
Talk Is Cheap, Results Count
The memo is right about one thing: words matter. But so do actions.
Americans don’t want therapy terms and activist jargon. They want leaders who tell the truth, speak clearly, and deliver results.
Until Democrats prove they can do that, Republicans will keep winning the messaging war – and likely the votes that come with it.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
