In a campaign memo reviewed by CBS News, Democratic Congressional campaign operatives are encouraging their candidates to focus on a messaging strategy centered around the concept of “freedom” in order to win a series of competitive U.S. House races throughout the nation. The memo, issued by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, emphasizes the importance of highlighting the idea of freedom as a pathway to regaining the majority in the U.S. House, which remains highly competitive as Election Day approaches.
The memo urges House Democrats to call out GOP attacks on various aspects of freedom, including reproductive freedom, economic freedom, and freedom from violence or fear. It emphasizes the need for Democrats to engage and energize voters with messaging that centers on the fight for these freedoms in both paid and earned media. The overarching goal is for House Democrats and candidates to connect with voters on a deeper level by emphasizing the importance of protecting these fundamental rights.
One of the key issues highlighted in the memo is the attack on Americans’ freedoms by Donald Trump and House Republicans. The memo points to actions such as rolling back reproductive freedoms, banning books in schools, and dictating who individuals are allowed to love or how they can build a family as examples of threats to freedom posed by far-right extremists. It warns that these actions are aimed at restricting rights and taking away Americans’ freedoms.
As the final months of the race for control of the House unfold, campaign advertisements, mailings, and speeches have focused on a variety of wedge issues, including consumer prices, border security, gun control, and public safety. The Democratic campaign memo underscores that the concept of “freedoms” can serve as a unifying theme that encompasses a range of pressing issues important to voters, such as women’s reproductive rights, the controversial Project 2025 to overhaul the executive branch, criticisms of Trump’s defense of Jan. 6 Capitol rioters, and his baseless claims of election fraud in the 2020 election.
The memo highlights the efforts of DCCC candidates and ‘frontliners’ across the battlefield who are working diligently to ensure voters understand that electing House Democrats means protecting and codifying rights such as Roe v. Wade, fighting for families and economic freedom, and standing up to attacks on freedoms by Donald Trump and House Republicans. This strong contrast messaging is deemed essential to help Democrats reclaim the House majority and defend the rights, freedoms, democracy, and future of the country.
Democratic Congressional candidate Tony Vargas, speaking with CBS News during campaign stops in Nebraska, echoed his party’s messaging on freedom issues. He criticized the Republican party for seeking to restrict and control what individuals can learn and do with their bodies, particularly in the realm of women’s healthcare decisions. Vargas emphasized the importance of protecting these fundamental rights and freedoms from encroachment by the far right.
Rep. Pat Ryan, a Democrat facing a tough reelection fight, also emphasized a message centered around the idea of freedom while meeting with Democratic party volunteers in Dutchess County, New York. He highlighted the efforts of the far right and Donald Trump to erode rights and freedoms, emphasizing the need to push back against these attacks on fundamental liberties.
In response to the Democrats’ messaging efforts, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee pushed back, stating that the Republican platform aims to grant Americans freedom from issues such as inflation, border crises, and public safety concerns linked to the current administration. The spokesman expressed confidence that voters will reject fear-mongering tactics and stand firm in support of Republican policies in the upcoming election.
Overall, the Democratic campaign memo underscores the strategic importance of framing the upcoming House races around the concept of freedom. By highlighting the threats to various freedoms posed by the far right and emphasizing the need to protect and defend these fundamental rights, Democrats aim to energize voters and secure victories in the competitive House races across the nation. The messaging around freedom serves as a unifying theme that connects with voters on a personal level and underscores the stakes of the upcoming election for the future of democracy and individual liberties.
