The current debate among Democratic insiders focuses on the question of whether we should move to the center or champion progressive candidates and policies. This debate misses the point.

Democracy depends on people to engage in a joint effort to make a more perfect union. The stories we tell ourselves either help or hurt this aspirational goal.

Our panelists Erica Williams Simon, Andy Bernstein and Nancy Zdunkewicz discussed the narratives and stories we should be promoting in 2026 to not only elect candidates but also to buttress the belief in our country’s ability to form a more perfect union.