Shaping the 2026 Narratives
During our narrative series this year, one thing that became increasingly clear was that we will not be able to rebuild America unless we have a narrative of compelling stories, based in fundamental American values, that speak to everyday lives and signal a willingness to actually listen to one another with a desire to find common ground.
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.
Most Americans believe that democracy is the best form of government, but 1/3 don’t have faith in democracy anymore. And a quarter do not believe that our political leaders are committed to protecting it or acting in the interest of their constituents.
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.