The Blueprint with Jen Psaki Episode: "An Art of War Mindset" featuring Tim Ryan Release Date: March 3, 2025
In this insightful episode of "The Blueprint with Jen Psaki," former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan joins host Jen Psaki to dissect the current state of the Democratic Party following significant losses in the 2024 elections. Ryan, known for his fervent advocacy for working-class Americans and his critical stance on his party's leadership, delves deep into the evolving political landscape, economic policies, and strategic communication necessary for Democrats to regain their footing.
1. The Shifting Political Landscape in Ohio
Tim Ryan begins by analyzing Ohio's transformation from a Democratic stronghold to a Republican stronghold, emphasizing the state's role as a national bellwether.
Tim Ryan [02:40]: “Ohio has always been a bellwether... the national Democratic brand became more coastal, more elite, that had, I think, maybe an overweighted impact on Ohio.”
Ryan attributes Ohio's political shift to the national Democratic Party's move towards coastal elites, distancing itself from the working-class roots that once resonated with Ohio voters. He underscores the significance of media influence and the convergence of national and local economic policies that have placed Ohio at a crossroads.
2. Trade Policies and Economic Populism
The conversation transitions to the impact of trade policies on the Democratic Party's appeal.
Tim Ryan [04:50]: “Trade was kind of an entry point to a values argument... you were the elitist at that point. And that's why President Obama was able to win.”
Ryan critiques the Democratic Party's stance on free trade, suggesting that policies perceived as favoring global economics over domestic workers alienate the average American. He highlights the poignant example of the Coffin campaign ad against Mitt Romney, emphasizing how trade issues intersect with broader concerns like healthcare, economic inequality, and union support.
3. Balancing Nostalgia with Modernization
Jen Psaki introduces the topic of nostalgia for manufacturing jobs amidst technological advancements like AI.
Tim Ryan [06:24]: “The Art of War has this deep principle of orthodox to extraordinary... we want that middle class to be built again.”
Ryan acknowledges the sentimental longing for manufacturing jobs but emphasizes the necessity of embracing modernization. He advocates for leveraging AI and technology to create new, higher-paying jobs, illustrating this with the example of the Intel chip manufacturing plant in Columbus promising an average wage of $150,000 annually.
4. Regulatory Reform and AI Opportunities
Delving deeper, Ryan discusses the potential of AI in streamlining government processes.
Tim Ryan [12:00]: “Why wouldn't we wrap our arms around AI and say this is going to be great for us?... We've got to be for permitting reform.”
He envisions AI as a tool to expedite permitting and infrastructure projects, reducing bureaucratic delays and fostering economic revitalization in struggling communities. Ryan criticizes the inefficiency of current regulatory frameworks, advocating for reforms that would allow faster implementation of vital projects funded by initiatives like the CHIPS Act.
5. Labor Unions and Political Alignment
The discussion shifts to the complex relationship between labor unions and political affiliations.
Tim Ryan [15:02]: “This boy did we get screwed... and nobody did anything.”
Ryan reflects on the disconnect between union leaders and rank-and-file members, noting that many workers feel betrayed by Democratic leaders despite the party's historical ties to labor. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to authentically advocate for workers' interests rather than relying on perceived elite support.
6. Critique of J.D. Vance
Jen Psaki probes Ryan's views on J.D. Vance, a key Republican figure in Ohio.
Tim Ryan [19:05]: “He’s got a lot of that Eddie Haskell in him... he's just gonna say whatever Trump wanted.”
Ryan criticizes Vance's perceived sycophantic relationship with Trump, suggesting that Vance prioritizes political gains over genuine representation of working-class interests. He questions Vance's authenticity and alignment with Trump's populist rhetoric, portraying him as insincere and opportunistic.
7. Democratic Strategy: Focusing on Domestic Issues
Ryan advocates for Democrats to prioritize domestic concerns over international issues to reconnect with voters.
Tim Ryan [31:21]: “We've passed these massive bills to re industrialize chip manufacturing and wind and solar and batteries and electric vehicles... We've got to focus on home.”
He argues that Democrats should anchor their messaging around domestic economic policies, such as infrastructure and job creation, rather than being sidetracked by foreign aid debates. Ryan believes this focus will resonate more effectively with voters struggling with everyday economic challenges.
8. Climate Policies and Working-Class Concerns
The conversation addresses the delicate balance between environmental initiatives and economic realities for working-class Americans.
Tim Ryan [28:45]: “Saying no to fossil fuel altogether... I think that had something to do with us losing some of those voters.”
Ryan warns against overly aggressive climate policies that disregard the practical implications for energy-dependent communities. He suggests a balanced approach, integrating natural gas with renewables to ensure energy transition efforts do not disenfranchise workers in traditional energy sectors.
9. Generational Change and Communication in Democrats
Discussing the need for fresh communication strategies, Ryan highlights the importance of younger Democratic leaders.
Tim Ryan [38:35]: “I think we need Chris Murphy out front, you need Chatz out front... those kind of people that look young because you've studied communications too.”
He criticizes the Democratic Party's reliance on long-serving, often outdated members who struggle to connect with modern, media-savvy voters. Ryan advocates for promoting younger, more dynamic leaders who can effectively communicate the party's vision to a broader audience.
10. RFK Jr and Bipartisan Opportunities
Jen Psaki introduces the topic of Senator RFK Jr., and Ryan offers a nuanced perspective.
Tim Ryan [43:02]: “He is so clear and so articulate... Democrats shouldn’t miss the boat here.”
While acknowledging disagreements with RFK Jr.'s stance on certain issues, Ryan commends his insights on food policy and public health. He sees potential for bipartisan collaboration on addressing systemic health and nutritional challenges, suggesting that the Democratic Party could harness these common grounds to advance meaningful reforms.
11. Tim Ryan’s Political Future
In the final segments, Ryan reflects on his own political aspirations and the strategic directions for the Democratic Party.
Tim Ryan [46:53]: “I am... entertaining everything now.”
Ryan contemplates future roles, such as potentially running for governor, emphasizing the importance of staying connected to local communities and avoiding the tumultuous environment of Washington, D.C. He underscores the necessity for Democrats to adopt a strategic, "Art of War" mindset—prioritizing calculated moves over reactive stances to effectively counter Republican advances.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Tim Ryan provides a candid and strategic analysis of the challenges facing the Democratic Party, particularly in pivotal states like Ohio. His emphasis on authentic communication, balanced economic and environmental policies, and fostering generational leadership presents a roadmap for Democrats aiming to reconnect with and reclaim the support of working-class Americans.
Jen Psaki [48:32]: “I knew Tim Ryan would be pretty direct and straightforward... some of the things that stuck out to me about the conversation were, one, he was pretty candid about the union vote.”
The episode concludes with a reflective note on the necessity for Democrats to evolve their strategies, embracing both tradition and innovation to forge a resilient path forward.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of the conversation between Jen Psaki and Tim Ryan, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the key issues and strategic insights discussed in this pivotal episode.