Alyssa Slotkin Urges Democrats to “Speak in Plain English”
The New Yorker Radio Hour, Hosted by David Remnick | Release Date: May 9, 2025

In the May 9, 2025 episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, host David Remnick engages in an in-depth conversation with Michigan Senator Alyssa Slotkin. As one of the few Democrats to win a Senate seat in a state that also supported President Donald Trump, Slotkin provides a nuanced perspective on Democratic strategies, messaging, and the path forward in a deeply polarized political environment.

1. Alyssa Slotkin’s Victory and Its Significance

Senator Slotkin's narrow victory in Michigan's Senate race is highlighted as a beacon for Democrats contending in traditionally red states. David Remnick notes, “When Alyssa Slotkin narrowly won her Senate seat in Michigan last fall, she was one of four Democratic senators to claim victory in states that also voted for President Trump” (00:09). This achievement positions her as a pivotal figure capable of bridging the ideological divide between conservative and liberal voters.

2. Election Strategy: Economic Focus and “Alpha Energy”

Slotkin attributes her success to a dual-focused campaign strategy emphasizing economic issues and projecting strong leadership. “[I] focused pretty religiously on economic issues. [...] the vast majority of my TV ads and my mailers and my digital stuff was about pocketbook issues in one way or another” (02:08). She introduces the concept of “alpha energy,” describing it as a leadership quality that resonates with voters seeking decisive guidance: “people are looking for leadership and to sort of lead through the dark tunnel into the light of a very complicated time in our country's history” (02:08). This approach contrasts with traditional Democratic focuses, aiming to appeal to a broader electorate by addressing immediate economic concerns alongside the need for robust leadership.

3. Identity Politics and Democratic Messaging

Senator Slotkin advocates for diminishing the emphasis on identity politics within the Democratic Party, arguing that it detracts from addressing voters' most pressing concerns. She asserts, “identity politics needs to go the way of the dodo” (Introduction). Slotkin emphasizes that in states like Michigan, economic issues such as job security and healthcare take precedence over identity-based concerns: “if you're working two jobs and have crappy health insurance, it's just not the thing that's keeping you up at night” (04:05). She contends that while identity issues are important, they should not overshadow the economic realities faced by many voters.

4. Regulation: Cutting Back for Efficiency

Addressing the topic of government regulation, Slotkin critiques the current extent of over-regulation, which she believes hampers economic growth and efficiency. “[We] have overregulated to the point of not being able to get our dollars out” (07:56). She provides examples of how excessive regulations can stifle business operations, such as the difficulty in obtaining permits for manufacturing sites: “when you overlap 20 different regulations so that it becomes impossible to get a permit to build a manufacturing site for 15 years” (07:56). Slotkin advocates for a balanced approach, recognizing the necessity of regulations for protecting public interests while also ensuring they do not become barriers to economic progress.

5. Immigration Reform

Slotkin highlights the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform, criticizing the stagnation caused by partisan gridlock. She expresses a willingness to accept incremental changes rather than waiting for an all-encompassing solution: “I'll take some change rather than no change and waiting for the perfect to be the enemy of the good” (11:20). Slotkin argues that the current immigration system is fundamentally broken, failing both immigrants and the economy, and underscores the importance of legal, vetted pathways to bolster economic productivity.

6. Bipartisanship and Collaboration in Congress

A staunch advocate for bipartisanship, Slotkin emphasizes the necessity of collaboration across party lines to achieve legislative success. “[I] will always seek to work where I can with my colleagues who [share] common ground” (01:11). She shares personal experiences of standing firm on her principles despite potential political repercussions, citing instances where she risked her political standing to uphold democratic values: “we may lose our seats, but we got, this is just beyond the pale” (25:12). Slotkin believes that genuine bipartisanship involves engaging with Republicans respectfully while firmly presenting Democratic priorities.

7. Trump’s Impact on National Security

Senator Slotkin offers a critical analysis of President Trump’s impact on national security, asserting that his policies have weakened international alliances and increased vulnerabilities. “he sort of made a hobby out of kicking our allies in the teeth and cozying up to our adversaries” (18:28). She elaborates on how Trump's approach has led to leaked intelligence and diminished cooperation with key allies: “[...] the Trump administration's kind of relationship is with the Russians, for instance, I think I know that there are countries who are hesitant to be as openly armed about their sharing as they were in previous years” (19:09). Slotkin underscores the importance of strong international partnerships in maintaining national security and combating global threats.

8. Personal Anecdotes: Interactions with Trump Supporters

Slotkin shares a personal story illustrating the complexities of her political environment and the enduring loyalty of Trump supporters. While pumping gas, she encounters drivers with Trump stickers who prioritize economic issues over political ideology: “I will say I voted for more money in my pocket, not this yo, yo shit on tariffs” (20:52). This anecdote highlights the pragmatic concerns that drive voter behavior, emphasizing the need for Democrats to address tangible economic issues to sway undecided voters.

9. Policy and Personal Stance on CIA Cuts

Critiquing the Trump administration’s approach to government spending cuts, Slotkin voices concern over the reckless and unstrategic manner in which personnel reductions are being handled. She recounts the impact on her own family: “my stepbrother was fired... later they gave him full back pay and brought him back” (16:27). Slotkin condemns the lack of strategic planning behind these cuts, arguing that such actions undermine essential government functions and national safety: “people who are testing water, people who are looking at national threats” (16:27).

10. Critique of Democratic Language and Terminology

Senator Slotkin criticizes the Democratic Party’s use of complex terminology, advocating for simpler, more relatable language to effectively communicate with voters. She specifically challenges the use of the term “oligarchy,” suggesting that it alienates rather than engages the broader electorate: “it was literally just the word. Like, just say we have no king, or whatever you want to say” (14:25). Slotkin argues that Democrats should “speak in plain English” to ensure their messages resonate clearly and directly with constituents.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Senator Alyssa Slotkin articulates a vision for the Democratic Party that prioritizes economic pragmatism, clear communication, and strategic bipartisanship. By focusing on "pocketbook" issues and projecting strong leadership, Slotkin aims to bridge the partisan divide and address the immediate concerns of voters in swing states like Michigan. Her candid critiques of both Democratic strategies and the Trump administration's policies offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of American politics, emphasizing the need for adaptability and effective communication in achieving legislative and electoral success.

Notable Quotes:

• Alyssa Slotkin [02:08]: “I focused pretty religiously on economic issues. [...] the vast majority of my TV ads and my mailers and my digital stuff was about pocketbook issues in one way or another.”

• Alyssa Slotkin [04:05]: “if you're working two jobs and have crappy health insurance, it's just not the thing that's keeping you up at night.”

• Alyssa Slotkin [14:25]: “it's just a word. Like, just say we have no king, or whatever you want to say.”

• Alyssa Slotkin [16:27]: “any CEO in America would be fired for that. And they're just being sloppy about it.”

• Alyssa Slotkin [23:17]: “if you're working two jobs and have crappy health insurance, it's just not the thing that's keeping you up at night.”

For listeners seeking to understand the strategic shifts within the Democratic Party and insights from a rising political figure, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of Senator Alyssa Slotkin’s approach to modern governance and electoral success.