Podcast Summary: "There Is Hope for Democrats. Look to Kansas"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Opinions
- Host/Author: The New York Times Opinion
- Description: You've heard the news, here's what to make of it.
- Episode: There Is Hope for Democrats. Look to Kansas.
- Release Date: July 22, 2025
Introduction
The episode, released on July 22, 2025, delves into the current challenges and potential pathways for the Democratic Party in the United States. Hosted by David Leonhardt, an editorial director at The New York Times Opinion, and featuring his colleague Michelle Cottle, the discussion centers around the success of moderate Democrats in traditionally Republican strongholds, using Kansas Governor Laura Kelly as a case study.
Profile of Governor Laura Kelly
David Leonhardt introduces Governor Laura Kelly as a beacon of hope for Democrats navigating hostile political landscapes. Kansas, a state that hasn't elected a Democratic senator since 1932 and is often cited in discussions about the Republican stronghold (referencing the famous book What's the Matter with Kansas), serves as the backdrop for Kelly's remarkable governance.
Key Points:
- Election and Governance: Kelly was elected in 2018 amid Kansas's financial turmoil caused by former Governor Sam Brownback's "supply-side tax slashing" policies ([01:00]).
- Achievements: Under Kelly's leadership, Kansas saw restored funding for schools, capital investments, and job growth, earning state-wide accolades for the turnaround ([02:00]).
- Moderate Stance: Despite Kansas's conservative leanings, Kelly maintains a moderate Democratic stance, balancing social liberalism with pragmatic governance ([03:24]).
Notable Quote:
"In Kansas, you're going to get overridden. And if you talk to...she really digs in and plays hardball." – Michelle Cottle ([09:08])
Lessons from Kansas for the Democratic Party
1. Emphasis on Economic Issues ("Kitchen Table" Issues)
Governor Kelly's focus on tangible economic improvements resonated deeply with Kansas voters, emphasizing responsible economic stewardship over divisive social topics.
Key Points:
- Campaign Strategy: Kelly's reelection ad showcased her commitment to economic growth, such as attracting businesses like Panasonic to Kansas and maintaining fully funded schools ([04:20]).
- Voter Appeal: By concentrating on universal issues that affect daily lives, she unified voters across the political spectrum ([06:43]).
Notable Quote:
"I largely ran on issues that were bringing everybody together." – Governor Laura Kelly ([06:19])
2. Maintaining Firm Stances on Social Issues Without Emphasizing Them
Kelly navigates social issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights with unwavering commitment, without making them central campaign themes, thus avoiding alienation in a conservative state.
Key Points:
- Social Issues: She remains pro-choice and supportive of LGBTQ rights, consistently vetoing bills that undermine these protections ([08:02]).
- Political Shrewdness: Her strategic vetoes and selective focus prevent giving Republicans substantial ground to criticize her ([08:49]).
Notable Quote:
"She does not moderate. It's just, you know, in Kansas you're going to get overridden." – Michelle Cottle ([08:26])
3. Authenticity and Strong Personal Beliefs
Authenticity plays a crucial role in Governor Kelly's appeal. She is perceived as genuine and steadfast in her beliefs, which builds trust among voters.
Key Points:
- Personal Integrity: Kelly's authentic approach, where she stands firm on key issues without pandering, sets her apart from more partisan politicians ([14:24]).
- Relatable Leadership: Her "non-partisan, non-political grandma" image belies her strategic and shrewd political maneuvers ([09:52]).
Notable Quote:
"Voters can sniff out inauthenticity more quickly than any other weakness in a candidate." – David Leonhardt ([14:08])
Comparison with Other Democratic Figures
Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema
The discussion highlights the challenges faced by moderate Democrats like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who struggle with party pressures and maintaining their seats amidst increasing polarization.
Key Points:
- Party Dynamics: Unlike Republicans who maintain moderate voices like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, Democrats have fewer senators willing to deviate from party lines ([13:14]).
- Impact: The departure of centrist figures weakens the Democratic Party's ability to appeal in swing states ([13:55]).
Notable Quote:
"Joe Manchin was a Democratic hero. Without him, huge amounts of progressive legislation would never get passed." – David Leonhardt ([14:24])
Zoran Mandani’s Mayoral Campaign
Zoran Mandani, a young Democratic mayoral candidate in New York, exemplifies a different approach with high energy and progressive stances, contrasting with Kelly's moderation.
Key Points:
- Campaign Strategy: Mandani's use of social media and a strong ground game showcase the importance of modern campaigning techniques ([17:09]).
- Challenges: While effective in New York, his progressive positions like defunding the police present difficulties in more conservative regions ([18:38]).
Notable Quote:
"There is no one like him who wins in purple places, who wins in the places where the Democratic Party has to win in order to win elections." – David Leonhardt ([19:56])
The Role of Democratic Governors as Political Assets
The conversation underscores the importance of Democratic governors as potential models and candidates for broader electoral success, especially in battleground states.
Key Points:
- Effective Governance: Governors like Laura Kelly demonstrate that pragmatic and moderate governance can lead to electoral success in traditionally Republican areas ([24:08]).
- Future Candidates: Highlighting governors such as Gretchen Whitmer, Josh Shapiro, and Andy Beshear as potential presidential candidates who have proven their ability to win in crucial states ([21:41]).
Notable Quote:
"The Democrats need generational change. But the notion that Democrats can win in a place like Ohio or Georgia or Arizona, let alone Kansas, with a candidate who has Mamdani's beliefs and positions as opposed to a candidate who has Laura Kelly's beliefs and positions just strikes me as a view wholly lacking evidence to support it." – David Leonhardt ([19:56])
Future Prospects and Potential Candidates
The episode concludes with optimism about the Democratic Party's future, emphasizing the potential of state governors to rise as influential leaders and presidential contenders.
Key Points:
- Emerging Leaders: Governors like Josh Stein in North Carolina and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia are seen as promising due to their effective governance and connection with voters ([17:09], [21:41]).
- Strategic Recruitment: Efforts are being made within the party to recruit diverse and moderate candidates who can appeal to a broader electorate ([16:12]).
Notable Quote:
"Michelle Cottle, you've been traveling around the country and your advice to people interested in politics is keep your eye on the governors." – David Leonhardt ([23:46])
Conclusion
The episode "There Is Hope for Democrats. Look to Kansas" provides a comprehensive analysis of how moderate Democrats like Governor Laura Kelly can succeed in challenging political environments. By focusing on economic issues, maintaining authentic and firm stances on social matters, and leveraging strategic political acumen, these leaders offer valuable lessons for the Democratic Party's path forward. The discussion highlights the importance of state-level governance as a breeding ground for future national leaders, emphasizing a blend of pragmatism and genuine representation as keys to electoral success.
Notable Quotes Summary:
-
Governor Laura Kelly:
"We'll attract even more new businesses like the major Panasonic plant that's coming to Kansas. We'll always fully fund our schools, and we'll keep cutting taxes for families and seniors." ([04:27])
-
Michelle Cottle:
"She does not moderate. It's just, you know, in Kansas you're going to get overridden." ([08:26])
-
David Leonhardt:
"Voters can sniff out inauthenticity more quickly than any other weakness in a candidate." ([14:08])
-
Unknown Guest:
"The Democrats need generational change." ([21:41])