Hawaii Democratic Senator Brian Schatz recently shared his concerns about language use within the political sphere, particularly regarding Vice President Kamala Harris. In an interview with Politico, Schatz highlighted terms such as LatinX and phrases like center the needs of the working class, noting that they can be unfamiliar and alienating to the general public.
He emphasized that while these terms may not be offensive, they are often seen as out of touch with everyday language, especially among regular people.
Schatz also expressed frustration with what he perceived as performative language, stating that political discourse shouldn’t be defined by magic words dictated by activists.
He suggested that politicians should focus more on actions rather than the specific words they use, as certain terms can create a disconnect with voters.
He further argued that political success requires a balance of appealing to voters in ways that are maximally popular” and avoid language that might seem overly academic or elitist.
This criticism points to a broader debate within the Democratic Party about how best to communicate with the electorate and ensure that political rhetoric remains relatable to a wide range of voters.