Growing 2026 Democratic Tent: Ignore divisive Republican Playbook, soften social media rhetoric

‍One of the goals of TheCommonHeart.org website is to lower the temperature, to replace hate and retribution with love and respect and to drive that home to Democratic candidates, the American Majority of voters, and Democratic organizations.

Fellow Democrats, I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say getting a Democratic majority in the United States Senate and House of Representatives is imperative this midterm election cycle, especially if we want change and a chance to move forward.

But using the Republican divisive playbook won’t get it done.

Democrats need to understand one thing. No matter what you identify as -- a traditional Democrat, liberal, progressive, Social Democrat, moderate, center left or far left – to win the general election and get that majority Democrats need to get support beyond the base that got them a primary win.

Democrats need to connect with Independents (unaffiliated voters), especially those Democratic-leaning Independents that went President Donald Trump’s way in 2024. As remote as this sounds, I believe we can even pull in some disgruntled traditional non-Maga Republicans for an added vote or two.

But divisive rhetoric doesn’t lend itself to expanding our umbrella. Inflammatory rhetoric effectively shuts down civil debate and alienates people.

‍On July 12, following the passing of longtime U.S. Senator Lindsay Graham, the divisive Democratic rhetoric throughout social media was rampant under the hashtag #Democrat and other similar hashtags.

Many posts and Tweets, I am assuming representing a low percentage of Democrats, bashed Lindsay Graham with mean rhetoric for supporting Trump and his policies. The divisive Democratic rhetoric not only bashed Graham, but lambasted Democratic senators for posting positive, remorseful eulogies for Graham on social media.

I’m assuming these Democrats, like all Democrats, want to see a Democratic majority this fall in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

If so, tone it down.

I get it, I’ve never been a big fan of Lindsay Graham in the Trump era. But taking social media postings to the hate level is not productive in the current hateful environment.

If a Republican politician, a political event or situation that strikes a chord with you, yes, respond to social media. I’m not saying you must be an angel, but don’t devolve into the tactics of the right and alienate potential voters.

I understand, as a seasoned journalist I get it - freedom of speech. But a hateful tone is not helpful in the quest for Democratic majority in November.