Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, announces his candidacy for chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). He emphasizes the need for a more robust and effective DNC to counter the Republican Party's growing influence and believes the DNC should focus on grassroots organizing, state-level campaigns, and more effective fundraising to achieve success, particularly in crucial state and local races.
DNC Chair Candidacy
• 00:00:05 Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, announces his candidacy for chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). He believes the current political climate demands a more effective organization that can counter the Republican Party's control of the federal government and its efforts to cater to the wealthiest and most conservative interests. Wikler's campaign theme is 'unite, fight, win.'
DNC Improvements
• 00:02:12 Wikler proposes improvements to the DNC's operations, including expanding its capacity and resources, particularly for grassroots organizing and state-level campaigns. He envisions the DNC as a partner to state parties in developing and executing comprehensive strategies to win elections at all levels, including state Supreme Court races, which can significantly impact local politics and national elections.
Fundraising Strategy
• 00:03:40 Wikler addresses the issue of Democratic Party fundraising, suggesting that a more transparent and efficient approach is needed to foster trust and respect between donors and the party. He emphasizes the need for clear communication regarding how funds are used and the impact of those expenditures, promoting a sense of value and purpose for donors.
Prioritizing Winnable Races
• 00:06:37 Wikler acknowledges the issue of donor focus on high-profile, but potentially unwinnable, races and suggests that the DNC should focus on more strategically allocating resources. He believes that prioritizing winnable races at the state and local level can lead to greater success and influence, effectively improving the Democrats' overall standing and chances of achieving policy goals.
Independent Media Partnership
• 00:12:07 Wikler stresses the importance of independent progressive media in countering the dominant right-wing media ecosystem. He believes the DNC should actively collaborate with these outlets, providing platforms and support to ensure that candidates and Democrats can reach wider audiences and combat the spread of misinformation. He suggests that by engaging with voters beyond traditional media channels, the Democratic Party can increase its chances of electoral success and achieve its goals.