Sen. Elissa Slotkin Urges Democrats to Reclaim Identity, Critiques 'Weak and Woke' Image

Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin has openly criticized her own party as 'weak and woke,' urging Democrats to 'retake the flag' and adopt a tougher, more patriotic strategy to counter President Donald Trump and the Republican agenda. Slotkin's upcoming series of speeches lays out a 'war plan' that emphasizes changing the party’s language and tone, recommending the adoption of 'Alpha energy' inspired by Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell and encouraging a more open contest for the 2028 presidential nomination. She argues that Democrats suffered electoral setbacks because they appeared out of touch with everyday Americans, citing focus groups in her home state. Slotkin specifically advises moving away from terms like 'oligarchy,' which she believes only resonate with coastal elites, and instead framing opposition as being against 'kings.' She has also criticized figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for using rhetoric that she claims is passionate but ineffective at bringing about real change. Her approach is described by aides as both a motivational and a reality-check speech for the party.