James Skoufis: DNC Needs A "Major Shakeup"

[@christinaulibarri4777]

Thank you, Mr. Elias for the interview with NY state Senator Skoufis.

[@americaisdyingslowly]

Do you thank him for the Russian Collusian Hoax?

[@skyrocketcoast219]

Get the Lobbyists OUT of the DNC. Get more DNC Representatives in Middle America & especially Rural America!!!!!!

[@tbiggums7707]

All the candidates have had good things to say but this guys seems like he gets it the most. He's also a millennial who seems like he knows HOW to get it done, not just poking around at identifying the problems. Wish I could vote for him! Regardless of who gets it, I hope they all work together.

[@momofoscardog]

It’s truly helpful to have these candidates on for an in depth look at what’s been going on. Thanks for the transparency.

[@71suns]

Have you NOTICED who the supposed IMAGINED 'experts' are over and over again? How's that working out so far? It's completely NORMALIZED. "I want to be DNC chair... because THERE'S HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS...EVEN CLOSE TO A BILLION and there's no accountability for ANYBODY"! The 'TRAP' is that the Democratic party decided that their priority was to focus on and tap into lobbyists and corporate political donor-owners hundreds of millions of dollars to fill their political coffers AND THEY HAVE NO INTENTION ON WORKING TO CHANGE THAT 'relationship'. It's way past time to say the quiet part out loud because ever since Citizens United our system of governance has become systemically corrupt.

[@cjn2714]

Let's see if they are really transparent because Marianne Williamson is running for DNC Chair and none of these guys are interviewing her. So much for transparency!

[@rosieforchange1598]

Marc, thank you for doing these interviews. I've watched all & I liked James the best.

[@yabits]

Senator Skoufis: You have totally impressed me. So glad to experience this Deep Bench in our party. I'm in Georgia, just north of Atlanta, and am now intensely interested in the House race in Florida's First District (April 1). It hasn't been competitive by a longshot, but I'm resonating with what you said about the deep red sections in yours. And I love the description of DNA. OH, I'm going to use that.

[@Bookhart2]

The really funny thing about the 16 mailers is that that ALL go directly into the recycle bin without a glance. After the first two days of political mailers, I’m DONE with them.

[@DebraTessmer]

And I dropped off thousands on Wisconsin DEMS registered voter doors that were not answered. Very discouraging, kind of like singing the choir. But in last 3 presidential cycles there have been NO CHANGES. THIS GUY GETS IT!

[@monkeytired]

Thanks for this series, Mark. I would never have known about this candidate had it not been for this profile on him. I’m very impressed.

[@DiedraFigueroa]

I appreciate this interview. I was totally in the dark.

[@barbcollier7158]

Get rid of Citizens United- money, and a lot of it, has no place in elections.

[@uckbee]

Those with the money would just move it under the table, with the same tragic oligarchic result.

[@KyleHeinig]

@@uckbee Dosnt mean we should make EZ...

[@uckbee]

@@KyleHeinig It's all we can really do...

[@rosenelson8330]

I agree with James. THE Dems must start getting on these Right Wing networks and explaining what is at stake here.

[@n8chz]

What the Democratic Party needs is a hostile takeover by its progressive faction. Think of it as a correction (hopefully not an overcorrection) for the hostile takeover by the DLC. The Republican Party (which, notably, does not have the "superdelegate" system) has allowed itself to be taken over by its more militant faction at least three times in my lifetime, with mixed results, but as we know, nothing ventured, nothing gained. The Democratic Party is *extremely* resistant to change, and their ship will sink if something doesn't change.

[@guyyates3284]

Finally someone young that understands the DNC problems.... When talk how GDP is up and inflation is lower than other countries...that tells us poor that the rich are going very well ...that statement is wrong message from the start....and that just to start ....many ..many more problems..

[@CarolWentz1]

I would vote for him and if the DNC followed his ideas, then I would send them money. The Democratic Party needs to return to the ideas of Howard Dean and Senator Skoufis ideas are in line with Dean's.

[@SarahElizabethLevin1974]

Thank you.

[@GenghisVern]

invent the "Young Rural Democrat" and rebuild local parties around it.

[@m.scottnewman994]

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with the Senator on PBM reform. I would support him and trust he has the ability to lead the national party and bring the change that’s needed.

[@ninatatlock1276]

How about his tie matching the artwork behind him. Props for aesthetics.

[@kboyer1011]

We need this guy.

[@ElizabethBlakley-sh9lu]

His tie matches the painting in the background. That’s a commitment to a pattern.

[@independent996]

Thank you for doing these interviews!!

[@sargeantreyna2286]

this guy gets it

[@kendrabryant4738]

Please stop giving up on the rural south! I live in the rural south (always have too) and am a die hard democrat! I really thought the senator had accurate insights on the party and appropriate plans for how to move forward. I also like that he said that’s it’s ok to be critical of the DNC. That shows a willingness to acknowledge issues instead of act like everything with the party is perfect as is. Him talking about Dems needing to be engaged in the fight year round every year was great to hear as well. He seems like a great candidate.

[@Thmpr]

Great interviews of each candidate. thanks very much for doing these, Marc!

[@JoanEddy]

I like: Dems lecturing & need to be listening; sound academic not with the people; limit DC Consultant Class; a major shake-up is needed in the DNC. And he is younger. I am reminded of the Sub Commander in WW2 who went against the Status Quo admirals about why torpedos were not working. He shook things up and proved the reality. It got through to the S.Q.and our abilities in the Pacific turned around. The DNC needs the same process.

[@curtis5686]

This was a great interview! Thank you for providing these introductions to the DNC candidates. It’s very helpful!

[@riasherman4571]

I'm kinda digging this guy. I like his fight fire with fire attitude. Since I like the moral high ground, it would be good for him to receive reminders about that from others. But overall, I agree that we are being outplayed in this modern world. And yes, his youth is a plus! Turn the freaking page!

[@chloe-stephlis6281]

He seems a little too extreme to me. Like Jessica Denson he seems like blue MAGA

[@MitchHinton]

He has so many no named people that troll him daily and even politicians like Mike Lawler because they're jealous of his success. 2 years ago he had somebody who went so low and brought his wife in the conversation on election night. He doesn't go low when he does decides to actually reply to some. He throws some goos, as I call it, Skoufis shade.

[@jacquelineelsner5120]

10 minutes in, I am in his camp! Mr. Skoufis gets it!,

[@yuloffcreative4197]

How are we able to influence the vote for DNC chair?

[@sherrywelch230]

You should invite Marianne Williamson, she is also a candidate for DNC Chair

[@mariannagrossman7609]

Thank you for these DNC candidate interviews!!

[@ocean1233]

👿It was BOUGHT AND STOLEN ‼️‼️‼️📢📢📢📢

[@jstsayn9133]

Yes! We need a TOTAL SHAKE UP! There's no way current young voters can identify with the Roosevelt administration. We all need to have people who've adapted to the modern world, and to stop being so darn polite and act with conviction and forceful action, without shining so much light on he who must not be obeyed.

[@jacquelineelsner5120]

Mr.Skoufis is the Real Deal! He never spent 60 seconds thanking Elias for asking "a good question." He actually launched INTO ANSWERING "the good question."

[@MitchHinton]

He is pretty seasoned for his age. He learned from some of the best day 1.

[@carleenmulloy481]

Get big money out of elections 🙏⚖️🇺🇸

[@levih109]

This guy’s got my vote…if I had one

[@vincewhirlwind1778]

Mr. Skoufis states it's time for "Restructuring" the Democratic Party. I sincerely hope he includes the Green Party as a Substantial portion of the Restructuring! Refreshing the Conventional Wisdom of the DNC. 🤝 Thank you, for presenting these interviews, Mr. Elias!

[@janwag6856]

Especially since leaders of the Green Party have been seen visiting Moscow and supporting Russian interests.

[@CZ-PC]

Watch 13 minutes in. He literally randomly brings it up as something to destroy.

[@natothefla209]

No, why should we do that ? Restructuring doesn't mean we should pander to other political parties. We need to expand our own brand, but for God's sake not merge or collaborate with other parties. Especially not with the Green's party Putin loving leader in charge now. And we won't forget Senator Bob Casey's lose in Pennsylvania because of the Green Party candidate too. Y'all can go back to doing nothing as a party for four years until the next presidential election and let us deal with our own issues !

[@baritonewoman4702]

Sorry, but the Green Party is worse than useless, with a Putin-loving freak at the head. GREEN: Getting Republicans Elected Every November

[@MitchHinton]

@@natothefla209 The Libertarian Party in the County hate him too. The secretery trolled him for awhile claiming he deleted her comments etc and NEVER happened.

[@diannabryzicki7111]

Kitchen table issues. Meet them where they are and listen. Regardless of party, they feel extremely insecure about, and rightly so, about jobs, cost of living AND see no financial relief.

[@xkot6431]

After listening to this interview, I hope Senator Skoufis wins DNC chair. He's got the vision and fire to reignite the Democratic Party for the future. The two current frontrunners just seem to be more of the same. We need fresh ideas and energy if we're going to win by big margins in 2026 and beyond.

[@kimporter9171]

I've watched a few of these interviews of those running for the DNC chair. This one speaks too me. He sounds more connected to what the people want.

[@MitchHinton]

He's from a different generation than most of these older guys. People already try to label him a lifelong politician like he's been around for 30 to 40 years. Sure he will.

[@RJGilman]

Some suggestions I have in re: building a coalition include meeting folks where they are on and offline and building a progressive information ecosystem. The party has a marketing problem.

🔵💙💙💙💙

[@fluffytimes100]

It’s sad we have to apologize for telling the truth. Its sick we have to feel guilty that we didn’t package the truth in a glitzy enough package for the people. 🤬

[@Respectable_Username]

What do you mean "apologize for telling the truth"? Apologise for telling the truth that the Democrats won't commit to giving Americans the same universal standard of healthcare that's available in every other developed country on earth? Apologise for telling the truth that the Democrats backflipped on their stance on the border wall, showing they have no courage of their own convictions to stay standing with those they've previously sworn to protect? Apologise for telling the truth that they've been ignoring their working class base in recent years and so have allowed them to be picked off by the far right? Apologise for telling the truth that campaigning with the Cheneys was an awful idea and that whoever came up with that idea should have been fired on the spot?

[@deborahlukovich8006]

Agree about the vision. BBB actually was a vision and then it fell apart when Biden didn’t push for the minimum wage. It’s a huge symbol of wealth inequality. I think equality should be the vision. Less concepts

[@trisha4797]

I agree politicians need to listen not lecture. I like him better then the last interview

[@MitchHinton]

He actually doesn't lecture. He listens pretty intensely.

[@NEbluefire]

I accept Orange County as the beginning of upstate. There are things he said that I think are right, and things I think are wrong. But he's very right about more listening, less lecturing. I also agree that we need wholesale change. For starters, who gets to vote for DNC Chair? I'll give everybody a hint - it's not all of us. It's not every registered Democrat. Why is my vote good enough at the polls but not good enough to my party?

[@deborahlukovich8006]

50 percent approval? Oh my gosh

[@wandaway1961]

I agree! Most Americans are Democrats at heart but they are also fickle. Relatable would have been acknowledging that family planning, including abortion, is an economic survival issue! Kamala fell short on abortion! Yes she had a great campaign but the messaging was terrible. The joy thing was inadaqiately expressed and explained. Democrats must campaign 24/7 by making news that sends in the press. Much like Trump did. Democrats have to support their csndidates likd Republicans do. Reps just pick anyone and promote them. Dems don't even do that! We had good candidates in our district and couldn't get support.

[@csmiller5221]

1. What about misogyny, gentlemen? I suspect that misogyny played a roll, too. 2. Lousy messaging. When was the last time you invested in short concise radio ads during morning, afternoon, and evening rush hours -- when worker bees like me are commuting to/from work?

[@MontanaBlue-sbw]

Because Nixon flipped the values of the two parties with the Southern Strategy, I get nervous when a Democratic leader talks about getting back to our roots. Again, I hear nothing about having a straight talk about misogyny.

[@uckbee]

We have to apologize to the voters for being too smart. In other words, we have to dumb it down, to start coddling ignorance in order to win. And that's tragic.

[@Respectable_Username]

You don't have to dumb things down, you have to _simplify_ things. Those are two very different statements. And in general, simpler systems are better systems. Would you prefer a program where you get Medicare if you're over a certain age, Medicaid if you're poor, some VA program if you've been in the military, etc? Or would you prefer Medicare for All? The first is the current, overly complex, inefficient system. The second is much simpler, much more efficient, much _cheaper_ because of that efficiency, and covers _everybody._ And the second system is also a _lot_ easier to explain to somebody not already familiar with the system! Simplicity is good. Universality is good. The Democrats need to focus on simple, universal policies that lift everybody up rather than overcomplicating things with smaller policies that micro-target a whole bunch of specific groups.

[@CatCaretakerID]

Tragic but until we actually educate our children it is something we need to do.

[@GlenaGarrett]

Dems could have really helped themselves if they had seriously tackled the price-gouging and greedflation Bernie Sanders kept telling everyone was happening.

[@vickihaithcoat1032]

Guess what doesn’t work anymore? That old idea of well votes for oresident one way but vote for the senate and house seats the opposite.

[@melissalayson7275]

Yeah, my state, North Carolina, has made a habit of doing this. Voted for Democrats down ballot but voted for Trump in 2024.

[@christinaweibel5747]

Good morning Marc I'm on your substack and I enjoy the emails very much.I would like to say that Democrats need to address how crazy Trump is especially after his press conference yesterday.My feeling is that this needs to be addressed better or Democrats aren't going to do so well in 2026.Until Trump is really called out on his failing health and dementia,no one is safe.

[@GrayBarbaraElizabeth]

Thanks for keeping us updated! I feel sympathy and empathy for our country. low income people are suffering to survive, and l appreciate Mrs Laura Lee Fair. You've helped my family with your advice. imagine investing $30,000 and receiving $95,460 after 28 days of trading.

[@IRudraRay]

Congratulations!! The scriptures clearly states there's going a transference of the riches of the heathen to the righteous.God keep blessings you.

[@IRudraRay]

But how do you make so much in a month? mind sharing?

[@GrayBarbaraElizabeth]

I thank Laura Lee Fair who has always been there to help me with detailed analysis and recommendations that would not have had access to otherwise.

[@INVOICE-c2l]

I really feel your pain, when I was even almost down my God sent to me Laura Lee Fair services cryp to me and changed the game automatically

[@CoookRan]

Great, I just Googled her info, and everything about her is pretty great and awesome.

[@Marinemomof3Oceanside]

Who can name the current dnc chair without google? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 How many of you contacted him this last cycle? Year? Politics is NOT a SPECTATORS SPORT!!

[@bonniepoole1095]

Ask state Democratic leaders to support David Hogg for vice-chair of the DNC. Dems need a younger view of where the party needs to go; more presence on social media and speaking in a language that young people understand. Dems need to speak to local people at the state and local level regarding what the Dems are doing for THEM. I agree the 'white paper reports' are meaningless to working people. When I hear that the "The stock market is doing well, I hear, "The rich are doing well," It's not something the DNC should stress. Change is essential!

[@CatCaretakerID]

He doesn't impress me.

[@bonniepoole1095]

@@CatCaretakerID What changes to you hope to see for the Dems?

[@mimi2212]

If you want to lead…NO REQUEST FOR RECOUNTS IN SWING STATES. She did not lose, so just how to you move forward based on THIS premise.

[@MichellePoirier-m3x]

Excellent interview 🎉🎉 I would prefer Ben Wikler for DNC Chair. Thank you both very much 💙💙👍👍💙💙⚖️🎉🎉

[@barbtries]

Wikler has so far impressed me the most.

[@CatCaretakerID]

James Skoufis' would be my second choice- it's a tough call. I think they both understand what needs to be done and have a game plan for doing it, but I don't know more about them than what I have seen in interviews. There are candidates that I am not in favor of but I like moth these men - where are the women?

[@estelamatta9179]

For years now I have been disgusted with the failure of the DNC to move the party, party objectives and party ideology forward. The DNC seems to just sit on top of a pile of powers and do nothing with them. I hear all the promise candidates for the chair of the DNC make, and its no surprise that like most politicians they forget all that once they are in power. Please oh please Congressman Skoufis don't disappoint. I'm begging you on behalf of a desperate nation.

[@CatCaretakerID]

Sit on top of power and a pile of money - old farts without a clue (and that comes from an old fart).

[@Daniel-be6cj]

This guy's got some fire in him, I think if any of the three you've interviewed get it it'll actually be okay

[@DigsRetro]

Yes, podcasts podcasts podcasts for the DNC. FOX too. Isn't it funny how his tie matches the artwork behind him?

[@ilovemeidastouch]

i have 2 question 1. with trumps approval so low before he starts does that suggest irregularities in voring. 2. is there a law on the books that if a peesidentsso ubfavorably wrong and ran on lies...not folliwing thru on platform he/she can be expelled 🎉

[@sheilawade433]

President Biden should appoint VP Harris as Acting President asap

[@sheilawade433]

Your assessment is MAGA talking points. You don't get it Get somebody who does.

[@CK-530]

I'll be honest, I felt like Ken Martin offered a "same but better" approach that didn't really fill me with confidence. Skoufis feels like more of the change we need. On Destiny's stream he talked about the need to totally reboot our relationships with vendors and consultants and I completely agree. Clearly our pollsters/consultants/party leaders etc. do not know how to win against the modern GOP nationally. At the same time, I'm really disheartened by every candidate for DNC chair saying we need a 50 state strategy. I'm sorry, but sinking more money into the money pit of Florida isn't going to help us one bit. Let's rebuild in the states where people actually voted for us recently first (PA, OH, MI, WI, GA and NC). Longer term we need to start investing in Texas. But Florida should be written off. Sorry FL Dems-- there's just no ROI there at the moment.

[@nikmartin6668]

The candidate who speaks the most truth is Marianne Williamson. Please profile her. Don’t suppress her voice.

[@csmiller5221]

Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country. -- JFK

[@cjn2714]

Gawd, listening to this guy, no wonder democrats lost!

[@ElsieTaylor-w2m]

Can the citizens pay for and demand a paper count in the swing states?

[@ElsieTaylor-w2m]

Compare paper ballots with the machines that were compromised

[@vintage_jd]

WHOLESALE CHANGE 💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@Marinemomof3Oceanside]

Jaime is/was the WORST DMC chair in my lifetime! 😤 Maybe catch a (1) clip a month from him. MAYBE!!! 🤬😤

[@linguaphile42]

Three minutes in and disagree with this guy on almost everything.

[@tokotokotoko3]

Did he actually say anything that's different about policy rather than just how to message and to whom? I don't think that's enough.

[@LK57913]

WOW! The areas he represents in Upstate New York was historically Republican and contains a good amount of MAGA so I am shocked to find out a Democrat is being elected there. This makes what he has to say more credible about how to win over people.

[@user-ye1go6hw9r]

So far in this DNC series, Ben Wikler is the only one that has said "this is how we are going to do x, y, z", instead of all the others pointing out the obvious things that need to be done, but not telling us how these things WILL get done - in tried and true detail.

[@aaronadler-go4mv]

I thought this was going to be a fiercely independent platform? Will any GOP or third party counterparts be interviewed?

[@trisha4797]

Trump appointed his RNC chairs. The DNC isn’t doing that. They have an election.

[@Respectable_Username]

This is a partisan race for a Democratic Party position. The position is not open to independents or GOP members because it's a race for the lead organising position within the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party also being major clients of the host and therefore he has the connections within the party to pull these interviews. I'm sure he'd be at least curious about doing the same thing for the GOP if and when the GOP chair position was open, but also, that's not gonna be happening any time soon. Both because the Republicans won this cycle, and because the chair was appointed by Trump, not voted in.

[@csmiller5221]

X-REF: kzbin.infoLA9pliASUUU?si=KbhOoDJtTQ5kNSkH

[@luannianke8110]

Encouraged by all 3 candidates that I have heard here. No matter who wins it, I hope they all work together to improve communication and trust in government leaders.

[@joerogers540]

If Trump and the Republicans get things done and it helps the people then what do the Democrats have?

[@Zr0din]

Hmmmm. OK - Last Democratic performance that could be considered dominant was 2008 Obama by 7.2 points. Since then all elections were less than 2 percent margin. Trash talking candidates in online games? Man, I don't want to be doing that, but if that is the world I am in, I'll log onto World Of Warcraft and get to work. Around 10 minutes in, they talk about the big tent and that people don't feel they are in the in club in the tent. I don't think that's the issue. I think it's that we didn't do what we were saying we were going to do. It doesn't matter if Manchin stopped you - you didn't seem to show any effort after that.

[@caussin1]

Great interview. BUT after his comments about speaking plainly with regular words, he said "writ large." Come on.

[@lambbrookfarm4528]

Please don't blame the third party, don't take away the people's choice, i.e. don't discount primary voters, don't paint a pretty picture when it ain't pretty.

[@CatCaretakerID]

We need to abandon party politics and make it about each candidate's character, experience, more importantly perhaps the problem-solving ideas and skills and who they owe their allegiance to the people or the donors.

[@JamesBarry-j7m]

The Democratic party doesn't have to change at all it just has to stand by its core principles the problem is that big money is ruining the party

[@PrtyNeal]

Their core principal has been catering to Wealthy donors and making incremental changes around the edges and it has blown up in their faces.

[@ocean1233]

Repeat TALK 🦜 WHAT IS THE PROTECTION ⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️AND RESOLVE ⁉️👿

[@alirE2904]

So many good ideas from unelected people. Does this talk really get to the elected in office. We need signs at every democrat project, democratic government at work, thks biden

[@mixmediaproductions]

Stacy Abrams for DNC Chair....... ❤🎉

[@SharonCarbine]

Thumbs down!

[@aof13]

It's MAGA country now❤❤❤❤❤

[@2Chua]

I love this series Marc. This guest, not so much. Still it's important to hear all of these different viewpoints.

[@vintage_jd]

What is this music??? Lol 👎

[@TheIMMORTALKAHNHD]

After this I'm defiantly abled to say Ben Wikler for DNC chair!!

[@andod68]

This guy is out for himself. He’s all wet!!!

[@PercivalConstantine]

Democrats like Skoufis are exactly why we lost. Winkler is the clear choice-someone who knows how to win and who won't alienate the base in favor of corporate interests and sucking up to the Cheneys.

[@MatthewHayes-yi3sv]

We do need some of our best religious democrats to make big waves and draw people in.

[@CatCaretakerID]

Religion in all its forms should be kept out of government.