The Bulwark Podcast

Charles Duhigg: What MAGA Can Teach Democrats

51 snips
Feb 24, 2026
Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer-winning journalist and author focused on communication and organizing, explores why MAGA outperforms Democrats at local turnout and scalable organizing. He traces tactics back to Obama-era playbooks, explains attention-getting campus stunts, and offers communication tips like matching emotion before offering solutions.
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INSIGHT

Organizing Beats Mobilizing For Long-Term Power

  • MAGA succeeded by prioritizing organizing over one-off mobilization events.
  • They built local leadership cells and a big-tent approach that welcomed many factions so volunteers turn into persistent vote-getters.
ANECDOTE

MADD Versus DARE Shows Why Local Leaders Matter

  • DARE exploded via mobilization but faded; MADD grew slowly via empowering local volunteer leaders.
  • MADD trained local coordinators to run chapters, creating durable grassroots leadership rather than brief spectacle.
INSIGHT

Inclusion Signals Grow Coalitions Fast

  • Big-tent inclusion — tolerating internal disagreements — widens reach and attracts ambivalent people.
  • Turning Point and Faith and Freedom invite diverse participants as a signal that the movement is open.
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