Former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor recently appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," offering some pointed advice to the Democratic Party: stop talking like press releases and start speaking like normal people. The trio, known for their podcast "Pod Save America," argued that the party's overly formal and often jargon-filled communication style is alienating potential voters.

Lovett suggested that Democrats should take a page from Trump's playbook, engaging in more informal and accessible interactions with the public. He envisioned Democrats holding longer press conferences, appearing on diverse platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast, and generally presenting themselves as relatable figures. He emphasized the importance of creating events and interactions that feel enjoyable and engaging, contrasting the atmosphere of a Trump rally with the perceived "downer" image of Democratic events.

"Pod Save America" co-hosts join MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (Screenshot/MSNBC)

Favreau echoed this sentiment, urging Democrats to abandon the stilted language of official statements and social media posts. He criticized the tendency to craft pronouncements that sound like historical documents, suggesting that this approach is ineffective and turning voters off. Lovett added that this formal tone makes it difficult for the party to connect with everyday people and acknowledge their concerns.

The "Pod Save America" hosts also stressed the need for the Democratic Party to take responsibility for its communication failures. Lovett acknowledged that the party has lost credibility and needs to find ways to effectively address the threats posed by figures like Donald Trump. He emphasized the importance of owning past mistakes and rebuilding trust with the electorate.

The hosts of "Pod Save America" joined Stephen Colbert in June 2024. (Screenshot/CBS)

Favreau argued that relying on identity politics is a losing strategy and that Democrats need to make a genuine case to voters. He pointed out that voting patterns are shifting, with factors like education level sometimes outweighing traditional demographic categories. He urged Democrats to adapt their language and connect with voters on a more personal level, using the kind of language they would employ in casual conversations.

The discussion also touched upon President Biden's age, with Vietor admitting that the party's attempts to downplay this issue were a mistake. He agreed with the observation that Biden appeared too old to run for re-election and that the party should have been more honest about this with voters. This exchange followed a question from MSNBC co-host Mika Brzezinski, who has previously argued that Biden could have won re-election.