This Election is about Trust
Last night, I had the chance to celebrate the passage of a series of amendments to the New Hampshire Democratic Party Constitution with a group of party leaders, legislators, and activists. By expanding the voting membership of the State Committee, these changes will make the party more representative, inclusive, and responsive to the voices of the people who do the difficult and often thankless work to organize in their local communities across the state. You can hear what I had to say here:
As I’ve traveled across the district, talking with voters at our “district dialogues,” I have heard the depths of frustration and cynicism that people feel about our political system. I’ve heard people’s heartache and concern about the way politicians, and ordinary people, are treating each other. This isn’t just Democrats, but Republicans and Independents as well.
I recognize that at the bottom of a lot of that is the issue of trust. Many people don’t trust their neighbors, we don’t trust our leaders, we don’t trust that things will get better.
How did politicians, leaders, and institutions lose that trust?
Social media echo chambers erode trust. Political violence erodes trust, and so does non-stop partisanship and polarization. But above all, it is politicians—Democrats and Republicans alike—who know these systems are tearing us apart, but still manipulate them to hold on to their own power, rather than using their power to make things better for the people.
How do we rebuild that trust?
By asking people genuine questions about their experiences and actually listening to their answers.
By showing respect for people, even when they disagree with you.
By showing up for hard conversations and admitting when you don't have all the answers.
By revitalizing the structures and systems that give people a voice and real power within the institutions that shape their lives. Including, but certainly not limited to,
Structuring political parties to empower local activists and community members and not just preserve power for those at the top.
Supporting local government and institutions that provide pathways for people to get involved and make their voices heard.
Funding school districts so they can pay teachers, support kids, and engage and empower parents.
Ensuring jobs pay a living wage and allow workers to organize for better conditions.
And getting money out of politics, so everyone’s voice can be heard.
The amendments that the NHDP passed this October were a huge step in rebuilding a state party with a foundation of trust and respect, but they are just a first step. Politicians and party leaders must take the next step to build on that foundation of trust by getting off their social media feeds and out of their echo chambers, and engaging with ordinary people in real life. That is the ethos I have brought to my campaign, and it’s the commitment I will bring to Congress.
If we can reshape the institutions that give shape to our activism and organizing, then we will be better equipped to build trust and respect with voters, not just in the next election cycle, but for years to come.
