On Background is a newsletter for Democratic communicators who realize the old playbook doesn’t work anymore.

I spent years working in the White House, on Capitol Hill, and on the campaign trail, executing a communications strategy built for a different era. We fought over every word in newspaper stories that persuadable voters aren’t reading anymore.

The audiences we need to reach are scattered across podcasts and social media platforms. And when we do manage to reach them, they aren’t moved by what we have to tell them.

On Background is a conversation for people looking for answers. It draws on the experience and insights of smart people testing new approaches, learning what breaks through, and thinking seriously about what comes next.

I don’t know where we’re headed. But I’m hoping we can figure it out together. I hope you’ll join me on the journey.

About The Author:

I’m a communications strategist who has served as a spokesperson for the White House, Speaker Pelosi, and more candidates than any sane person should. I currently work in public affairs in Washington, D.C. I started On Background to learn from people thinking seriously about how our work needs to change.