Former U.S. Representative Joe Cunningham (D-S.C.) argued that the Democratic Party needs to change its communication strategy, speaking less like academics and more like high school football coaches, according to a verified report from The Post and Courier on May 26, 2026.
Cunningham, who served one term in Congress from 2019 to 2021, made the comments during a panel discussion at the South Carolina Democratic Party convention in Columbia. He stated that Democrats often use overly complex language that fails to resonate with working-class voters, and should instead adopt the direct, motivational tone of a football coach.
“We need to talk less like professors and more like high school football coaches,” Cunningham said, according to the newspaper. He emphasized that clear, simple messaging is key to winning back voters in rural and conservative areas.
Cunningham’s remarks come as Democrats continue to debate their electoral strategy following losses in recent cycles. He did not provide specific policy proposals but focused on the need for a cultural shift in how the party communicates.
