Why Hakeem Jeffries' new slogan for the Democratic Party is so ineffective

[LiberalArkie]

Dec. 7, 2025, 6:00 AM EST

Democrats have been overperforming in off-year and special elections in 2025 and may be poised for a huge win in the midterms in 2026, but they know they face a deeper problem: Their party isn’t particularly well-liked, and voters don’t have a good sense of what Democrats stand for.

Worry not, because House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has the answer in a new slogan. Are you ready for it?

“Strong floor, no ceiling.”

Try to contain your excitement. Not only will nobody have any idea what that means unless it’s explained, it doesn’t even describe well what Democrats ought to want.

Snip

https://www.ms.now/opinion/hakeem-jeffries-slogan-democratic-party

[leftstreet]

1. LOL n/t

[Blues Heron]

2. I like it

[badgolfer]

3. Democrats

How about asking the Republicans where their POCKET CONSTITUTION is now?

Republicans were so proud to show it during Obama's Presidency.

[Ocelot II]

4. Kinda lame. Jeffries needs to hire a good ad agency that can come up with something

Last edited Sun Dec 7, 2025, 12:09 PM - Edit history (1)

that has a clear meaning and an exciting message. That one doesn't have either.

[NotHardly]

31. Yeah, they need o spend some money and do it right

[Bobstandard]

77. The probably used an old trusted consultant

Who keeps telling them to move to the middle. You know, the strategy that’s worked so well in the past.

[Bluetus]

105. Exactly. We don't need ANY slogans. We need real plans and real commitments.

There was a President I won't identify by name, who was faced with a rogue, outlaw Supreme Court. It has been apparent to many outside the beltway that we need real changes, including:

- Term limits
- An expanded court
- Strict code of ethics with teeth
- New standards, such as the overturning of any legislation requiring a supermajority, not a simple majority

Any of the above would qualify as bold ideas and tangible, specific plans. But the unnamed President instead decided to punt it to a blue ribbon commission of navel-gazers, and it was never again mentioned until, strangle, the week after the unnamed President dropped out of the reelection race.

That is just one example among many. I didn't name this particular President because there are similar examples from EVERY President. From their point of view, they are "cleverly and strategically picking their battles." But for many people at the grassroots, this looks like a sellout of principles, such as when a former Presidential candidate recently praised Trump for his great partnership with Netanyahu in the genocide in Gaza.

[Trueblue1968]

97. What in the does it even mean? I think is dumb but that is this ol gals opinion.

[Chasstev365]

5. Meh; a softball for rightwing mockery

[Maru Kitteh]

107. Free car, no brakes.

Yeah, that slogan should go nowhere. Please, let it go nowhere. That is some low-hanging fruit.

[AZJonnie]

6. If you play fantasy sports (Fantasy Football for example), you definitely don't need it explained

Perhaps some would need a second or two to understand the reference, but it's immediately recognized by fantasy players, and there a lot of those, esp. males in this country.

I'm not arguing it's all that exciting or catchy or even "advisable as a slogan" (I find Jeffries relatively uninspiring, frankly), but it's not what I'd consider an arcane reference

[padfun]

27. Yep, I agree

And I read this just as the NFL games are starting and my 40 DFS lineups are about to disappoint me once again.

[True Dough]

52. It immediately clicked with me

but I'm one of those fantasy sports enthusiasts that you're referring to.

[Blue_playwright]

55. See, I didn't know that

If that’s a Demographic they are working on, it makes sense.

[Maru Kitteh]

109. I'd agree with that but if that's the intention, they should own it, don't be coy.

[senseandsensibility]

60. Okay I'll ask my hubby who is into fantasy sports

(both football and hockey) if he gets it when he comes home. I'm kind of curious since he's not super politically involved although he's a good liberal.

[Autumn]

7. Well it's a hell of a lot better than

"Presidents come president, go and through it all god is still on his throne"

It's a very low bar.

[Tetrachloride]

8. Here's what I remember: "Strong floor, _____ ceiling." and it has NOTHING TO DO WITH ME.

[RedWhiteBlueIsRacist]

9. "Tax rich, then money to buy nice ceiling!"--Confucious

[jaymac]

10. EGAD!

Can't he borrow Newsome's comm guys for a bit. Corporate dems don't get it at all. Send that slogan to the circular file

[leftstreet]

11. It's the title of a book, by a venture capitalist

snips, my bold

Strong Floor, No Ceiling: Building a New Foundation for the American Dream
by Oliver B. Libby

A Bold Plan to Rebuild the American Dream—for Everyone

We’re not just divided—we’re adrift. Strong Floor, No Ceiling presents a bold, radically moderate blueprint to reconnect our fractured country and restore belief in opportunity, fairness, and shared progress.

Entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and public policy thinker Oliver B. Libby delivers a hopeful yet pragmatic path forward that blends innovation with tradition, growth with equity, and compassion with common sense. If you’re weary of the extremes and the noise and looking for a future grounded in real solutions, this book is your rallying point.

We should have a strong floor—made of access to education, healthcare, homes, jobs, capital, and justice—that all our citizens can stand atop. But we cannot afford this without celebrating success, entrepreneurship, and innovation—there should be no ceiling to our aspirations. These ideas may seem like they come from the opposite ends of the political spectrum, but they are fundamentally linked into the engine of the American Dream itself.

Centrist crap

[Bettie]

19. So, the rich get richer

and the rest of us get screwed. If we've learned anything about "venture capitalists" in the last couple of decades, it should be that.

Their "moderate solutions" always include lowering wages, removing pieces (or all of) the social safety net, while also lowering taxes on the .01% (or .001%).

The secret is that the floor for the ultra wealthy is our ceiling and we're buried under it.

[leftstreet]

25. +1

The secret is that the floor for the ultra wealthy is our ceiling and we're buried under it.

[Solly Mack]

41. "The secret is that the floor for the ultra wealthy is our ceiling and we're buried under it."

[James48]

34. The LAST thing we need

Is something radically moderate.


I’m more in favor of banning the sale of water, at this point.

[KS Toronado]

69. It costs lots of money to have "access to education, healthcare, homes, jobs, capital, and justice"

for everybody, and who's got the majority of it and refuses to share with the 99% while demanding more
tax breaks and loopholes, yep you guessed it correctly the super wealthy. FOLLOW THE MONEY!

Next 2 elections should have a POOR vs RICH theme IMHO

Back in the mid 60's at a city picnic I watched over a dozen men arguing if there was ever another civil war
whether it would be blacks starting one against whites or poor vs rich, my dad was most vocal for the latter.

And after around an hour of the discussion someone said "enough politics for the day", subjects went
elsewhere and everybody was still friends regardless of their opinions. No lingering hatred like there is today.

[angrychair]

85. Absolutely hate this description

Strong Floor, No Ceiling presents a bold, radically moderate blueprint to reconnect our fractured country and restore belief in opportunity, fairness, and shared progress.

I hate it. Using completely different meaning words to describe the same thing (radically moderate) especially side by side, ugh...I just want to scream. Especially from a venture capitalist?

[Mossfern]

106. How can something be radically moderate?

Makes no sense to me.
It's like "corporate speak" -- making a pitch.

[angrychair]

110. Exactly Mossfern

It's just gibberish. I am completely over this centrist nonsense. That isn't how we win elections. People are tired of this moderate, milquetoast solutions that actually don't move the needle an inch on progress but focus on maintaining a wholly unsatisfactory status quo.

We need meaningful progress that actually improves lives and makes life not just affordable but life that feels like living.

[travelingthrulife]

113. In other words...no ceiling to the TechBros money-grabbing. Got it.

[bigtree]

12. do people ever tire of these nobodies who make money tearing down our Democratic leaders?

...how did that work out the last time this putz decided to tear down our president?

July 7, 2022
Washington Post column wonders if Biden is ‘the wrong president at the wrong time’
Columnist Paul Waldman speculated on whether President Joe Biden has what it takes to heal America and win his next election.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/washington-post-column-wonders-biden-wrong-president-wrong-time?msockid=19c9661de72e6d54127b7055e6a56cb7

[Historic NY]

13. He is really blah.....

He should go see Moskowitz.

[dweller]

14. Huh ...

I thought it was pogo dancing instructions
🤔





✌🏻

[bigtree]

15. this is bullshit. This isn't Jeffries's new slogan. It's one thing he said

...misrepresented here for this anti-Jeffries bait by this columnist who's never run a campaign against any republican and won, as Jeffries has done repeatedly.

Here's the link in the Nov. 5, 2025 article that's put there as the reference for the quote:

On Wednesday, Jeffries joined “Morning Joe” to reflect on what he called “a big night for the American people,” after Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger, Mikie Sherrill and Zohran Mamdani sailed to victory in high-profile races in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City, respectively.

“Abigail focused relentlessly on affordability and driving down the high cost of living in Virginia,” Jeffries explained. “Mikie Sherrill, of course, focused relentlessly on affordability and dealing with some of the escalating prices that have been experienced in New Jersey. And of course, Zohran has focused relentlessly on affordability. That’s the connective tissue that we’ve seen all across the country.”

Jeffries said Democrats centered their campaigns on “making America the best version of herself,” and he contrasted that with the “extremism that we’ve seen unleashed on everyday Americans by Donald Trump and compliant Republicans from the very beginning of his presidency.”

The House minority leader was also asked about the ongoing government shutdown, which has now become the longest in U.S. history, and where negotiations stand with Republicans.

https://www.ms.now/top-stories/latest/hakeem-jeffries-affordability-democrats-election-wins-trump-rcna242201

Not only is this anti-Jeffries screed specious and misinforming, it's playing off of old news..

What is this shit?

[leftstreet]

16. Actually, he started saying it back in August

maybe even before?

LEADER JEFFRIES: "AS DEMOCRATS, WE BELIEVE IN A STRONG FLOOR AND NO CEILING"
August 14, 2025
•
Press Release
https://democraticleader.house.gov/media/press-releases/leader-jeffries-democrats-we-believe-strong-floor-and-no-ceiling

[bigtree]

30. he's said much more than that one thing

...repetition being the hallmark of effective politicking.

[betsuni]

32. Whining that Democrats don't talk about the economy, when they do, insinuations they're corrupt capitalists.

Idiots still bleating the meaningless insult "corporate Democrats"!

[Cirsium]

35. So what?

Of course "he's said much more than that one thing." Is anyone suggesting otherwise?

Do you agree with the sentiment of the slogan (or not a slogan, whatever)? No ceiling for the likes of Bezos and Musk? I think it is impossible to have a strong floor if you have no ceiling.

[bigtree]

38. the author claime that it's a 'new slogan for the Democratic party"

...he fucking LIED to invent this ratfucking claim to write deliberately divisive article claiming this is the focus and messaging of the Dem leader, when we can clearly see that it's not even a major part of what he's been relating to the press and the public over the past weeks and months.

As if what he said was untrue or fundamentally wrong in any way.... It's just not.

It's not in the last presser, so what is this shit about it being a 'new slogan for the Democratic party' of the leader didn't even mention it the last time he spoke to the press on his own terms?

Look for yourself, and come back and tell me why this supposedly new slogan is nowhere to be found.

I won't wait up. It's not in there. It's just not.

It's NOT a 'new slogan for the Democratic party.' It's an invented trope being used to bash Jeffries with this author's own false projections.

[Cirsium]

72. Huh?

A phrase doesn't qualify as a slogan unless it is repeated every time the person talks to the press?

About the slogan Jeffries himself said “that’s what we believe in as Democrats.”

The slogan comes from a book title that promotes the usual "third way" drivel. Blurb from the "strong floor no ceiling" website: "a radically moderate plan that combines the best ideas from left and right to rebuild opportunity for every citizen." It is worse than just a bad slogan.

You suggest that the author and people here are cherry picking one remark and misrepresenting Jeffries.

Yet you are misrepresenting the author's main point. Here are excerpts that are representative.

"Anyone who thinks the problem is that America isn’t properly nurturing everyone’s thirst for entrepreneurialism has been spending too much time talking to wealthy donors."

"The slogan is emblematic of an approach the party’s leadership always seems to take. They’re so afraid they might offend someone they decline to call out genuine villains."

You may think that third way politics is the best course for the Democrats to take, or perhaps you support third way politics whether or not is the best course for electoral success by the Democrats. Others oppose third way politics and think third way politics is is not a good electoral strategy. Argue your case on its merits rather than attacking people.

[bigtree]

89. the author succeeded in rallying his readers against President Biden

...how did that work out for Dems?

How'd it work out for him? HE had the media platform then, as he does now, to actually elevate the issues and concerns the Dem leader has raised, but he hasn't done that, has he?

He's misrepresented a phase the man used as the 'new slogan for the Democratic party' as if that inanity was actually someone's aim other than his clickbaiting own.'

None of the concerns Jeffries spends almost everyday spelling out for the press and public is contained in this diatribe, but he's nonetheless promoting this lie that it's meant to be a "New slogan for the Democratic party.'

It just isn't. Misinformation, full stop. Nothing that follows is credible. Not a word.

Moreover, by making this assertion, this political genius is diverting and dissuading his readers from the substance of what Jeffries actually said in front of and behind that one phrase. Why?

Why is he making this effort to divert from what Jeffries has actually been fighting for? There's not a speck of daylight between what any of his critics say they want and what Jeffries has done and is doing.

What's lacking is support, which people who claim to have the Democratic party's interests, or even the people's interests at the forefront of their advocacy don't seem to be willing to offer; just this navelgazing backbiting that is 99 percent projection and a fraction of truth in what Jeffries actually said.

Tell me. Didn't this author intend to dissuade people from giving heed to what Jeffries is saying; what our Democratic leadership has been saying (successfully advocating against the republican budget)?

I mean, ffs, what's the damn standard here? Some opinion of some journo who can't be bothered to represent the issues that are important to the party and the people?

Or the actual efforts of our party leadership who has made the republican health care crisis and their mismanagement of the economy the centerpiece of the national and media debate?

Why is this person trying to change the subject to something he thinks Jeffries should have said, which I can guarantee was already said and ignored?

Why is this person now coming back to to tear our Democratic leadership down, again, with specious claims and parsed, cherrypicked misrepresentations of what Democratic leaders are advocating for?

When has he ever done anyone any good with this kind of baiting and sophistry aimed at Democrats?

When has he EVER advocated for our interests like Jeffries?

Run an election against them and won?

Done anything more than run his mouth? What did that navelgazing claptrap accomplish us?

July 7, 2022
Washington Post column wonders if Biden is ‘the wrong president at the wrong time’
Columnist Paul Waldman speculated on whether President Joe Biden has what it takes to heal America and win his next election.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/washington-post-column-wonders-biden-wrong-president-wrong-time?msockid=19c9661de72e6d54127b7055e6a56cb7

[Cirsium]

94. OK

He is a jerk. So? I am not praising him. You have not rebutted anything I said.

[Cirsium]

33. Are you sure?

"Jeffries, who began road-testing the slogan a few months ago, has been using it with increasing frequency."

He coined a slogan. No question about that really, is there?

So, if a columnist has "never run a campaign against any Republican and won" we shouldn't listen to them? Your rule would eliminate almost all of the best political writers.

Let's not get too carried away with the Jeffries running a campaign against a Republican and winning. He is in a pretty safe district and got over 75% of the votes in 2024. It would probably be hard for a Democrat to lose in that district.

[bigtree]

45. ....if you bother to listen to any appearance of his, he has many 'slogans'

...none of which are meant by him to be the 'new slogan for the Democratic party' as this fellow claims behind his never-elected, 'never elected anyone, never advanced any legislation' self-aggrandizing rant.

It should be obvious to anyone who bothers to listen to Jeffries in the myriad appearances he makes weekly that this isn't anywhere near the totality of his messaging, which has been focused on the republican cuts, not on sloganeering like an idiot like clickbait journos like this fellow like to practice..

[Cirsium]

65. Agreed

Yes, he says many things. “Strong floor, no ceiling” is sloganeering.

[Nittersing]

73. Sure stirred up the crowd, didn't it

Now we have a thread of dems complaining about the dem party;

Pretty effective...

Just surprised it worked so well on DU.

[uponit7771]

17. Jefferies was **NEVER** said he was the hype man, we shouldn't expect it either.

We're looking for the visionary still, Shcumer and Jeffries aren't it

[NewHendoLib]

18. Ugh

[betsuni]

20. Article's author is really really mad at Jeffries for not explaining the U.S. economy and politics in four words.

He thinks Make America Great Again is totally fabulous slogan wise.

Blame Democrats! Bash them by claiming things Jeffries says are official slogans for the Democratic Party forever and ever!

[LearnedHand]

61. It is a fabulous slogan from the powerful communications perspective

People are either adopting it in and on everything or they’re arguing against it. Mission accomplished.

I don’t agree with this vile concept. It’s just a very memorable, relatable message.

[milestogo]

21. Sounds like a tornado hit.

And there is still a ceiling for some folks.

[Mysterian]

22. We need fire breathers and fighters, not mush mouths who praise Trump's policies

Jeffries needs to become a footnote in history.

[DFW]

23. Is "Catchy" out of vogue these days?

Why not something simple, like "the people's voice will be the people's choice!"

Or something else that's easy to remember?

[Nictuku]

24. I have a better one: MAKE LYING WRONG AGAIN!

[Traildogbob]

26. Jebus, that's weak.

Hire Newson’s team to message. Or anybody under 30 years old.

[Iggo]

28. Sounds like a decent fantasy running back facing the Bengals.

Jeffries needs to spend a weekend or two with Gavin Newsom and his team to learn how to spit some pop culture phrasing.

That slogan is shit.

[LiberalArkie]

29. As a corporate Democrat, the one thing that the really wealthy do not want to have happen is change.

Change might hurt their portfolios. Change might enable those people at the bottom to afford housing and medical care. It took the corporate people many decades to rid the nation of the advances that happened after WW2. They resented things so much that in the 1930s they actually tried a coup (Businessman Plot). They did another one during the Reagan terms, but there wasn't really any opposition now as both parties were under the control of corporate entities.

[bigtree]

36. this author is just trying to stir shit about Mamdani.

...claiming without a wit of proof that this is some counter from Jeffries to charges or claims the he and the party is leaning socialist because he supported the NY mayoral candidate; which is just NY political trolling dressed up as something we should all be hyper focused on..

Either the author is a complicit sop, or a clueless idiot who's perpetuating a republican trope about the last election and the Democratic party.

Whatever it is, he needs to stop being led around by republican demagoguery, and stop projecting it through these bullshit claims about what Jeffries or the party represents.

Waldman did so well in bleating our about Biden in the middle of the summer before we voted, that he practically deserves the dozens of recs for this latest ratfucking, right?

[MorbidButterflyTat]

48. I think you're confused and mean MAGAts when you say Democrats

Divide and conquer, right?

[KPN]

37. OMG, please tell me he's joking. Democrats will be

a laughing stock should that be known as our slogan. Unbelievable!

[flvegan]

39. Referring to his securities portfolio, maybe?

It's amazing how much wealth you can accumulate on a set government salary sometimes.

[Aviation Pro]

40. "Fuck up the MAGAts" would be mine

Glad I’m not in the position to make that call.

[yaesu]

42. Where's the beef?

[MarineCombatEngineer]

47. Welcome to DU,

enjoy your stay.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

44. Here we go again

"Their party isn’t particularly well-liked..."

Maybe they'll "like" MAGAts and their racist, corrupt, evil, cruelty?

"...and voters don’t have a good sense of what Democrats stand for."

Anyone who doesn't know by now what Democrats "stand for," isn't paying attention, and isn't serious, and possibly, isn't breathing.

Who is this guy who thinks he speaks for voters? I'm so sick of "opinions" that aren't worth the time I wasted reading them, and sound like the same old Dems bashing garbage recycled over and over.

"Oh, voters don't like Dems even though they don't know what Dems stand for!!" Fuck that noise!

[betsuni]

64. The Mystery of What Democrats Stand For. Voters have no idea, but they sure don't like it. WUT.

[Cha]

84. So That's Why Dems Won All Those Election's

in November.. because "Their party isn’t particularly well-liked..."

Don't Fall For this Garbage, Dems!

TY!

[betsuni]

99. Yes, don't fall for garbage! Think for yourselves! Listen.

This thread is embarrassing.

[Cha]

102. Thank You! It really is

heartbreaking how easy it is for anyone to fall for balderdash from an opinion.. that doesn't hold water.

And, not looking at the facts of What Our Fighting Dems have accomplished.

[betsuni]

103. Everyone dropping their little offering into the insult collection basket at the Church of Dem Bashing.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

117. It's heartbreaking, and frustrating.

Especially on Democratic Underground!

[betsuni]

123. I think of the old joke about the guy who goes hunting with an "I am not a bear" sign on his back

because he's nervous about being mistaken for a bear and shot at by another hunter, which indeed happens. He angrily demands, Didn't you see the sign on my back? Yes, the guy says, but I didn't notice the word "not."

It's like people think there's a "not" in DU is a forum for supporters of the Democratic Party.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

115. And there are SO MANY threads just like it.

[Solly Mack]

46. From August 2025, Hakeem Jeffries talks about "Strong floor, no ceiling." Link below.

Leader Jeffries: Well, actually, I'll tell you what we stand for, Joe. It's pretty clear. As Democrats, we believe in a strong floor and no ceiling. In America, you work hard, you play by the rules, you should be able to live the good life. And there should be no ceiling on your success, on your capacity to do anything in the United States of America. That's the great promise of this country. At the same period of time, there should be a strong floor. Today is the 90th anniversary of Social Security. It was born 90 years ago today. What we've seen from this administration is an attack on Social Security, an attack on Medicare, an attack on the Affordable Care Act, ripping Medicaid away from millions of Americans. That actually is the type of strong floor that we should also have in this country. You pass a One Big Ugly bill that's now law, on a partisan basis, that represents the largest attack on healthcare in American history. Hospitals will close, nursing homes will shut down, community-based health clinics will be unable to operate, people all across the country are going to experience increased premiums, co-pays and prescription drug prices. That's a problem for everyday Americans. I'm not talking about people who are already wealthy and well-off and well-connected, I'm talking about the everyday Americans that I represent in Brooklyn and that we're fighting hard for. In fact, those same Americans, food is being ripped out of the mouths of hungry children, veterans and seniors with the largest attack on nutritional assistance in American history. I find that problematic in the United States of America, and millions of people do so as well.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

50. Oh, you mean it was more than a cherry picked sound bite used to bash the Democratic House minority leader???

Thanks for posting that.

[Solly Mack]

63. The link shows what Jeffries meant when he used the phrase. That's why I posted it.

Some people wanted to know what it meant.

[MorbidButterflyTat]

114. I appreciate your post that proves the OP is BS

[bigtree]

58. doesn't sound like what the author above was bleating about, at all.

...nor does Jeffries assert anywhere that this is the 'new slogan for the Democratic party'

What he said wasn't just misrepresented by this author, he ommitted the parts that actually affect and speak to the everyday concerns and challenges of real Americans that haven't made a fortune writing drivel.

Wonder why he left all the rest out and replaced it with his own cynical take?

"The slogan is emblematic of an approach the party’s leadership always seems to take. They’re so afraid they might offend someone they decline to call out genuine villains. While they’ll criticize Republican attempts to favor the wealthy at the expense of the rest of us, it often sounds like they’re not that displeased with the status quo; they just don’t want to make things worse. Which, of course, says nothing about how they want to make things better."

Why did this author, who certainly has the means and ability to go and look for other things the Dem leader has said recently, bother to mention all of the almost daily excoriations of republicans and the president that Jeffries has taken time to relate?

No, he just cherry-picked this and twisted it into something that he though could be used to opposed the Dem leader. Why? That's the question I have.

Why is he misrepresenting the messaging from the Dem leader who has been almost exclusively focused in republican health care and other cuts in their budget which he has strongly opposed and led his Dem membership to unanimously oppose?

What's the game here selectively nitpicking the Dem leader, mischaracterizing a cherrypicked phrase in a binary political system where Jeffries isn't the actual opponent?

Is anyone concerned that this journo isn't taking any time with his privileged platform to highlight any of the other things Jeffries is advocating, much less explaining anything in relation to the phase that he's so blithely representing here is some abstraction removed from the totality of the leader's statements and efforts?

What is anyone with a brain supposed to take from this except a weak attack on the Dem leader that has nothing to do with even the substance of what Jeffries is trying to convey in the remarks he chose to attack?

Where in this screed is any opposition to republicans. Where is the advocacy in this screed that comes even close to what the Dem Leader is practicing almost daily?

What is the actual value in this, other than to absolutely distract and divert readers from that substance Jeffries is bothering to relate?

[Solly Mack]

62. I posted it to show what he meant when he used the phrase.

Nothing more.

[bigtree]

91. I get that

...just ranting off of it.

Just fed up with the opportunistic digs at a party that wasn't granted a majority, expecting them to do what voters refused to equip them for.

It's a perverse game of 'you're not doing enough convince US to do what we should know well is our responsibility in a binary system of politics and elections that has a fascist party taking things from Americans and gifting themselves and their rich friends on one end, and a proven producer/provider party for Americans on the other.'

The idea that we have to mollycoddle ANYONE into saving themselves from the country-killing republicans is a hoot. Really something that I'm well tired of.

I realize you're in the way of all my ranting, and I apologize for that. Not directed at you.

[fujiyamasan]

82. Thanks for context

So what’s so wrong about what Jeffries said?

I have mixed feelings about him being speaker if democrats take back the house, but he’s addressing basic bread and butter economic issues that matter to voters. The slogan is weak, but it sounds like it was part of something larger he was talking about.

[Solly Mack]

88. Sounds more like a talking point to build off than a "slogan" to me.

And the context of what he was saying made some excellent points.

His framing might not be catchy, but he explained what he meant. Problem is, for too many people anything beyond the catchphrase gets tuned out.

"Make America Great Again" is catchy but empty. People can fill it in with whatever they desire - and that's been all bad, which was the intention. While that sort of slogan appeals to some people, it doesn't work for me.

I'm neither defending nor promoting, just saying what it all seems like to me.

[Cha]

104. That would be a Brilliant OP... because

anyone bashing Rep Hakeem Jeffries Needs to Know this.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=20852964

Mahalo, Solly Mack

[fargone]

49. Michael Jordan - "The ceiling is the roof"

[Escape]

51. I would prefer.....

FUCK the REPUBLICANS....SAVE AMERICA!

[Blue_playwright]

53. I'm a marketing professional

That’s terrible.

[moonscape]

80. I'm not and it's terrible.

[JHB]

54. Once upon a time, the Democrats had a brand: The Party That Looks Out For The Little Guy

That got lost between being seen as "pro-business" and triangulation.

It needs to come back. The party is dead if it doesn't come back.

[LudwigPastorius]

56. It is too static and passive.

You need dynamic language...something like 'Working Together For All Americans' , 'Moving America Forward', or 'Bringing Back The American Dream'.

I don't know. I'm not a professional sloganeer, but I know what I don't like.

[LearnedHand]

57. "No ceiling" sure sounds like a dogwhistle to the billionaires?

I’ll pass thanks.

[senseandsensibility]

59. Although I don't love it

and won't waste any time trying to defend it, I did start an OP when Jeffries labeled the "Big Beautiful Bill" the "big UGLY bill" and began referring to it as such every time he spoke of it. I thought that was good. But very few, if any Dems followed his lead. Consistency and unity of message are important. When and if Jeffries and the party come up with a better slogan I hope they all follow his lead and use it incessantly. How about Make America Great for the 99%? That's just off the top of my head. Professional strategists could do much better.

[Duncan Grant]

66. This slogan lacks any emotional appeal and requires too much thinking.

I mean, for God’s sake, get out of your head and get into your heart. The message is in the heart.

[C_U_L8R]

67. It needs to be a verb.

An action, a movement, a rallying call, a destination.

[GiqueCee]

68. SIGH...

... okay, it's not even a great slogan for a housing contractor, and, as has already been mentioned, it was lifted from a book title, which was lifted from insider jargon known only to those obsessed with fantasy football, a pastime of limited appeal.

If you're gonna steal a slogan, how 'bout "Of the people, by the people, for the people"? It definitely has legs, and it'll drive MAGAts over the edge.

[pinkstarburst]

70. Jeffries and Schumer need to be replaced

One issue we have is that we take too long to make necessary changes, until we have gone far past the point of no return and lost the confidence and momentum within our own party.

Neither Jeffries nor Schumer is currently acting as an effective leader. Are we going to wait until the 11th hour to make crucial changes, until the voters are fed up and feels there are no effective leaders left among democrats?

[Katinfl]

71. WTF????? Why do we need a slogan??????

[appmanga]

74. It's too easy to shoot holes in this...

"Strong floor, no ceiling, and nobody knows what the hell that means".

If you're explaining, you're losing.

[markodochartaigh]

75. I like it as a sentiment. But slogans need to be more intuitive.

A good slogan needs to hit you in the guts.

Do they test these slogans? Where? In Ivy League focus groups? The Democratic party needs slogans that will wake up the third of voters who have not been paying attention and that will energize the third who can't be bothered to vote.

[bigtree]

92. who said it was a 'slogan for the party?

..oh, this fuck:

July 7, 2022
Washington Post column wonders if Biden is ‘the wrong president at the wrong time’
Columnist Paul Waldman speculated on whether President Joe Biden has what it takes to heal America and win his next election.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/washington-post-column-wonders-biden-wrong-president-wrong-time?msockid=19c9661de72e6d54127b7055e6a56cb7

...he seems credible as a proven practitioner of messaging for Democrats.

[TheFarseer]

76. Sounds empty

Just more “We’re for good things and against bad things”

[Raven123]

78. The article is BS. Jeffries was asked what Dems believe in.

He said a strong floor and no ceiling and then expanded his answer. Nothing wrong with that.

This is the 3rd poorly titled article posted here this weekend.

[Progressive dog]

79. Okay

The slogan doesn't impress me, but as a Democrat, I'd like specifics about "what Democrats ought to want."

[littlemissmartypants]

81. ...

[JI7]

83. Who says it's some official slogan ?

It's just something he said.

[betsuni]

96. One guy. All the whining about leadership, people mindlessly follow anyone as long as they hate Democrats.

[orleans]

86. he has a slogan? ... oh, i see. well, it kinda sucks. try again nt

[Kid Berwyn]

87. Gosh.

Last edited Sun Dec 7, 2025, 06:45 PM - Edit history (1)

Nothing says “corporate brainfart” like reminding people their rightful place is on the bottom of the dwelling, but if they kiss ass strong enough they may make it to the top of the heap in the lower levels of the sub-basement.

Hope for the professional consultants they cash the checks before the focus group test results come in.

[Abolishinist]

90. "Strong floor, no ceiling"

Seems more like an apt description for the new White House Ballroom.

[Conjuay]

93. (yawn)

Thank you,
NEXT!

[yellow dahlia]

95. Let me guess. It was worked up by the consultant class.

The party needs to fire their strategists.

[mcar]

98. ...

https://democraticunderground.com/100220852879

[MustLoveBeagles]

100. The new slogan is confusing

And if you have to explain your loosing.

[Timewas]

101. Pretty Lame n/t

[Jack Valentino]

108. "FEED THE POOR, AND TAX THE RICH"!

I think mine is better....

[Ruby the Liberal]

111. I thought the messaging was affordability

That is about as weak and self-serving a theme as possible.

It says nothing about what we stand for, only that some consultant poll tested neutral, inoffensive phrases for Hakeem to use to explain what his conference should do in smoke filled backroom conversations.

He and Schumer may know the inside baseball rules of the legislative game (admittedly important), but are about the worst we have to offer when it comes to effective messaging.

Put them in charge of their respective chamber's mechanics and elevate the ones who can speak to and for the people. Start with Mamdani -= who won Jeffries district without his endorsement. I wonder if that recommendation came from the same team that felt this new slogan was a winner for the party.

/rant

[Rebl2]

112. What the

blankety blank does that mean!

[ColoringFool]

116. The Jokes About Hurricanes Write Themselves, Don't They? .....

TERRIBLE SLOGAN!

Was "Four Walls, No Ceiling" rejected? Or "2 BR, 2 BA"? Or......

🙄🤪😜🥸🤓🤡

[Torchlight]

118. Seems 'a slogan' rather than 'THE slogan'

And it doesn't seem too bad to me, as I see it only as one additional tool rather than a panache. But sure... I'll certainly try to contain my excitement; I guess it would be unseemly or something if I didn't.

[dwayneb]

119. Huh?

This slogan is incomprehensible, I predict this will fade away pretty quickly. Similar to how Bernie Sanders is always talking about "no oligarchies" - most people have to go find a dictionary to even understand what the word means.

Clear speaking, common sense messaging is what we need. Like Tim Walz. And Barack Obama, although he was a very well educated and brilliant man, knew how to use language that we could all understand and relate to.

[Tbone421]

120. Our country is imploding, and this is what D leadership is working on.....

Not only is it embarrassing that this is what D leadership is working on, but man, as a slogan, it sucks out loud.

[Nittersing]

121. THIS IS NOT JEFFRIES SLOGAN FFS!!!!

I gotta trash this article. I can't believe how many DUers are believing this.

[FascismIsDeath]

122. So some guy has a beef with Jeffries, pretends that something Jeffries says is an "official slogan", so that he can...

...proceed to use his imagined scenario as a way to attack Jeffries.

Have I got all that correct?