“I don't think running ... as a generational change candidate and basically saying, 'I'm young, but I want more of the status quo,' is not a winning message, obviously.

David Hogg

former DNC Vice Chair

Axios · Aug 13
Direct quote

“I’m not a Democrat.

“I think that people forget how low information these contests usually are. Many primary voters really don’t know much about candidates. I think in the Michigan Senate example, that was less true. Money isn’t irrelevant, but when you have other pieces of information, that can override money. And furthermore, in that case, both of the candidates were spending millions of dollars in the primary. I mean, this is just so unique in a lot of ways.

“I expect that even the challengers who lost will be back for another run in the future — they've built infrastructure and name recognition that will help them in the future.

Amanda Litman

founder of progressive group Run For Something

Axios · Aug 13
Direct quote

“So I’ve learned that fully self-funded candidates, meaning those who don’t supplement with financial support from others, typically lose. Self-funding on its own is not as valuable as getting money from others, and in particular large-dollar donations from others.

“However, many, many candidates supplement with their own money. Something like 40 percent of non-incumbent general election winners self-fund at least $10,000. I think people don’t really understand the prevalence of self-funding a

“Public and private polls show that a lot of the working people Democrats have to win back respect Bernie Sanders because they want candid, populist leaders with the backbone to fight an economic status quo that has failed them

“Hong ran an inspirational grassroots campaign that mobilized people around key issues like data centers, but her failure to advertise in the final days probably cost her the election