Campaigns & Elections
Maurice Mitchell of Working Families on Organizing and Building Power
Blue Tent editor David Callahan talks to Maurice Mitchell, leader of the Working Families Party, about its national strategy to build a strong, multiracial working-class movement. Read more
Apr 9, 2021
What Would It Take for Democrats to Win in South Dakota?
With hyper-minorities in the state legislature and an uphill battle at the federal level, Democrats in South Dakota are in deep trouble. Still, some activists see a way forward. Read more
Apr 8, 2021
What Would It Take for Democrats to Win in North Dakota?
Trump won North Dakota by more than 30 points last year. But not so long ago, the state regularly sent Democrats to Congress. Can the party recapture lost ground in coming years? Read more
Apr 8, 2021
What Would It Take for Democrats to Win in Alaska?
Democrats in Alaska see the state's future as moving purple. It could possibly become the "next Colorado" in the future. But for now, progressives need patience. Read more
Apr 5, 2021
Democrats Have the Upper Hand on Dark Money. They Also Want to Ban It
After two election cycles where the left way outspent the right on dark money, Democrats are looking to pull the plug on this cash as part of their bold election reform bill. Read more
Apr 4, 2021
What Would It Take for Democrats to Win in Wyoming?
Democrats are unlikely to win state-wide races anytime soon. But as the GOP grows more extreme, local leaders and activists see the potential to make gains over the long term. Read more
Apr 1, 2021
What Would It Take for Democrats to Win in North Carolina?
Republicans narrowly won in North Carolina in 2020, setting the stage for a possible flip in 2024. But to get there, party leaders and activists say Democrats need a more permanent strategy. Read more
Mar 30, 2021
Track and Attack: The Evolution of a Top Liberal Super PAC
American Bridge 21st Century first made a name for itself following Republicans around the country, watching for flubs. Now it's part of the Democrats' big-money campaign network. Read more
Mar 29, 2021
What Would It Take for Democrats to Win in Tennessee?
No Democrat thinks that it’s possible to turn Tennessee blue anytime soon. But local leaders do think they can erode the GOP’s massive edge—if Democrats can rebuild the party. Read more
Mar 29, 2021
Steve Phillips on the Rising Power of the New American Majority
Blue Tent founder David Callahan talks to Steve Phillips, a donor and author who has spent years talking about how to mobilize new voters of color and win more elections. Read more
Mar 29, 2021
What If Making Poor Voters Healthier Could Increase Voter Turnout?
A new study sheds light on the possible impact of health status on voter turnout rates. This research has implications for how progressives approach healthcare policy and construct their voter coalitions. Read more
Mar 29, 2021
What Would It Take for Democrats to Win in Montana?
Democrats got trounced last year in Montana, losing all statewide races. But activists tell Blue Tent that the future isn't totally bleak and see a path for Democratic gains in coming years. Read more
Mar 23, 2021
How the Movement Voter Project Is "Building the Ecosystem" of Progressive Power
Donors need help identifying organizations on the ground that are working to win elections. We peek inside an effort that's moving millions to hundreds of grassroots groups. Read more
Mar 22, 2021
Priorities USA Action: A Quick Look at a Democratic Money Machine
While it's no longer the dominant liberal super PAC, Priorities remains a pivotal backer of Democrats. It raised $110 million to elect Biden and is now shifting its focus to 2022. Read more
Mar 17, 2021
What Would It Take for Democrats to Win in Utah?
While it's highly unlikely that Utah will flip blue any time soon, local progressives and Democrats tell Blue Tent that they see growing opportunities to win some victories in the state. Read more
Mar 16, 2021
How Much Should Democrats Care What Is Popular?
A coalition of analysts and pundits is trying to convince progressives to focus more on policies and messages that poll well. But some critics say that approach will demobilize key voters. Read more
Mar 15, 2021
What Would it Take for Democrats to Win in Alabama?
Alabama has long been dismissed as unwinnable for Democrats. With Doug Jones's 2017 victory, however, many are starting to pay attention. What would it take for the state to be competitive? Read more
Mar 11, 2021
A Closer Look at the Top Democratic Super PAC Future Forward
Launched in 2018, Super PAC Future Forward became one of the biggest players in 2020, attracting millions from Silicon Valley and liberal dark money donors to help fund countless ads late in the election. Read more
Mar 9, 2021
Latino Victory's Strategy for Building Latino Power
Latinos are massively underrepresented at all levels of government—gaps that, in turn, reflect the unrealized power of Latino voters. This group has a strategy to change that. Read more
Mar 8, 2021
These Are the Top Dark Money Groups Working to Elect Democrats
Blue Tent reported last month that Democrats have gained an edge in raising big unregulated campaign donations. Now, we take a look at the cash flowing through leading liberal 501(c)(4)s. Read more
Mar 3, 2021