Democrats Love Calling Themselves 'Fighters', But Are They Winning?

Every Democratic primary candidate this cycle seems to be shouting the same battle cry: they're 'fighters.' From the most progressive to the barely-left-of-center, this label is plastered over ads, speeches, and social media. But beneath the bluster, is this messaging really packing the punch they hope for?

The Fighter Phenomenon

This whole 'fighter' ethos feels like it's born out of grassroots frustration. Liberals have been fuming over what they see as President Trump's oversteps and are less than thrilled with their own party's response, or lack thereof. Enter the fighter narrative. Candidates from Illinois’ 9th House District like Kat Abughazaleh and Daniel Biss, who won the primary on March 17, have leaned heavily on this imagery. Ads featuring clashes with ICE and boxing gloves are everywhere.

It’s not just a left-wing thing either. Even candidates backed by groups like AIPAC are jumping on the bandwagon. Laura Fine, also in Illinois’ 9th, is a perfect example. The word 'fighter' is the common denominator.

Money Talks

Here's where the numbers get interesting. As of Thursday, Democratic campaigns and outside groups have pumped over $22 million into nearly 50 ads featuring the word 'fighter.' That’s a lot of cash banking on one word. Can this investment translate into actual support at the polls? Or is it just money down the drain?

Progressives and moderates alike are vying for this tough-as-nails image, but they’re not united on what it means. Progressives want to push the party left and confront the Trump administration head-on. Meanwhile, AIPAC-linked PACs are boosting moderates using the same fighter label. Talk about mixed messages.

What's Next?

The 'fighter' label isn’t disappearing anytime soon. Pennsylvania's 3rd House District is already seeing it pop up in ads for the upcoming May 19 primary. Check out Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon and former Biden health official. Her campaign, backed by the Democratic group 314 Action, paints her as both a 'fighter and a champion.'

But here's the question: Does calling yourself a fighter make you one? Or does it just sound good in a 30-second ad spot? Political campaigns are notorious for lofty language, but when everyone's a 'fighter,' does it mean anything anymore?

The press release says fighter. The voter turnout will tell the real story.