Recently, Democratic leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. to select new officers for the Democratic National Committee.

With the now-assembled Trump administration already trampling on the rights of American citizens, firing watchdogs, dismantling alliances and attacking the U.S. government’s commitment to equality, the stakes could not be more dire.

After Democrats lost the White House and the Senate and fell short in its bid to take the House, you’d think members would be interested in making radical changes? Instead, members promoted the committee’s vice chair and retained the majority of previous senior leadership. In other words, business as usual — not necessarily a good thing for party prospects.

The truth is Trump’s victory was a five-alarm fire for Democrats. Trump did not win his second presidential election by being cautious and tepid. He voraciously campaigned as a radical populist, promising unprecedented change to a nation of individuals who believe the current system has callously abandoned and forsaken them. In every geographic region and from coast to coast, many people throughout the nation feel short-changed and are demanding leaders who will address their resentments against an economy rigged to benefit a few segments of the elite.

Trump won because he spoke directly to the frustrations people were feeling. During the campaign, he ferociously railed against trade deals that stifled manufacturing in states like Pennsylvania and vowed to target the powerful establishment manipulating the system. His promises were deceptive and insincere and populated with many code-based references intended to conjure up grievances. Nonetheless, his rhetoric struck a direct, political chord because so many Americans are economically swimming upstream and are looking for a scapegoat to blame.

Because of Trump’s success, there are some politicians and pundits who argue that Democrats should adopt “Republican-lite” policies and tack to the center to recapture Trump voters. Such a recommendation is ill-advised. Historical evidence shows that when Democrats intentionally move toward the political center, the party is defeated. It alienates its base, fails to inspire new voters, and unwittingly provides ammunition to Republicans.

The current era calls for alternative communication strategies — those that are peer-to-peer, grassroots, digital, and designed for the social media age. The days of trusting politicians or pundits to effectively and convincingly convey political messages are largely gone. Voters must make a more valiant effort to educate themselves and empower themselves to be effective messengers. This also means showcasing the voices of local leaders and working-class voters who can tell real, relatable stories about how Democratic policies will make their lives better. Research shows individuals are far more inclined to trust information from a friend, coworker, neighbor, and relative than from a political ad or television pundit.

Some critics argue Democrats’ previous approach will claim the “resistance” did not work. Such an assessment is incorrect. It was such grassroots political activity that led to Democrats winning the House in 2018 and retaking the Senate and the White House in 2020. The party must learn to promote newer voices who can effectively connect with more voters, in particular, younger Americans who are immersed in new media. The nation is rapidly transforming, but too many establishment Democrats are stubbornly sticking to the status quo.

This is not to say there are no signs of hope amid what has been a less-than-stellar response to the second Trump presidency. The committee did select new Gen Z vice chairs, including Malcolm Kenyatta, Artie Blanco, and David Hogg. They are moving in the right direction, but Democrats must move away from their elitist, centralized messaging strategy to one that is truly grassroots and inclusive.

The base is expecting and demanding such an approach and the party must succeed in accomplishing such a goal.

Elwood Watson is a professor of history, Black studies, and gender and sexuality studies at East Tennessee State University. He is also an author and public speaker.