logo
"We are listening now": Democrats' path forward leads back to the economy

"We are listening now": Democrats' path forward leads back to the economy

Yahoo22-02-2025

As Democrats look ahead to rebuilding and focus on elections in 2026 and 2028, party leadership has an urgent responsibility to regain footing with critical constituencies like working class voters and, in some cases, relearn how to communicate with critical voting blocs. On this score, the economy stands out.
President Donald Trump's win was driven in part by his ability to connect with voters on economic issues. Democrats, meanwhile, faced skepticism about their capacity to deliver financial security, with only 45 percent of voters believing the Democratic Party was better equipped to manage the economy.
Regaining economic credibility with voters will require addressing the deep insecurities felt by a large share of workers and families. Democrats should start by fighting to give them access to the tools they need to build wealth and achieve financial stability and security.
Consider retirement savings, which are the number one source of wealth for American households. According to the Federal Reserve, over one-quarter of non-retired adults have zero saved for retirement. This is in large part because more than 50 million Americans – many of whom are lower and middle income -– lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Lawmakers who want to tackle this challenge and create an opportunity for real bipartisan policy innovation should look no further than the Retirement Savings for Americans Act (RSAA). This legislation would provide tens of millions of workers who are being left behind today with access to a plan and incentives nearly identical to the retirement benefits enjoyed by members of Congress and their staff.
The RSAA has already garnered bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as endorsements from a wide range of nonpartisan and bipartisan experts and organizations. The bill exemplifies the type of cross-party collaboration that voters increasingly demand. In an era of political polarization, Americans are hungry for pragmatic solutions that transcend partisan gridlock. Championing RSAA will provide Democrats with a tangible, bipartisan policy achievement to present to voters.
Of course, Democrats have long been champions of social safety net programs like Social Security and shouldn't give an inch in fighting to preserve the future of those vital programs. But Democrats must also work to take the pressure off the safety net by expanding access to the wealth-building tools and incentives that upper-income Americans have long taken for granted.
This is particularly important as Democrats work to rebuild trust with voters who may have felt disillusioned in 2024.
By supporting policies like the RSAA, Democrats can reinforce their party's commitment to creating economic opportunities – especially for low- and middle-income workers who are largely excluded from traditional retirement savings programs. Such an approach can reinvigorate Democrats' appeal to moderates and independents, who simply want Washington to work on their behalf, not get mired in ideological spats.As someone who has long served as a Democratic Party surrogate and spokesperson on the Harris, Biden, and Clinton presidential campaigns the past three presidential cycles, I've seen firsthand the power of policies that resonate with working-class Americans.
Whether it was championing better wages, expanding healthcare access, or protecting Social Security, our campaigns emphasized the Democratic Party's enduring commitment to lifting up hardworking families. Closing the gap in the U.S. retirement savings system would build on that legacy, providing greater economic stability for millions of Americans who are working tirelessly to secure a better future for themselves and their children.
The stakes could not be higher. While President Biden's administration achieved historic legislative successes on major economic bills that helped achieve record job growth, many Americans were still dealing with the effects of high costs and inflation. Many Democrats, frankly, weren't listening to their concerns. We are now, and we've got to show it.
The path forward is clear, and Democrats have a lot of work to do. It's time to seize the initiative, address voter concerns about financial security, and rebuild trust as the party that delivers on its promises for American workers.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Microsoft Stock (MSFT) Shrugs Off Macro Blues and Returns to Record Highs
Microsoft Stock (MSFT) Shrugs Off Macro Blues and Returns to Record Highs

Yahoo

time14 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Microsoft Stock (MSFT) Shrugs Off Macro Blues and Returns to Record Highs

Microsoft (MSFT) is rapidly solidifying its leadership in the AI race, fueled by the strength of Azure's cloud platform, the transformative impact of Microsoft 365 Copilot, and strategic investments in AI infrastructure. These growth drivers are delivering impressive revenue and earnings momentum, helping justify the stock's premium valuation, especially for long-term investors. In an AI-driven future, Microsoft's position at the top appears firmly secured. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Looking at the tech giant's share price in recent months is a far cry from where sentiment was back in March, when Donald Trump's trade policies with China and fears of a U.S. recession unsettled the stock, sending it back to $350 per share. Given the strong bounce-back, I remain bullish on the stock. Today, every Fortune 500 CEO is racing to integrate AI into their business, and Microsoft's Azure has become the engine powering that transformation. Azure's revenue soared 33% last quarter—well ahead of Wall Street's 30% estimate—with AI services accounting for nearly half of that growth. Microsoft reported $26.75 billion in cloud revenue, up 21% year-over-year, thanks to Azure's ability to deliver customized AI solutions, from predictive analytics in retail to real-time fraud detection in finance. At Build 2025, Microsoft showcased updates to its Maia AI chip, reinforcing its role as an innovation leader in the space. What stands out is the real-world impact. For instance, Walmart (WMT) is using Azure to streamline its supply chain through AI models that anticipate demand surges. Microsoft CFO Amy Hood noted on the latest earnings call that the company is working to expand data center capacity to meet what she called 'insatiable' demand. While infrastructure constraints remain a challenge, they serve as a testament to Azure's accelerating momentum. Simply put, Azure has become the digital backbone of the AI era—and Microsoft is making sure it stays that way. Let's turn to Microsoft 365 Copilot, the company's AI-powered productivity assistant that's rapidly becoming an indispensable tool for modern workplaces. Capable of drafting emails, analyzing data in Excel, and even assisting with real-time coding, Copilot is transforming how employees interact with everyday software. In the most recent quarter, Microsoft's Productivity and Business Processes segment, which includes Copilot, generated $29.94 billion in revenue, marking a 10% year-over-year increase and surpassing analyst expectations. Notably, Barclays' decision to roll out 100,000 Copilot licenses highlights growing enterprise adoption across multiple industries. What sets Copilot apart is its deep integration within the Microsoft ecosystem—seamlessly functioning across Teams, Outlook, Word, and more. This embedded approach provides users with enhanced functionality without disrupting existing workflows. At the Build 2025 conference, Microsoft showcased Copilot's ability to automate routine desktop tasks, positioning it not just as a tool but as a true digital collaborator. CEO Satya Nadella highlighted use cases in sectors like healthcare, where organizations are leveraging Copilot to streamline administrative tasks such as managing patient records, despite some initial concerns about data privacy. While the $30-per-user monthly fee may give some decision-makers pause, the potential for significant time savings makes a strong case. Ultimately, Microsoft is redefining productivity by embedding AI at the core of the digital workplace. Microsoft is allocating a massive $80 billion toward AI infrastructure this year, accelerating its data center expansion at a rapid clip. However, last quarter marked a slight decline in capital expenditures—from $22.6 billion to $21.4 billion—signaling a shift from sheer scale to strategic efficiency. Rather than cost-cutting, this appears to reflect Microsoft's growing confidence in its internal AI capabilities. As the chart indicates, MSFT's R&D spend remains the most considerable portion of its operating expenses. A prime example is the Discovery platform, which recently identified a non-toxic data center coolant in just 200 hours, showcasing how AI is already improving operational efficiency. CEO Satya Nadella has also emphasized that refining AI models, whether developed with OpenAI or independently, is significantly reducing costs while enhancing performance. This disciplined investment approach seems to be paying off. Major clients, such as Siemens, are already leveraging Microsoft's AI for advanced manufacturing processes, underscoring the tangible, real-world impact of these efforts. Microsoft's bet on more innovative AI-driven infrastructure appears not only calculated but increasingly validated. Here's where the investment case for Microsoft becomes especially compelling. Azure and Copilot aren't just driving revenue—they're fueling significant profit expansion. These high-margin segments are helping lift Microsoft's net margins toward the 45–50% range, up from the high 30% level earlier in fiscal Q1 2025. Analysts project earnings per share will grow by 13.5% this year, with Q3 FY25 already posting an impressive $3.46 per share—a robust 18% year-over-year increase. Microsoft's bottom-line growth is clearly accelerating, powered by the scalability of its AI initiatives. Yes, Microsoft stock trades at a premium P/E of 35, but exceptional companies rarely come cheap. With strong execution across cloud, AI, and productivity tools, the market's valuation reflects real momentum, not just hype. Investors waiting for a significant pullback may find themselves on the sidelines as Microsoft continues to outperform its peers. This is a business in its prime, and the long-term upside remains firmly intact. Despite trading near its highs, Wall Street remains extremely bullish on MSFT stock. MSFT features a Strong Buy consensus rating, with 31 analysts currently bullish and five neutral. Not a single analyst is bearish on the stock. MSFT's average stock forecast of $514.93 indicates upside potential of about 10% over the next twelve months. Microsoft's AI-powered rise is a standout example of strategic innovation and flawless execution. With Azure, Copilot, and well-timed infrastructure investments driving both top-line and bottom-line growth, the company's premium valuation looks well-earned. Backed by $80 billion in AI-related investments and a clear commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, Microsoft is firmly positioned at the forefront of the AI revolution. I continue to view MSFT as a premier tech holding—operating at peak performance with strong momentum and no indication of slowing down. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Sign in to access your portfolio

Why these actors and ‘SmartLess' podcast hosts want to help you pay less for cell service
Why these actors and ‘SmartLess' podcast hosts want to help you pay less for cell service

CNN

time18 minutes ago

  • CNN

Why these actors and ‘SmartLess' podcast hosts want to help you pay less for cell service

The latest celebrity start-up trend is no longer tequila. It's telecom. Actors Sean Hayes, Will Arnett and Jason Bateman — who host the popular 'SmartLess' podcast — are launching a wireless service as an alternative to pricier unlimited data plans from major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T. The decision to start the company, called SmartLess Mobile, came from a simple realization: while industry giants generally push unlimited plans, most people don't actually use that much data. Even if they're glued to their phones. 'Most Americans spend almost 90% of their time under Wi-Fi. Their mobile device very seldom actually uses the actual wireless network,' said SmartLess CEO Paul McAleese, a telecom industry veteran who co-founded the company with the actors. Research published last year by the consultancy group OpenSignal found that most mobile customers spend between 77% and 88% of their on-screen time connected to a Wi-Fi network. SmartLess Mobile offers wireless plans starting at $15 per month for 5 gigabytes of high-speed data, going up to $30 monthly for 30 gigabytes. By contrast, starter unlimited plans from the major carriers range from around $35 to $65 per month. McAleese said he and Arnett started discussing the idea after the actor bought a new phone for his teenage son and was sold an unlimited plan that cost around $70 monthly. (Arnett previously served as a spokesperson for Canadian telecom giant Shaw Communications; McAleese is the company's former president.) 'And (Arnett) goes, 'Geez, it's awfully expensive,'' McAleese said in an interview with CNN. 'And I said, 'Your boy spends almost his entire life under Wi-Fi. He's at home, he's at school … he's never going to be on the network. Why would you buy all that?'' SmartLess Mobile joins a growing slate of celebrity-backed wireless carriers, including Consumer Cellular, with longtime spokesperson Ted Danson, and Ryan Reynolds' Mint Mobile, which was acquired by T-Mobile in 2023. These providers, known as mobile virtual network operators (or MVNOs), lease access to a major telecom provider's spectrum — SmartLess plans will run on T-Mobile's 5G network — and can often charge lower prices because they don't have to manage the physical infrastructure. The services have gained popularity as cell phone technology has advanced. Most phones now have digital SIM cards, making it easier for consumers to switch carriers without having to visit a retail store. And the proliferation of Wi-Fi infrastructure everywhere from subways to restaurants means many people have lesser data needs. If their partner network goes down, MVNOs do risk being the ones customers blame for losing missing service. And limited data plans aren't necessarily for everyone — ride-share drivers and delivery couriers likely use a lot more data than people who work from home or from an office with a Wi-Fi network. But the primary 'uphill battle for any MVNO is to stand out in the space,' said Jeffrey Moore, principal at wireless industry research firm Wave7, because the industry giants have much more name recognition. Major carriers also entice customers with deals on new phones, which they practically give away for free if consumers join their network. Smaller carriers 'have to stand out either in terms of offerings or in terms of marketing,' Moore said. That's where celebrity endorsements come in. SmartLess already has a significant built-in audience; the podcast ranks among the top 20 most popular shows on Apple Podcasts. And Arnett, Hayes and the SmartLess podcast have more than 2 million combined Instagram followers. 'Whether by luck or by design, they also have a brand name that has both 'smart' and 'less' in the name,' McAleese said, 'which, if you're going to be a challenger brand in this day and age, those are two pretty good head starts.' The team plans to start discussing SmartLess Mobile on the podcast in the coming weeks, he said. And the SmartLess hosts' involvement in the new carrier goes beyond typical celebrity endorsements, McAleese said. Hayes, Arnett and Bateman had already turned down the opportunity to lend their names to other types of products, and they've been involved in everything from financing to marketing the new company. 'They rely on the category for what is now one of their primary professional pursuits, which is the podcast, this is how people consume their product,' McAleese said. 'These guys are master storytellers, and they have the brand ethos of sort of an honest broker. I think it's just a perfect marriage.'

Space and defense tech firm Voyager raises $382.8 million in US IPO
Space and defense tech firm Voyager raises $382.8 million in US IPO

Yahoo

time23 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Space and defense tech firm Voyager raises $382.8 million in US IPO

(Reuters) -Voyager Technologies raised $382.8 million in its U.S. initial public offering, the space and defense tech company said on Tuesday, amid a global rush to amp up military spending. The company, which provides mission-critical space and defense technology solutions, along with some investors sold roughly 12.35 million shares at $31 per share, above its marketed range of $26 to $29. The offering is the latest in recent weeks as the U.S. IPO market regained its footing after being restricted by tariff-driven volatility. The Denver, Colorado–based company's IPO comes as President Donald Trump's administration looks to sharply increase spending on defense and space projects. Trump last month selected a design for his $175 billion Golden Dome project, a next-generation U.S. missile defense shield. The stock will trade on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday under the symbol "VOYG". Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan are the lead underwriters on the listing.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store