Interview with David Washington, CEO, J & Washington LLC, and Stephanie Coueignoux of LiveNOW from Fox
Stephanie Coueignoux
Joining me now is David Washington, the CEO of J & Washington Political Firm. A lot to get to as always when it comes to politics—we're just 84 days away from the November presidential election. I'm curious, though, starting with the former president's conversation last night on X with Elon Musk, what were your thoughts? The dialogue was interesting because this has been a relatively unconventional campaign season in many respects. Now that we have all these social media platforms, we've seen some of these candidates taking advantage of them. What were your thoughts on last night's conversation?
David Washington
Last night's conversation was pretty much the same, especially from former President Trump. Thank you, Stephanie, for having me. When I saw that this was going to be broadcasted on X, and it was a 40-minute-plus wait just to get things started, it was reminiscent of Governor Ron DeSantis's launch on the platform in May of 2023. At that time, I said, "You know, that campaign is over." I'm not going to say that about this campaign, however, it was much of what Trump has already given us, particularly at his speeches during his rallies. It's a lot of what he's said before—plenty of talk about immigration, the economy. That's what I personally wanted to hear, but at the same time, there were a lot of misstatements and half-truths. Again, the devil is in the details, and people just have to understand—do the research.
Stephanie Coueignoux
This comes as we are looking ahead to the Democratic National Convention. For the very first time on that stage at the convention, we are going to see Vice President Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Both have been campaigning; we haven't seen them as much this week, most likely in preparation for that. However, Vice President Harris has been receiving some criticism for not being as present with the media as former President Trump or Senator JD Vance. What do you make of that? What, if anything, is the strategy behind it? We've seen her at rallies, but we haven't seen her sit down for candid conversations or interviews.
David Washington
Stephanie, the criticism is well-deserved. It is frustrating not having the Vice President meet with the media off-the-cuff and answer questions. Now, she just recently did off-the-cuff spontaneous questioning with the media, and it was a relief to hear at least a start of what her platform is going to be. I understand that they're preparing for the DNC convention in Chicago next week, and she'll roll out her platform then. However, you know, give us something. This is an opportunity for Donald J. Trump and JD Vance to challenge the Vice President and Governor Walz.
David Washington
In regards to their platform, if Vice President Harris and Governor Walz do not lay out something for America to understand if the Vice President's platform is going to be different or aligned with President Biden's, it will be a missed opportunity.
Stephanie Coueignoux
We are expecting President Biden and Vice President Harris to hold a non-campaign event in Maryland on Thursday. Of course, every event is a campaign event, even if you call it something different. I'm curious to hear your perspective on the fact that both of them will be on stage. This is probably one of the first times we've seen both of them together since President Biden exited the presidential race and Vice President Harris was officially named the nominee. What do you make of that appearance?
David Washington
When President Biden had his conversation with the media one-on-one, he stated that he was going to be out there supporting the Vice President and the Governor and their campaign. He would take every opportunity as the President to do what he can to make sure she gets across the finish line. I appreciate that. I really do. Every opportunity that the President can take to show that he is supportive of the Harris-Walz ticket is very important, whether it's an administration activity or an official campaign activity. Any appearance by President Biden showing that he is aligned with the Vice President and the Democrats, and that there will be a smooth transition between the two administrations if she is elected President on November 5th, is essential.
Stephanie Coueignoux
Looking ahead to the DNC next week in Chicago, I'm just curious—would President Biden make an appearance and further endorse Vice President Harris on that platform? Or do you think what's happening on Thursday is pretty much it?
David Washington
Personally, I hope that President Biden does make an appearance. I hope he gives a speech and just establishes that the Harris-Walz administration is in good hands. He supports their platform, and he talks about the things that the Biden administration did well for America. I really would like to see him. I was hoping that it would have been a Biden-Trump re-election campaign and that they would go at it again. However, it is what it is, and now we have Vice President Harris and Governor Walz on the ticket. This opportunity for President Biden to transition from one generation to another will be symbolic and important for Democrats.
Stephanie Coueignoux
What are you specifically looking at when it comes to the Democratic National Convention? The entire election campaign season has been unconventional, to say the least. Do you expect it to go on as usual, or do you think it might be different in some ways?
David Washington
I believe it has to be different in many ways. First of all, Vice President Harris wasn't really elected—she did not go through the primary protocol system as President Biden did. There are disaffected Democrats who are saying, "Hey, where's our voice?" Harris and Walz need to answer that. They need to say, "Hey, it may not have been the traditional way, but circumstances are what they are, and let's move forward." The Democrats need to have a successful convention like the Republicans did. You have to hand it to the Republicans—they had a...
Stephanie Coueignoux
David, I did want to ask you this: On July 13th, former President Trump’s life was threatened. Today marks one month since that day—it's August 13th. As we heard from his discussion with Elon Musk, he is planning to go back to Butler, Pennsylvania, in October. I imagine that will be a very powerful moment for a lot of his supporters and also very politically savvy. He was incredibly defiant, and there was that iconic moment when he held his fist up and said, "Fight." It was really a moment that many Americans remember. Can you talk about the campaign strategies for both Republicans and Democrats?
David Washington
The strategy for both parties or campaigns is to tap into the emotional part of the American voter’s brain and elicit those emotions. As you were saying, in Butler, Pennsylvania, it was a very emotional day, and for the Trump campaign to go back to Butler in October, so close to Election Day when early voting or vote-by-mail will have already started, will elicit those emotions again. It will bring that passion and momentum back, or if they haven't already gained it, it will bring some momentum to the campaign. Going back to Butler, Pennsylvania, would be an advantage for the Trump campaign.
Regarding the Harris campaign, Vice President Harris has had a phenomenal three weeks after her announcement that she was running for president. She secured endorsements and had the donor class rally behind her. Taking that momentum into the DNC convention and expanding upon it to touch on people's hearts—the emotional part of the brain—will help get Democrats to fall in line and carry the message and hope that the Democratic Party can continue the successful policies of the Biden-Harris administration.
Stephanie Coueignoux
So, what are you specifically looking at? You've worked with many different political candidates and have really coached them through this process, many successfully. I'm curious about your thoughts on this: On a scale from one to ten, with ten being the most successful, how do you rate how both campaigns are doing right now? We're not looking ahead to November, and I’m not asking you to forecast who the next president will be, but considering the changes we've seen, how do you think both campaigns are doing right now?
David Washington
I'll start with the Trump campaign. After his performance on X with Elon Musk, I would give it about a four. The audience on that platform is very small despite the one million people tuning in. Social media platforms each have small demographics that they reach. So, while a certain demographic was reached, I would give the Trump campaign a four today. As for the Harris campaign, considering the momentum she’s had, I would give her campaign about a six right now.
There are some questions about her ability to articulate her platform, and those concerns are growing. It was great that she had that off-the-cuff, spontaneous conversation with the media the other day—it gave us something. However, smiles, hugs, and great speeches can only go so far. It's time to answer some questions about what her plan is for leading America. So, I'll give her campaign a six.
Stephanie Coueignoux
Alright, so you’re a tough grader! I was not expecting such low scores for either candidate. How can they raise the bar in your perspective? How could they improve that score from your point of view, given your background?
David Washington
From my point of view, I would plead with both campaigns to move away from the name-calling and innuendo and start talking about things that matter—those kitchen table issues that Americans want answers for: immigration, the economy, healthcare. We need to focus on the issues that are important. When campaigns are about calling each other names and making innuendos about a candidate’s behavior, America deserves better. If I were in charge of either campaign, I would hammer the opponent on where they stand regarding their platform.
The Democrats are doing a great job with Project 2025. At the same time, we are already living in Project 2025 because of the recent Supreme Court decisions in this last term. Democrats need to answer how we come up with our own Project 2025 that counters what the Trump administration or the Heritage Foundation has planned for America. What is our plan? What do we stand for, and how can we include all of America?
Stephanie Coueignoux
You mentioned issues, right? That's what the American people want to hear: What are the plans in place when it comes to addressing the immigration crisis, the economy, and job concerns? There is one scheduled debate on September 10th. Former President Trump has invited Vice President Harris to participate in three different debates so far, but she’s only agreed to one. Do you think that will change? Do you think she will eventually agree to those two other debates?
David Washington
I believe she should agree to all three debates. We need to know more about Vice President Harris in the role of President. I want to know how closely her platform aligns with what was accomplished in the Biden administration. How closely will she follow the direction that the Biden-Harris administration has set for America? As for former President Trump, I want him to be more serious and talk about the issues that matter. If they believe there is an existential crisis if the Democrats remain in control, then he should draw it out, explain why it’s a concern, and what he would do to make sure it doesn’t happen.
Stephanie Coueignoux
Alright, David, as always, we appreciate you joining us here on Live Now from Fox to talk all things politics.
David Washington
Thank you, Stephanie, I appreciate it.
Stephanie Coueignoux
Absolutely. The race to the White House continues, with 84 days left until the November presidential election.
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