LBK Democratic Club hosts journalists to discuss recent election losses

The Longboat Key Democratic Club held its Nov. 19 event at the Sarasota Yacht Club where a panel of journalists discussed the Democratic Party’s losses in the November 2024 election. 

Over 80 club members attended the lunch and panel titled “Florida Election Post-Mortem: What Comes Next?” 

Longboat Key Democratic Club Board Member Barbara Katz welcomed everyone to the event before dinner and kicked off the event by saying many people in the room most likely feel the same as her: disappointed and hurt from the results. 

“Nevertheless, we are still here,” Katz said. “The fact that we have come together under these circumstances is a testament, I think, to the values we share as Democrats.” 

After attendees enjoyed lunch, it was time for the main program. 

Photo by Carter Weinhofer

Host and Managing Editor of Florida This Week on WEDU Rob Lorei moderated a panel of two fellow journalists. On the panel was Shelley Reback, an attorney and host of MidPoint on WMNF radio, and Jacob Ogles, a freelance political reporter. 

Though topics like Florida’s Amendments 3 and 4 and other state elections were talked about, the main discussion revolved around the national presidential election.

One thing the panelists discussed was how Democrats may have had shortfalls in the 2024 election. Lorei’s first question to the panelists was: Why do you think the election turned out the way it did? 

“I have to agree that the Democrat’s messaging on abortion and democracy was not persuasive," Reback said. 

Reback continued to say that 35% of Florida voters are millennials and Gen Z voters. Of those, 40% of those voters are nonparty affiliates. 

“They’re not party voters, they’re issue voters,” Reback said. “I think that the Dems picked the wrong issue to emphasize or, if they were the right issues, the messaging about them was not clear.” 

A 45-minute talk from the panelists led to a Q&A with the audience, many of whom shared frustration about the current situation for Democrats.

Katz said in her opening remarks that there are opportunities for people to get involved and help despite the situation. To learn more about how to get involved with the Longboat Key Democratic Club or other local organizations, visit lbkdems.com/get-involved.