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Jim Messina

@messina2012.bsky.social

563 followers 31 following 174 posts

Obama WH Deputy Chief of Staff, Obama 2012 Campaign Manager, and CEO of The Messina Group BOD: Blockchain.com, LanzaTech, VectraAI, Fortera, US Soccer Foundation. Leeds minority owner #MOT! messinamemo.substack.com

Posts Replies Media

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

35 days out, voters are still focused on prices and the economy. I talked with @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social about the gap between that reality and the White House’s “golden age” message.

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Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The way people form opinions has changed. Communications and digital strategy need to change with it. That’s why we’re launching a Creator Strategy practice at TMG, led by our newest Vice President, Annie Newman. She knows this terrain, and I’m thrilled to have her on the team.

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Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Trump: "Pretend I'm on the ballot." Republicans: Pretending he doesn't exist.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

I talked with Kate Bolduan about how Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump and what the drop-off of his name in Republican ads says about the 2026 campaign. youtu.be/Di_VGbmJ3S8

“I think they look at his numbers and say he's now a problem, not a solution.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Trump's net approval: ▪️Inflation/cost of living: -62 ▪️Gas: -60 ▪️Economy: -44 Ballots are already going out and his focus is on a $49M golf course, Kennedy Center demo threats, and an arch that blocks Arlington Cemetery. No wonder GOPers in Trump +10 seats are scrubbing him from their websites.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

More than $4,200 extra for everyday essentials for the average family since Trump took office — gas, groceries, healthcare. That's the backdrop for tariffs, the war, and everything voters are weighing. I talked with @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social about what it means politically. youtu.be/tWcSDfHHtyc

“Sometimes people make politics way too complicated. It really is pretty simple.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Thrilled to welcome Hannah Muldavin to The Messina Group as our new VP, Political Communications. Former DNC Deputy Communications Director and January 6th Committee alum. If you caught her on CNN last week, you already know why I wanted her on this team. themessinagroup.com/republicans-...

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Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I talked with @aliciamenendez.bsky.social about what the GOP convention is avoiding: grocery prices, gas prices and Trump’s approval rating. We also looked ahead to Vance tonight. youtu.be/d76CcBIT31E

The president's tweets have become, frankly, the weirdest thing I've ever seen in American politics.

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

With 54 days until the midterms, Republican candidates should want to be home talking to their constituents. I talked with @jenpsaki.bsky.social about the GOP’s enthusiasm gap, Trump’s influence, and why voters can tell when an election is being made about the wrong person. youtu.be/_ChGkh6ekbk

“The last thing Republicans want is to get tied to Donald Trump and his failed policies.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Republicans are throwing a billionaire donor party in Dallas while Jeffries puts an affordability ad in front of tens of millions watching the NFL openers. He went where the voters actually are. Groceries up. Gas up. Premiums up over $1,000. Smart ad ⬇️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGD6...

YouTube video by Jeffries for Congress

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Republican Medicaid cuts are shutting down maternity wards. Millions have lost health coverage. Diesel hit $5.94 this am (another record). Gas jumped another 7 cents to $4.22/gal. Today, Trump & the GOP open their 2-day, $25k-a-head Dallas party celebrating it all. www.politico.com/news/2026/09...

‘Nothing worse’: Energy prices are closing in on GOP’s midterm chances

Relentlessly rising fuel costs are feeding inflation and threatening Republican reelection chances.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The political map is changing in places most people aren’t watching closely. Dems are making gains in deep-red agricultural states because farmers and ranchers are feeling the consequences of Trump’s trade policies. I talked about what that means for November on Bloomberg. youtu.be/-ZC_lFyPeG8

"This is a referendum on Donald Trump. He has $400 million in his PAC — and he's not spending it."

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The biggest mistake companies can make on AI right now is waiting for Washington. The rules are already being shaped state by state. I wrote about what companies should be watching in my latest Messina Memo.👇 bit.ly/4zVBDbO

The Regulatory Floor is Rising

Companies are watching Washington for signs of regulatory smoke. But most of the scrutiny is now coming from elsewhere.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Voters aren't using policy language. They're saying "expensive." That one word connects Democrats from Mamdani to Sherrill to Spanberger — and it's why this feels more like 2006 than 2018. More with @aaronparnas.bsky.social

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Republican candidates face an uncomfortable reality. The White House isn't giving them much to run on, but walking away from Trump has its own problem. Voters remember what you campaigned on before the rebrand. My conversation with @jenpsaki.bsky.social and @timodc.bsky.social.👇 youtu.be/UiFUXuVXHjg

Voters are gonna start to say, I want to put a check on Donald Trump because he's scaring me.

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

I spoke with @aliciamenendez.bsky.social and @peterbakernyt.bsky.social on MS NOW about why rising costs are becoming a credibility problem for this administration. Watch the full conversation 👇🏼 www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa1E...

"If I was a Republican right now, I would be losing my mind."

YouTube video by The Messina Group

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Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Sat down with @meidastouch.com to break down the numbers. Democrats have flipped 41 Republican legislative seats since Trump took office. Republicans have flipped zero. One word is driving it: expensive. Voters want to know why everything costs so much. youtu.be/HVpt5OaM6IE

Trump PANICS as GOP LOSING CONTROL of US SENATE?!!!

YouTube video by MeidasTouch

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Trump's endorsement used to be a golden ticket in a Republican primary. That's not guaranteed anymore. Spoke with @nicollewallace.bsky.social about why his endorsements are losing power and what happens when voters see a president enriching himself while their costs keep rising. youtu.be/YrU6V4rKSAk

"Voters are seeing this and saying, Trump's getting rich and I'm getting screwed"

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Florida’s primaries are another reminder that cost of living is what's driving voters right now. The winning candidates are locking in on that argument completely. My talk with @briefingwithpsaki.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaMV...

"What unites all of us is cost of living and affordability"

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

The debates inside the Democratic Party aren't what this election is about. Republicans control the White House and Congress. Gas is $4.07. Real wages have fallen four months straight. Voters will vote on that. Full conversation on Balance of Power ⬇️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYMP...

"Voters want to hear people talk about normal bread-and-butter issues."

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

And DC wonders why voters are so fucking angry. "Government data released this week showed that consumer prices rose 3.4 percent in July from a year earlier, outpacing a 3.2 percent increase in hourly earnings over the same period." www.nytimes.com/2026/08/15/b...

As Inflation Eats Up Pay Gains, Workers Fall Behind

When prices spiked in 2021-22, wages failed to keep up for many workers, new research shows. Now the pattern is repeating.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

In 2012, I managed President Obama's reelection campaign against a GOP that preached states' rights like scripture. That party is gone. Today's Republicans are the most aggressive centralizers of federal power in modern memory — and red states will pay the price. My op-ed in @usatoday.com:

Trump's GOP ditched federalism. Red states will pay for it. | Opinion

The Republican Party once treated state government authority as sacred. Now it regards that authority as an inconvenience.

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Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Your raise is gone - inflation has outpaced wage growth for 4 months straight. Gas has never been over $4 this late in the year. Credit card debt hit $1.26 trillion, delinquencies at Great Recession levels. And Trump? He's doing this with YOUR money after lying and saying donors would pay for it.

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Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

The economy lost 23k jobs in July. May & June #s revised down by 103k. Wage growth wiped out by inflation. Families paying $3,500 more since Trump back in office. Upcoming school year to cost families ~$4k a kid. Healthcare premiums going up next year. A Trump-made crisis for American families.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The winning political résumé is changing: a record you can point to beats one you have to explain. Andy Burnham ran Greater Manchester for nine years—then took the Labour leadership unopposed, and No. 10. TMG Director of International Campaigns, Ben Mallet, on what it means for '28: bit.ly/3TGVM4V

Executives Function

From the U.S. to the U.K., voters want candidates with experience running a government.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Gosh, why ever would they think that?!? -Households are out $3,500 since he took office. -He called a bipartisan housing-cost bill "a yawn." -Just ended a Medicare subsidy, raising drug premiums for 11M+. His focus today? A $22B Dulles Airport renovation.

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Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Two Democrats spent last night's debate talking about who has the better plan to lower costs. Voters' main question in 2026: who's bringing my prices down? I talked about MI SEN and Dem messaging with @stephruhle.bsky.social this morning. Give it a watch below ⬇️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgFB...

“Costs and accountability: that’s where [Democrats] have to fight”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

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Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Everything feels more expensive. Too much in Washington feels broken. Went on the @briefingwithpsaki.bsky.social last night to talk about why cost and corruption shape how voters view gov't & why the party that speaks to those concerns will have the advantage in Nov. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuAb...

"[Y]ou win… by making clear why the corruption happening in Washington costs voters real money."

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Reposted by Jim Messina

The Briefing with Jen Psaki @briefingwithpsaki.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Coming up next hour on The Briefing! Sen. Cory Booker @booker.senate.gov Sen. Gary Peters @peters.senate.gov Chuck Rocha @chuckrocha.bsky.social Jim Messina 9pmET on MS NOW

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Great to be on set with @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social this a.m. to discuss why the strongest candidates focus on affordability, why Iowa is a reminder that candidate quality matters, and what it will take to win the races ahead. Watch below ⬇️ youtu.be/iC3eLPTaueQ?...

“When it becomes too ideological, and not about voters, I think you lose voters.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

You don't give primetime speeches about 2020 when you're winning. 37% approval, strong support at a record-low 15%, two-thirds say they can't afford groceries — and he still won't commit to accepting the midterms. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...

washingtonpost.com

Trump approval stuck in the 30s amid pessimism on Iran and economy, poll finds

Americans give President Donald Trump broadly negative assessments, according to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

The average American household has had to spend an extra $3,100 since Trump took office, ACA premium costs have already increased by almost 60% this year, and gas prices are predicted to hit $3.95/gal today, per GasBuddy. Trump: www.axios.com/2026/07/15/t...

Treasury shares fresh photos of Trump's $1 gold coin

The coin with Trump's face faces potential legal challenges before it becomes a reality.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Went on @briefingwithpsaki.bsky.social last night to talk Maine SEN. Susan Collins keeps winning this blue state because she overperforms with women voters. Whoever Maine Dems pick, the nominee has to win Maine's women back. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMvy...

“It’s about who the women of Maine want to see as their next United States senator.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Winning campaigns don’t happen by accident. They’re built around the Four Ms: -Message -Movement -Momentum -Money I break them down in my latest for The Messina Memo ⬇️: bit.ly/4vY6l1K

The Four Ms That Make or Break a Campaign

We've busted the myths of modern campaigning–now let's talk about what actually works.

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Reposted by Jim Messina

The Briefing with Jen Psaki @briefingwithpsaki.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Tonight on The Briefing! Amy Walter Jim Messina Rep. Debbie Dingell @debbiedingell.house.gov Zach Despart 9pmET on @ms.now

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I spoke with @jenpsaki.bsky.social last night about the Supreme Court’s decision to lift limits on coordinated party spending, how it changes the playing field, and why it could have outsized consequences in the closest House and Senate races this fall Watch below ⬇️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPmX...

"It makes a whole bunch of people in Washington much more important than they were yesterday."

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

INCYMI: One of the biggest communications shifts in years is happening in plain sight. Adrian Durbin's latest piece for The Messina Memo explains why AI is becoming the first reader of your message—and what smart communicators need to do about it. Well worth your time. Read it here: bit.ly/3SLcQGh

You’re Writing for the Wrong Reader

AI decides what the world thinks you stand for. Write for it—before your competitors do.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Republicans in disarray!

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Georgia may be the swingiest state in politics right now. There’s an important lesson to learn with this race: Endorsements don’t erase liabilities. I discussed the GA runoff & Trump's role in the race with @jenpsaki.bsky.social and Tim Miller last night. Watch here ⬇️ youtu.be/ri89yVxygpw?...

“Mike Collins allows the Democrats to have a shot in both races.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

A major shift in politics and comms is flying under the radar: people now ask AI what candidates, companies, and products stand for before deciding. In the latest The Messina Memo piece, TMG Partner Adrian Durbin explains how communicators need to adapt. Check it out here: bit.ly/3SLcQGh

You’re Writing for the Wrong Reader

AI decides what the world thinks you stand for. Write for it—before your competitors do.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

When members of both parties start asking the same questions, that’s a problem for Trump. This a.m. I was on @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social to talk about the skepticism surrounding the Iran Deal and why Vance is in a politically risky position. Watch our convo here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv2X...

“[Republicans] are beginning to split on what they had to promise to get this deal done.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Coming up on @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social at 6:40am ET/4:40am MT to discuss midterms and what today's primaries in Georgia can tell us about Trump and the GOP with just 140 days (!!) to go 'til Election Day.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

"I love the inflation" while a record 63% disapprove of his handling of it, 68% say he's focused on the wrong issues, and 76% say cost of living is their #1 concern. Hell of a combo. Every Dem ad team in America says thank you.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Sat down with my friend @jenpsaki.bsky.social last night as election results came in to discuss Platner’s win, his path against Susan Collins, and what last night’s race means for the broader Senate map. Watch our convo here ⬇️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4Bd...

“[Swing women] will have to decide which version of Susan Collins they want to believe in.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

My three-part Mythbusting Before the Midterms series looks at the assumptions Democrats should challenge before November – and what campaigns should focus on instead. Read the full series below ⬇️ bit.ly/4ehS89m

Mythbusting Before the Midterms, Part III: Lessons from 2024

Identifying—and avoiding—the lines of thinking that doom us.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Joined @anacabrera.bsky.social to talk about what yesterday's primaries tell us about the shape of the midterms, with Iowa, California, and New Jersey emerging as important states to watch. See the full conversation here: www.ms.now/ana-cabrera-...

Trump-endorsed pick loses GOP gubernatorial primary in Iowa as Dems look to turn Senate seat blue

Randy Feenstra, President Trump's pick in the Iowa gubernatorial primary, lost to Zach Lahn. Also, Democrats are hoping to turn the state's open senate seat blue. MS NOW Reporters Julianne McShane and...

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Joined @jenpsaki.bsky.social last night as results rolled in to break it all down. -Control of the House could very well run through IA & CA. -Many see IA as ruby red, but Trump's econ. has hammered the Hawkeye state, putting it in play. All gas, no breaks! www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoMo...

“Donald Trump’s economy has hit farmland America really really hard and [Iowa] is in play.”

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Joined @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social this a.m. to discuss the CA primary and four more myths Democrats need to leave behind as we head into the midterms. We have a real opportunity here. But nothing's automatic and nothing's guaranteed. Here’s the conversation ⬇️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsAd...

"Democrats have to learn the lessons of the past"

YouTube video by The Messina Group

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Good vibes make it tempting to think 2026 automatically breaks our way. It won't. Four myths still shaping Dem. strategy: -Demographics will save us -Midterm playbooks win presidentials -So much money now, nothing moves the needle -Trump will steal it anyway Part 3/3 of my series: bit.ly/4ehS89m

Mythbusting Before the Midterms, Part III: Lessons from 2024

Identifying—and avoiding—the lines of thinking that doom us.

Jim Messina @messina2012.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Up bright and early to join the fine people at @morningjoe-msnow.bsky.social to discuss the final installment of my "Mythbusting Before the Midterms" series as it goes live this am. Tune in at 6am ET/4am MT on @msnowreports.bsky.social!