The Campaign Strategist

• A Progressive Art of War with Eric Hensal

  What can Sun Tzu teach us about winning political power in 2025?In this new episode of The Campaign Strategist, I talk with Eric Hensal—veteran progressive strategist, author of A Progressive Art of War and host of the podcast Progressive Conjecture—about applying timeless military strategy to modern political challenges.We explore:Why progressives often lose not because of the opposition, but because of strategic misstepsHow to think like an organizer and a generalThe importance of deception, clarity, and preparation in narrative and coalition workWhy “knowing the ground” matters more than moral certaintyWhat Biden, rural outreach, and “melting ICE” can teach us about smart campaignsEric’s approach is provocative, practical, and rooted in decades of experience across labor, government, and political campaigns.#PoliticalStrategy #CampaignStrategy #Advocacy #ProgressivePolitics #NarrativeStrategy #MovementBuilding #TheCampaignStrategistFind and subscribe:Substack and your favorite platforms.Contact: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Bluesky

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• Say It Like You Mean It: Narrative Strategy with Anat Shenker-Osorio

  Messaging maven and strategist Anat Shenker-Osorio joins Pete to unpack the mechanics of narrative, the seductive power of repetition, and why too much progressive messaging sounds like it came from a law school textbook. From “Florida fascism facilities” to “start how you want to finish,” Anat brings clarity and conviction to the question of how we talk about political danger—and what we should say instead. This is a sharp, funny, and necessary conversation about how to build power through language. Follow Anat's Substack Words to Win by and check out her firm's work: ASO Communications.Find and subscribe:Substack and your favorite platforms.Contact: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Bluesky

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• How the People of NC Stopped Mark Robinson | Durrell Johnson on The Campaign Strategist

  Durrell Johnson helped lead the campaign to stop Mark Robinson’s run for governor in North Carolina—and in doing so, created a roadmap for defeating far-right extremism. In this episode, he explains how local groups built trust, centered impacted communities, and reached even conservative voters who felt the danger. “This wasn’t just about what Robinson said—it was about what would happen if he held power.” A must-listen for campaigners and communicators heading into 2026. Find and subscribe:Substack and your favorite platforms.Contact: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Bluesky

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• The Art of Understanding and Connecting with Voters with Liz Kazal

  Liz Kazal of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy joins The Campaign Strategist to talk about why Republican members of Congress are starting to feel real political risk over their support for Trump’s tax and budget bill—and how her team is keeping the pressure on. From Medicaid cuts to economic messaging, Liz shares how organizers can turn pain into power—and why being “relentless” is the only path forward in today’s political climate. Find and subscribe:Substack and your favorite platforms.Contact: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Bluesky

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• Nick Ahamed on How Progressives Can Win the Internet

  Nick Ahamed, Deputy Executive Director of Priorities USA, joins Pete to break down the changing media landscape and what progressives must do to keep up. From the emotional resonance of abortion ads to why YouTube is essential for reaching young and diverse voters, Nick shares sharp insights on message testing, digital strategy, and long-term infrastructure. “You can’t talk to gamers and beauty YouTubers the same way—our messaging has to match the niche.”Find and subscribe:Substack and your favorite platforms.Contact: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Bluesky

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