Hit 'Em Where It Hurts

How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game

By: Rachel Bitecofer, Aaron Murphy - contributor

Narrated by: Rachel Bitecofer

A radical, urgent plan for how the Democratic Party and its supporters can win elections at one of the most pivotal moments in the history of our nation’s democracy

“Bitecofer hits hard against the GOP tactics of fear and anger and the Democrats’ status quo narratives around political engagement and winning elections.”—Michael Steele, former RNC chair

Why do Democrats fail to win voters to their side, and what can they do to develop new winning political strategies—especially as the very fate of democracy hangs in the balance in 2024? Too often the carefully constructed, rational arguments of the Left meet a grisly fate at the polls, where voters are instead swayed by Republican candidates hawking anger, fear, and resentment. Only when Democrats are handed an overwhelming motivational issue—like the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade—have they found a way to counter this effect.

Political scientist and strategist Rachel Bitecofer came to prominence after predicting the size (to the seat) of the Democrats’ rare Blue Wave in the 2018 midterms. At the heart of her prediction lay a powerful concept—negative partisanship, or the idea that voters, even most so-called independents, don’t vote for their candidate so much as they vote against their candidate’s opponent. Seen through this lens, Hit ’Em Where It Hurts is a deep dive into the Republicans’ own playbook, sharing how Democrats can turn the Right’s own tactics against them. The way for Democrats to wage—and win—electoral war, Bitecofer writes, is to present themselves as “brand ambassadors for freedom, health, wealth, safety, and common sense,” the very opposite of the extremist, freedom-fearing Right. This is a last-ditch effort to armor democracy while there is still time to save and strengthen it against hijacking by a small minority of ideologues.

As America careens into the election cycle that will determine its democratic future, Hit ’Em Where It Hurts is the book for any Democrat who has ever banged their head against a wall when obvious reasoning failed to sway voters over to their side. This guide is a lifeline to save American democracy in its darkest hour.

©2024 Rachel Bitecofer and Aaron Murphy (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“From her unprecedented prediction of the Democratic Party’s Blue Wave in 2018 to her insightful strategies in Hit ’Em Where It Hurts, Rachel Bitecofer hits hard against the GOP tactics of fear and anger and the Democrats’ status quo narratives around political engagement and winning elections. Democrats and Republicans who care about democracy would be wise to pay attention to her work!”—Michael Steele, former RNC chair

“Straight up with no chaser—this book is a must-read for any Democratic Party official, candidate, or consultant. Rachel Bitecofer has her finger on the pulse of how Democratic Party campaigns must evolve to respond forcefully to this era of hyper-partisanship! To protect democracy and elect pro-democracy candidates, we must go on offense, and this book is the guide to do just that!”—Jaime Harrison, DNC chair

“Hit ’Em Where It Hurts is a road map for how Democrats can compete for the hearts and minds of the American electorate in a polarized world. From the hard truth about American voters’ interest in politics to the strategy for creating wedge campaigns, this is the must-have guide for 2024 and beyond.”―Celinda Lake, pollster, political strategist, co-author of What Women Really Want

Rachel makes what some would call boring interesting

This book is a wealth of knowledge on how our politics got to where they are today. It's easy to listen to or read. And I enjoy hearing Rachel say "error" or "erreh" among other words.

Essential reading for freedom-loving Americans, especially Democrats

Rachel brilliantly breaks down the how and why for the need to strengthen Democratic messaging during this critical time in our country. There is only one party that is currently focused on supporting the ideals and the rule of law that this country was founded on - the Democratic party. Rachel's book illuminates how this fact can be better communicated to those with differing views and more importantly to those who are apathetic to politics in general. This is no time to leave potential voters or low information voters on the sidelines or in the dark. Thanks for writing this playbook. I am hopeful that more Democrats take up this advise and fight fire with fire for the sake of our beloved democratic republic.

Important info for concerned dem leaners

An absolutely important read for democrat leaners who lament why they consistently fall short despite routinely leading polls on issues. Blunt and to the point.

My Kind Of Democrat!!!!!

Finally, a person who speaks to me about our democracy!!! A Civics lesson in an easy to understand way that speaks to us regular Americans... Start to finish, an Absolutely Amazing Book!!!!

Finally, a dem that understands power

A clear-eyed, world as it is, analysis of dem political weaknesses AND clear realistic recommendations. Kudos to Rachel.

The honesty

Thank you for writing this book. I shared the audible link with my Facebook friends and family.

Every Democrat should read this!!

The politics of the previous decades no longer work. We MUST meet Republicans head to head in their plan to make us look bad no matter how pathetic the claim. They constantly brand us with their bad behaviors and with a consolidated echo chamber it sticks to us.
Republican voters think WE are dividing the country when it’s their playbook.
Republican voters think WE are blocking progress in house and senate when it’s totally their fault.
Republican voters think Biden has NO accomplishments when was Trump who diff nothing but go to rallies while in the White House.

Punch back hard

The practical advice and know how to win the next election. Punch back hard to be a winner.

Changing strategies to win.

Options to change the discourse and call out lies. I enjoyed this. I am going to listen again.

Actions doable by everyone

The time went fast as the author reads her practical handbook to win in November and save democracy.