Democrats caught on camera coaching candidate on how to be 'authentic' in 2026 messaging

"Think about your audience," the staffer prompted. "Why is this race so important? We need to win the House [of Representatives] - all of that. Winning over people who feel like they're left behind by the party, flipping the district; all of that I think is really strong, showing up for working people, affordability."

The rare look at a behind-the-scenes campaign moment, filmed by Democratic campaign arm The Bench, highlights the efforts the party is taking to underscore affordability, appeal to everyday voters and come across as naturally as possible after losing swaths of their base in the 2024 election.

"Everybody act normal," Buttigieg chuckled.

"-And remind me the district number we're in?" he asked the staffer before the conversation commenced.

The staffer also gave Buttigieg and Brooks guidance on a pair of beer cans set out as "props."

Despite their coaching, the off-screen staffer told Brooks they would try to avoid directing the interview too much.

"Bob, feel free to prompt Pete with a question: why this race, why here in the Lehigh Valley and we will interject if needed to do a little directing but we're going to be mostly hands off," the staffer said.