It’s been over ten months since the Democrats faced a significant defeat in the last election, losing not just the White House but also control of both congressional chambers.
In the wake of this setback, the Democratic Party pledged to change course. They aimed to develop a fresh message and enhance their engagement with voters who had drifted away from them.
Yet, within the party, some skeptics argue that not much has shifted, and their discontent reflects a deeper issue.
“It’s like a family of cockroaches being exposed when a can is opened unexpectedly,” remarked John Morgan, a prominent Democratic donor and injury lawyer, as he described the current state of the party.
“There’s a lack of consistency,” he added, echoing the frustration expressed by many Democratic operatives and donors he spoke with.
“How have the Democrats changed since the last election? Surprisingly, things seem worse,” stated strategist Chris Kofinis. “There’s no clear message, no unified vision, and no discernible strategy.”
Following the election and President Trump’s inauguration, Democrats initially banded together to oppose his policies, similar to how they responded when they first took power in 2016.
However, party members told The Hill that they still struggle to agree on a cohesive message outlining who they are and what they stand for.
“Democrats are effective in opposing Trump, but I can’t see a future-focused agenda emerging,” said Democrat strategist Jamal Simmons. “Even if there’s consensus on what’s wrong with Trump, voters want to know how Democrats will improve their lives.”
Steve Cher, a strategist who was involved in former President Obama’s Florida campaign in 2008, expressed a similar concern, noting that the party’s stance shouldn’t just be that “Trump is bad.”
Party insiders point to internal divisions as a significant barrier to progress. Some advocate for a more left-leaning approach, while others argue for a centrist strategy to attract independents and moderate Republicans.
Progressives are stimulating voter interest on pressing topics like affordability, according to Zoran Mamdani, who is positioning himself for a run for mayor of New York City.
Conversely, some Democrats believe that if they want to be competitive nationally, they must broaden their appeal beyond their core base.
“The Democratic Party has become two factions: socialists and centrists,” Morgan noted. “In New York City, it’s evident that these factions are at odds, with both sides criticizing each other’s messaging.”
There’s also a divergence in perspectives regarding Trump.
“The Democrats lack a unified stance because there’s disagreement on how severe the threat is,” said strategist Christy Setzer. “Some members feel Trump is problematic but manageable, which underestimates the power of right-wing media and ignores Trump’s growing tactics until he’s effectively challenged.”
Many Democrats are still dealing with lingering feelings from the election, and some even express what feels like post-traumatic stress.
Concerns persist about former President Biden’s decision to run for a second term, with some feeling let down by his administration.
“Unless we see some meaningful changes, why should we keep pouring resources into this party?” questioned one donor. “What’s the point?”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris stirred up discussions when she suggested that it might be unwise for Biden to campaign for reelection.
She noted that the decision to run should not solely be left to Biden and his wife, Jill. In her upcoming memoir, she reflects, “Was it a wise decision? Looking back, I think it was careless. The stakes were too high, and this wasn’t merely about personal ambition.”
In an effort to regroup, some Democrats are conducting evaluations and focus groups. They’re also facing scrutiny over their strategy to reclaim support from Black and Hispanic voters, as well as younger white males.
A recent report from a Democratic think tank highlighted certain terms Democrats should avoid—like “Latinx” and “postmodernism”—to ensure their language resonates with everyday people across diverse backgrounds.
Some strategists believe the solutions are straightforward.
“It’s not rocket science,” one outlined. “But Democrats need to unify their message and focus on essential outreach.”
On a positive note, some interviewees pointed to bright spots, citing candidates like California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been taking significant actions within his state and adopting strategies that resonate with Democrats.
These initiatives appear to energize Democratic voters, as demonstrated by recent polling that shows Newsom leading ahead of others in his party.
Additionally, other Democratic figures like Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have received accolades for their proactive approaches in confronting Republican issues.
Still, Democrats recognize that if they hope to succeed in future elections, they may need to count on Republican missteps.
“In the short term, the best scenario is that Trump’s burdens will self-destruct—from inflation to unemployment to general chaos,” Morgan emphasized.
To put it plainly, he concluded, “Democrats can’t succeed on their own. They’re dependent on Republicans faltering.”
