In recent commentary, Daily Beast columnist Matt K. Lewis urged Democrats to revamp their image, emphasizing the need for genuine connection with Americans. He expressed concern that the party’s attempts to look appealing after the loss to President Trump may miss the mark. He argued that “manufactured cool” feels artificial and cautioned against relying on gimmicks to rejuvenate a brand that has lost touch with its core identity.
In his piece for the Los Angeles Times, titled “Democrats, stop trying to be cool,” Lewis noted a divergence in strategy among party leaders. He pointed out that James Carville suggests Democrats should distance themselves from Trump’s self-destruction, which might work in the short term but ultimately requires a solid foundation—something to rally behind. In contrast, David Hogg, a prominent young voice in the party, is advocating for bold changes, including a push against the party’s older leadership, an approach that could complicate upcoming electoral chances.
Lewis also highlighted that Hogg’s efforts may bring a fresh perspective but risk being merely superficial, likening it to a divorced man buying a flashy convertible in search of a quick fix. He expressed skepticism about some modern political trends, suggesting that the term “Dark Woke” represents a misguided attempt at progressive branding, wrapped in style over substance. “It’s not cool; it’s just lame,” he added.
Reflecting on how far the party has strayed, he reminisced about the days of Barack Obama and cultural icons like George Clooney, who had a command over the party’s narrative. “Now, Democrats often seem like the strict monitors in the political arena, but what do they really have to show for it?” he wondered, noting how even the Republican Party has transformed into a space for unexpected voices and styles.
Conflict between party members runs deep, as evidenced by the tension between Hogg and Carville. Some Democrats are indeed striving for meaningful reform, though Lewis believes it’s crucial to communicate sincerity over trying to appear trendy. Citing figures like Senators Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, he suggested that genuine commitment to important issues resonates far more than surface-level attempts at coolness.
A good example might be Senator Chris Van Hollen’s recent trip to El Salvador; he went there not just for show but to engage with those invested in the rule of law. “That kind of action is what real integrity looks like,” Lewis remarked.
Ultimately, Lewis argued for a focus on “authenticity, passion, and substance” to revitalize the Democratic brand. He closed with a reminder that, in the rush to appear relevant, there’s a risk of letting real democracy falter behind the glittering distractions.
