Democratic Party Faces Internal Struggles
“Constipation… a cracked clown car.” Those were the striking words used by prominent Democratic strategist James Carville to depict his own party. In a recent Op-Ed featured in the New York Times, Carville opened with a somber tone, stating, “The Democrats are in a hellish situation.”
Our party is heading towards a civilized civil war. It’s important that we have it, and even more important to delay it. My latest @nytimes https://t.co/o56yhvthky
– James Carville (@jamescarville) July 21, 2025
Another term that has surfaced: disease.
Just two days prior to Carville’s remarks, the New York Times featured a striking piece regarding the DNC’s ongoing review of the 2024 election efforts. While the entire report isn’t finalized, it appears to focus on external groups and super PACs that have funneled hundreds of millions into Biden and Harris’ campaigns, perhaps overshadowing the missteps made by the campaign itself.
What kind of missteps are we talking about?
Questions loom over decisions like whether Joe Biden should have opted out early, if he should’ve run for reelection at all from the outset, or if Kamala Harris was the right pick. Also, should the Harris campaign have framed the elections as a fight between democracy and fascism? These choices ultimately cost the Democrats the election, yet the DNC report seems to downplay all of that.
Jane Cleeve, Nebraska Democratic Chair and leader of the Democratic Chair Association, expressed, “We’re focused on understanding what has affected voters for both Republicans and Democrats, and how we can move forward.”
DNC spokesperson Rosemary Bolin asserted, “The post-election review is not an exercise in finger-pointing. We’re preparing for upcoming cycles by uniting Democrats and adopting effective strategies to succeed—not just in 2026 and 2028.”
So, while Democrats recognize the need for “structural changes” in campaign strategies, they seem hesitant, or unable, to analyze the chaotic management of Biden and Harris’s campaign. Perhaps they’re trying to avoid further scrutiny on Biden or Kamala. Addressing the decision to pursue reelection for Biden forces a conversation about his cognitive decline and the ongoing narrative surrounding the White House. Delving into Kamala’s performance serves as a reminder of her struggles and raises questions about not holding an open primary. Could it be that they are simply blind to their own shortcomings?
The Times mentioned efforts to hold super PACs like Future Forward accountable, which reportedly spent over $5 billion on Biden and Harris. Yet both campaigns must face their advisors’ and staff’s responsibility. Ignoring the campaign’s flaws feels akin to a doctor only treating superficial issues while ignoring a much graver condition.
