Former CNN host and unsuccessful Democratic congressman John Avron slammed the party following its election defeats (including his own) in November.
Avlon lost to incumbent Congressman Nick Larota, RN.Y.told MSNBC's “Morning Joe” Friday during the Election Day New York 1st Congressional District race that voters believe the Democratic Party is “status quo” and has enough power to tackle the most pressing issues for Americans. He said he thinks there is no such thing.
“They can't be the default party of the status quo. I think that's the most dangerous place. And I think they're being seen that way right now,” Avron said with co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika・Told Mr. Brzezinski.
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John Avron, a former CNN host and former Democratic House candidate, said his party has become perceived as “status quo.” (Screenshot/MSNBC)
On the show, Avlon gave his thoughts on what has happened to the Democratic Party this season, especially when popular liberal candidates lost to Republicans. One of the big losses they highlighted was Sen. Bob Casey, Democrat of Pennsylvania, who conceded to Republican candidate Dave McCormick on Thursday after more than two weeks of vote counting in the state.
“Morning Joe” characterized Casey's loss as “a shot across the bow” from a formidable Republican Party, and asked Avron for a postmortem on the loss and more.
The former CNN anchor gave an honest assessment, noting that his party had failed to meet the most important concerns of American voters.
“I've been thinking about one of Bill Clinton's favorite quotes,” he began. “He said, “People are going to vote for the strong person and the wrong person every time.'' And I think Democrats are fundamentally about the most important issues: personal safety and economic security. I think there is a problem with power.”
Avlon argued that Democrats are too focused on defense compared to Republicans' aggressive messages and are seen as maintaining the status quo. “Democrats have to get less defensive and more aggressive,” he said, noting that Republicans have become more attractive elsewhere.
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On Election Day this year, freshman Republican Congressman Nick Larota defeated former CNN anchor John Avron in the New York State House race. (Getty Images)
“So if it looks like there's a bold solution on the other side, people will take a chance.”
Avlon also suggested that his party is not doing enough to address the “civic decline” felt by Americans. “But if people feel that civic decline is on the rise, then the Democratic Party has to take that on and become a leader in reform. Otherwise, the Democratic Party will be caught in the wave.” spoke.
Later in the segment, Scarborough countered that Democrats need to address other serious issues, including the Republican Party's “authoritarian” threat and President-elect Donald Trump's so-called “threat of retaliation” against his political opponents. did. .
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Avlon, who has repeatedly criticized Trump on these topics during his time in the media, acknowledged that these issues are simply not as “urgent” as the economy or border security.
“I think life is a struggle between what's urgent and what's important. And for many people, the pressing issues they face are affordability, right… and personal I think it’s about feelings of safety.”
He continued: “Democrats have to get the important things right here. If people don't feel safe, if people don't feel economically secure, then everything else takes a backseat.” .
