Former Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel discussed the dwindling popularity of the Democratic Party in an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on Monday. He expressed disappointment in the party’s standing since Donald Trump’s election, asserting that Democrats are currently less popular than Elon Musk. “This should serve as a wake-up call,” he remarked, noting the severity of the situation.
Emmanuel, who serves as the U.S. ambassador to Japan under the Biden administration and is contemplating a presidential run in 2028, highlighted the disillusionment many Americans feel about achieving the American dream. “If we want to restore faith in democracy and the American dream, our goal should be to make this dream and the middle class a priority,” he stated.
He emphasized that merely providing access to a fraction of the population doesn’t embody the American dream. Instead, if only 10% of children can tap into it, it can’t truly be called the American dream. There’s a pressing need to redefine it.
Emmanuel criticized party leadership for failing to meet voters’ expectations, drawing an analogy to the popularity of a mask. “Republicans might stab you in the back, but Democrats are more likely to leave you disappointed,” he said, suggesting that party members need to address why voters feel let down.
Despite these issues with leadership, Emmanuel remains optimistic about the potential for Democratic voters to mobilize in upcoming midterms and special elections. “The good news,” he said, “is that there’s enthusiasm among voters. Leadership might need a change, but the energy exists.” He urged the party to harness this momentum and regard the 2026 elections as a chance to challenge Republican dominance.
The Democratic National Committee has yet to respond to requests for comment on Emmanuel’s remarks.
