"Many Democratic campaigns spent the 2024 election warning that Trump's return to office would be an "existential threat" to democracy. While that message was certainly prescient-and one that the Party should not abandon entirely-Allsop also believes there's room to adopt a more concrete platform against specific examples of élite corruption or the trampling of civil liberties. But regardless of the message, ultimately it must be a unified one, instead of the "factional hesitation" happening now."
"Some prominent figures have stood out in their opposition to Trump-the governors J. B. Pritzker, in Illinois, and Gavin Newsom, in California, and New York City's Comptroller, Brad Lander, who has become a fierce advocate for immigrants. But for the most part, Allsop writes, "Democratic leaders are not meeting this dangerous moment with the focus it requires, and, if the Party as a whole is still widely perceived as feckless, that is in no small part self-inflicted.""
Government shutdowns hit federal workers hardest and carry broader political consequences. Democrats remain unpopular with many of their voters and face an identity crisis. The Party has failed to produce a singular message or a clear messenger to rally support. A few leaders have stood out in opposition to Trump, but most leaders lack focused, unified direction. Many campaigns emphasized Trump's threat to democracy, yet there is room for a concrete platform targeting elite corruption and civil-liberties abuses. Voters need to feel candidates genuinely like them, and unity in messaging and priorities is necessary to regain support.
Read at The New Yorker
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