What happens to the Democratic Party now? (1 Viewer)

[Heathen]

I’m sure much of us are having 2016 flashbacks this morning with a sick feeling to our stomachs..

2 of the last 3 elections Democrats have lost to a far right demagogue

Harris didn’t get close in many states to even Biden’s performance. We could very well lose the Presidency, Senate AND House depending on results the next few days…..

What went wrong?
What could’ve been done better?
What can we change in the future to ensure voters are motivated like they were when Obama was elected?

Democrats have no choice but to admit there’s a huge problem with some aspect of their platform— and to do a deep introspection of what’s going wrong..

 

[bird]

1. What if the Democratic Party disintegrated with the Moderates becoming Independents or stoorsome joining the Republicans especially in Blue States meanwhile the Liberals and Progressives joined the Greens and small Socialist parties ?

2. What if Centrism becomes stronger in the Party and they push things like economic growth and smart government while being less focused on social issues (so called Wokeness) or even being Anti Woke ? Kind of Center or Center Right

3. What if Progressive Democrats combine Populism on economic issues with a justice on social issues like Abortion and Transgender issues being strong and honest with all Americans?

I have my own views. I'm interested in what others think

There is no such thing as “small government”. That is a meme and it is meaningless. As an example much of what the private sector produces as product derives from research either done by or financed by government.

Woke is meaningless. By that I mean that the actual concept of being woke derives from the Black community early in the 20th century, iirc. The Right distorted it out of recognition into something they claim is malignant and against “American Values” which do not and never have existed. Standing up for those marginalized is never wrong.

As for being strong and honest? Well, that is an interesting question. Platforms, policies, agitprop are all neutral, relatively speaking. The existence of polls stating “the American People” support this or that merely underscore that the purpose of the political economy system Is to maintain its existence as it is with little change except on rare occasions. And most of the changes that occur ARE social issued based because it is physically impossible to separate social issues from political economy.

 

[Optimus Prime]

Still reeling from Kamala Harris’s defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Democrats are already looking ahead to 2028 and assessing potential candidates for the White House. While some believe Harris deserves another shot, others are calling for a change of direction and new blood. The race appears to be wide open but state governors feature prominently because of their executive experience and ability to combat Trump’s policies. Here are a dozen of the leading contenders:

1. ---

   Andy Beshear​

   Age: 47.
   Current position: Governor of Kentucky.
   
   
   
   
   The son of a popular former Kentucky governor, Beshear has won three statewide elections in the deeply red state – once for attorney general and twice as governor. He responded to Democrats’ defeat in the 2024 election by writing in the New York Times that they can win back voters by focusing on core issues – good jobs, affordable healthcare, education, public safety, and good roads and bridges. He is chair-elect of the Democratic Governors Association for 2026 – meaning he will take on a leading role in efforts to win governorships in the midterm elections.

2. ---

   Pete Buttigieg​

   Age: 42.
   Current position: Transportation secretary.
   
   
   
   
   Buttigieg speaks eight languages, had spells at Harvard, Oxford and McKinsey, and did military service in Afghanistan. He won the Democratic presidential caucuses in Iowa in 2020 and is praised for his communication skills and ability to connect with voters, especially on the conservative Fox News network. The Indiana native recently became a Michiganresident. But some Democrats may doubt whether America is ready to elect its first openly gay president.

3. ---

   Kamala Harris​

   Age: 60.
   Current position: Vice-president.
   
   
   
   
   Despite her bitter loss, Harrisremains a contender. Her defenders argue that she was hampered by inheriting Biden’s campaign with only 107 days left and note that she still came within 1.5% of Trump in the national popular vote. They also point to the experience she gained from running a national campaign. Critics note that she fell short despite spending more than $1bn and that defeated Democrats do not tend to get a second chance. Coupled with Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss, the party may be wary of nominating another woman so soon.

4. ---

   Wes Moore​

   Age: 46.
   Current position: Governor of Maryland.
   
   
   
   
   Maryland’s first Black governor is considered a rising star in the Democratic party. Moore is an army veteran, Rhodes scholar and former chief executive of the Robin Hood Foundation, a charity that tackles poverty in New York. Advocates say he has the natural charisma to make a credible presidential run. But, in August, Moore claimed he made “an honest mistake” in failing to correct a White House fellowship application 18 years ago when he wrote he had received a Bronze Star for his military service in Afghanistan though he never ended up receiving it.……

Who are the rising stars in the Democratic party?

The party is already looking ahead to the 2028 election, with a bench of contenders ready to take the mantle

www.theguardian.com

 

[SystemShock]

Still reeling from Kamala Harris’s defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Democrats are already looking ahead to 2028 and assessing potential candidates for the White House. While some believe Harris deserves another shot, others are calling for a change of direction and new blood. The race appears to be wide open but state governors feature prominently because of their executive experience and ability to combat Trump’s policies. Here are a dozen of the leading contenders:

1. ---

   Andy Beshear​

   Age: 47.
   Current position: Governor of Kentucky.
   
   
   
   
   The son of a popular former Kentucky governor, Beshear has won three statewide elections in the deeply red state – once for attorney general and twice as governor. He responded to Democrats’ defeat in the 2024 election by writing in the New York Times that they can win back voters by focusing on core issues – good jobs, affordable healthcare, education, public safety, and good roads and bridges. He is chair-elect of the Democratic Governors Association for 2026 – meaning he will take on a leading role in efforts to win governorships in the midterm elections.

2. ---

   Pete Buttigieg​

   Age: 42.
   Current position: Transportation secretary.
   
   
   
   
   Buttigieg speaks eight languages, had spells at Harvard, Oxford and McKinsey, and did military service in Afghanistan. He won the Democratic presidential caucuses in Iowa in 2020 and is praised for his communication skills and ability to connect with voters, especially on the conservative Fox News network. The Indiana native recently became a Michiganresident. But some Democrats may doubt whether America is ready to elect its first openly gay president.

3. ---

   Kamala Harris​

   Age: 60.
   Current position: Vice-president.
   
   
   
   
   Despite her bitter loss, Harrisremains a contender. Her defenders argue that she was hampered by inheriting Biden’s campaign with only 107 days left and note that she still came within 1.5% of Trump in the national popular vote. They also point to the experience she gained from running a national campaign. Critics note that she fell short despite spending more than $1bn and that defeated Democrats do not tend to get a second chance. Coupled with Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss, the party may be wary of nominating another woman so soon.

4. ---

   Wes Moore​

   Age: 46.
   Current position: Governor of Maryland.
   
   
   
   
   Maryland’s first Black governor is considered a rising star in the Democratic party. Moore is an army veteran, Rhodes scholar and former chief executive of the Robin Hood Foundation, a charity that tackles poverty in New York. Advocates say he has the natural charisma to make a credible presidential run. But, in August, Moore claimed he made “an honest mistake” in failing to correct a White House fellowship application 18 years ago when he wrote he had received a Bronze Star for his military service in Afghanistan though he never ended up receiving it.……

Who are the rising stars in the Democratic party?

The party is already looking ahead to the 2028 election, with a bench of contenders ready to take the mantle

www.theguardian.com

1 out of 4. Democrats are never going to learn.

 

[Texan1211]

1. What if the Democratic Party disintegrated with the Moderates becoming Independents or stoorsome joining the Republicans especially in Blue States meanwhile the Liberals and Progressives joined the Greens and small Socialist parties ?

The Democratic Party is in no real danger of disintegrating.
There are only two parties with any power, as we all know.

2. What if Centrism becomes stronger in the Party and they push things like economic growth and smart government while being less focused on social issues (so called Wokeness) or even being Anti Woke ? Kind of Center or Center Right

I see factions within the Democratic Party that won't allow such centrist stances.

What if Progressive Democrats combine Populism on economic issues with a justice on social issues like Abortion and Transgender issues being strong and honest with all Americans?

What if, indeed.

 

[Texan1211]

Still reeling from Kamala Harris’s defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 election, Democrats are already looking ahead to 2028 and assessing potential candidates for the White House. While some believe Harris deserves another shot, others are calling for a change of direction and new blood. The race appears to be wide open but state governors feature prominently because of their executive experience and ability to combat Trump’s policies. Here are a dozen of the leading contenders:

1. ---

   Andy Beshear​

   Age: 47.
   Current position: Governor of Kentucky.
   
   
   
   
   The son of a popular former Kentucky governor, Beshear has won three statewide elections in the deeply red state – once for attorney general and twice as governor. He responded to Democrats’ defeat in the 2024 election by writing in the New York Times that they can win back voters by focusing on core issues – good jobs, affordable healthcare, education, public safety, and good roads and bridges. He is chair-elect of the Democratic Governors Association for 2026 – meaning he will take on a leading role in efforts to win governorships in the midterm elections.

2. ---

   Pete Buttigieg​

   Age: 42.
   Current position: Transportation secretary.
   
   
   
   
   Buttigieg speaks eight languages, had spells at Harvard, Oxford and McKinsey, and did military service in Afghanistan. He won the Democratic presidential caucuses in Iowa in 2020 and is praised for his communication skills and ability to connect with voters, especially on the conservative Fox News network. The Indiana native recently became a Michiganresident. But some Democrats may doubt whether America is ready to elect its first openly gay president.

3. ---

   Kamala Harris​

   Age: 60.
   Current position: Vice-president.
   
   
   
   
   Despite her bitter loss, Harrisremains a contender. Her defenders argue that she was hampered by inheriting Biden’s campaign with only 107 days left and note that she still came within 1.5% of Trump in the national popular vote. They also point to the experience she gained from running a national campaign. Critics note that she fell short despite spending more than $1bn and that defeated Democrats do not tend to get a second chance. Coupled with Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss, the party may be wary of nominating another woman so soon.

4. ---

   Wes Moore​

   Age: 46.
   Current position: Governor of Maryland.
   
   
   
   
   Maryland’s first Black governor is considered a rising star in the Democratic party. Moore is an army veteran, Rhodes scholar and former chief executive of the Robin Hood Foundation, a charity that tackles poverty in New York. Advocates say he has the natural charisma to make a credible presidential run. But, in August, Moore claimed he made “an honest mistake” in failing to correct a White House fellowship application 18 years ago when he wrote he had received a Bronze Star for his military service in Afghanistan though he never ended up receiving it.……

Who are the rising stars in the Democratic party?

The party is already looking ahead to the 2028 election, with a bench of contenders ready to take the mantle

www.theguardian.com

Seems odd to include Harris on the list.

 

[bird]

The Democratic Party is in no real danger of disintegrating.
There are only two parties with any power, as we all know.

I see factions within the Democratic Party that won't allow such centrist stances.

What if, indeed.

I see faction within the Republican Party that not only can’t spell “centrist” but openly despise centrist Republicans. And they primary them with MAGA.

As for your last comment? It applies to the Republican Party 100%.

 

[Texan1211]

I see faction within the Republican Party that not only can’t spell “centrist” but openly despise centrist Republicans. And they primary them with MAGA.

As for your last comment? It applies to the Republican Party 100%.

Very nice whatabout!!!

 

[Optimus Prime]

1 out of 4. Democrats are never going to learn.

other names on list

Chris Murphy​

Age: 51.
Current position: Senator for Connecticut.

Gavin Newsom​

Age: 57.
Current position: Governor of California.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez​

Age: 35.
Current position: US representative for New York’s 14th congressional district.

Jared Polis​

Age: 49.
Current position: Governor of Colorado.

JB Pritzker​

Age: 59.
Current position: Governor of Illinois.

Josh Shapiro​

Age: 51.
Current position: Governor of Pennsylvania.

Raphael Warnock​

Age: 55.
Current position: Senator for Georgia.

Gretchen Whitmer​

Age: 53.
Current position: Governor of Michigan.

 

[GrandAdmiral]

Well before we get to 2028, the DNC needs to select a new chair with Jaime Harrison leaving (thank gawd). I am less than excited for anyone currently on the list.

Marianne Williamson announces run for DNC chair | CNN Politics

Author and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson announced Thursday she’s running to lead the Democratic National Committee.

www.cnn.com

 

[Texan1211]

Gavin Newsom​

Age: 57.
Current position: Governor of California.

California. Enough said.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

May even be too far left for the Democratic Party.

 

[Booker]

other names on list

Chris Murphy​

Age: 51.
Current position: Senator for Connecticut.

Gavin Newsom​

Age: 57.
Current position: Governor of California.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez​

Age: 35.
Current position: US representative for New York’s 14th congressional district.

Jared Polis​

Age: 49.
Current position: Governor of Colorado.

JB Pritzker​

Age: 59.
Current position: Governor of Illinois.

Josh Shapiro​

Age: 51.
Current position: Governor of Pennsylvania.

Raphael Warnock​

Age: 55.
Current position: Senator for Georgia.

Gretchen Whitmer​

Age: 53.
Current position: Governor of Michigan.

Even adding those names, I see very few viable candidates for national office.

Beshear -- He's a CIS white guy from a red state, so his candidacy wouldn't be an inevitable loss like a lot of the others listed. Not sure if he has enough charisma, though, to connect with people on a national level.

Buttigieg -- I'm sorry, love what he has to say, but a wimpy looking gay guy, who's highest elected office was mayor, will never ever ever ever ever ever be a viable candidate for president (at least not in my lifetime).

Harris -- I don't see how she could be expected to do any better than she did, and honestly don't think she could win a normal primary race.

Moore -- I like what I've seen of him, and I think he's got the look, background, and presentation where he could appear to be strong but not threatening, which is the sweet spot any black male would need to hit to be viable in a national race.

Murphy -- Sorry, just not photogenic enough. Democrats need to run some one that the electorate looks at and says "this guy forks!" Murphy is not that guy.

Newsom -- If were he a Republican, governing the country's largest state would surely be seen as a positive (as with Reagan), but he'll get tagged with being an out of touch coastal elite, that wants to bring California's high cost of living, bureaucracy, and taxes to the rest of the country.

Cortez -- I doubt she could win a single primary. She would get drubbed like no one's seen since Mondale.

Polis -- I love my governor, but a fat gay guy probably isn't going to do a lot better than a wimpy looking gay guy.

Pritzker -- The optics of his obesity would probably work against him (similar to Christie). This country discriminates, and obesity is something that is discriminated against.

Shapiro -- This guy has "rock star" potential that I think could overcome any prejudices he would face being Jewish, but much might depend on what's going on in the middle east in 3-4 years, and if his support of Israel is seen as a net positive or negative with the Democratic base.

Warnock -- Give me break. He'd be turned into Jeremiah Wright.

Whitmer -- Being a photogenic, twice elected governor of a swing state, who's also a CIS white woman, I think she's got a lot of potential and could outperform most of the people on this list. That said, after 2016 and 2024, I would be really leery about running a woman again.

 

[GrandAdmiral]

Buttigieg -- I'm sorry, love what he has to say, but a wimpy looking gay guy, who's highest elected office was mayor, will never ever ever ever ever ever be a viable candidate for president (at least not in my lifetime).

I won't call him wimpy, but unfortunately this country has too many hidden bigots to go with the known bigots and is not electing a gay person as president anytime soon. Pete ran for DNC chair once before. That seems like the perfect spot for him now.

 

[Optimus Prime]

I won't call him wimpy, but unfortunately this country has too many hidden bigots to go with the known bigots and is not electing a gay person as president anytime soon. Pete ran for DNC chair once before. That seems like the perfect spot for him now.

I’ve never been anything but impressed with Pete and I’d vote for him in a heartbeat

 

[Booker]

I won't call him wimpy, but unfortunately this country has too many hidden bigots to go with the known bigots and is not electing a gay person as president anytime soon. Pete ran for DNC chair once before. That seems like the perfect spot for him now.

I don't think he is wimpy (and his military service says he in fact is not), just that with his slight build he looks wimpy, and optics matter more than policy (which is unfortunate, as he's very good on policy).

 

[GrandAdmiral]

I’ve never been anything but impressed with Pete and I’d vote for him in a heartbeat

Because you're not a bigot.

 

[coldseat]

Even adding those names, I see very few viable candidates for national office.

Beshear -- He's a CIS white guy from a red state, so his candidacy wouldn't be an inevitable loss like a lot of the others listed. Not sure if he has enough charisma, though, to connect with people on a national level.

Buttigieg -- I'm sorry, love what he has to say, but a wimpy looking gay guy, who's highest elected office was mayor, will never ever ever ever ever ever be a viable candidate for president (at least not in my lifetime).

Harris -- I don't see how she could be expected to do any better than she did, and honestly don't think she could win a normal primary race.

Moore -- I like what I've seen of him, and I think he's got the look, background, and presentation where he could appear to be strong but not threatening, which is the sweet spot any black male would need to hit to be viable in a national race.

Murphy -- Sorry, just not photogenic enough. Democrats need to run some one that the electorate looks at and says "this guy forks!" Murphy is not that guy.

Newsom -- If were he a Republican, governing the country's largest state would surely be seen as a positive (as with Reagan), but he'll get tagged with being an out of touch coastal elite, that wants to bring California's high cost of living, bureaucracy, and taxes to the rest of the country.

Cortez -- I doubt she could win a single primary. She would get drubbed like no one's seen since Mondale.

Polis -- I love my governor, but a fat gay guy probably isn't going to do a lot better than a wimpy looking gay guy.

Pritzker -- The optics of his obesity would probably work against him (similar to Christie). This country discriminates, and obesity is something that is discriminated against.

Shapiro -- This guy has "rock star" potential that I think could overcome any prejudices he would face being Jewish, but much might depend on what's going on in the middle east in 3-4 years, and if his support of Israel is seen as a net positive or negative with the Democratic base.

Warnock -- Give me break. He'd be turned into Jeremiah Wright.

Whitmer -- Being a photogenic, twice elected governor of a swing state, who's also a CIS white woman, I think she's got a lot of potential and could outperform most of the people on this list. That said, after 2016 and 2024, I would be really leery about running a woman again.

Trying to find a goldilocks candidate that Americans will accept is part of the Democrats problem. I don't believe conventional wisdom applies any longer. They can run any of those candidates, including Harris again. In fact, I'd personally love to see that. They just need to ram it down Americans throat the way Trump does and they need a much better propoganda machine. At the end of the day, that's what wins the game now, not policy and competence.

 

[Booker]

Trying to find a goldilocks candidate that Americans will accept is part of the Democrats problem. I don't conventional wisdom applies any longer. They can run any of those candidates, including Harris again. In fact, I'd personally love to see that. They just need to ram it down Americans throat the way Trump does and they need a much better propoganda machine. At the end of the day, that's what wins the game now, not policy and competence.

I agree that the Republican party has a big edge in regards to their propaganda machine, which is both ruthless and something they've been building for a long time, such that there's nothing remotely similar in play for Democrats.

But something that struck and greatly disappointed me during this last election was how effective the "she's for them, he's for us" message was. I don't think that's a game Democrats can win, so the best thing to do is not to play it.

 

[cuddlemonkey]

I agree that the Republican party has a big edge in regards to their propaganda machine, which is both ruthless and something they've been building for a long time, such that there's nothing remotely similar in play for Democrats.

But something that struck and greatly disappointed me during this last election was how effective the "she's for them, he's for us" message was. I don't think that's a game Democrats can win, so the best thing to do is not to play it.

That's what the game has become. So many people are so fully bought into it that there's not much option left for the DNC. "The only winning move is not to play" is no longer a viable strategy, not in this political climate with this electorate.