11 Democratic Thinkers Discuss the Current Needs of the Party
Following a significant defeat, this article explores several potential routes to recovery and resurgence.
TroibNews 
Democrats are reeling from Donald Trump’s recent victory, sparking intense discussions about what went wrong and what the future holds for the party. Key questions arise: Was the defeat driven by inflation and a widely unpopular incumbent? What role did the apparent radicalization of young men play? Has the party's focus on identity politics superseded issues of class and education? Why are Latino voters increasingly distancing themselves from the party? As Democrats navigate this tumultuous landscape, the pressing question remains: What’s next for the party?
PMG Magazine consulted various Democratic strategists, activists, and thinkers for their insights. While responses varied, a unanimous call for change emerged.
**‘Abandon policing cultural behaviors’ BY ANDREW YANG**
Andrew Yang, a former Democratic presidential candidate and founder of the Forward Party, emphasizes the need for the Democrats to start fresh. He suggests an apology for undermining Bernie Sanders during the 2016 primary and proposes naming Dean Phillips as the new chair of the DNC, citing his willingness to prioritize the country over personal ambition. Yang insists on holding competitive primaries moving forward, allowing for inclusive participation, especially from independents. He argues against backing extremist candidates in Republican primaries and advocates for supporting local journalism and fair representation in government. Ultimately, he believes that the party should focus on improving Americans’ living standards and avoid policing cultural behavior, particularly considering that such views often do not resonate with many Democratic voters.
**‘A deeper rethink of a consistently failed strategy’ BY MATTHEW DUSS**
Matthew Duss, a former foreign policy adviser, argues that Democrats need to abandon ineffective outreach strategies aimed at moderate Republicans that come at the expense of their own base. He points out a disconnect between economic performance and the feelings of everyday Americans, urging Democrats to promote a unifying economic populist message. Duss believes that Democrats should address the real economic struggles faced by voters and challenge the narratives propagated by right-wing demagogues who exploit grievances by targeting immigrants and minorities.
**‘Begin by admitting that our party has been entirely directed by Donald Trump’ BY SARADA PERI**
Sarada Peri calls for a complete reevaluation of the party, stating that Democrats have been reactive to Trump's rhetoric rather than proactive in outlining their vision. She argues for shedding outdated assumptions in light of their current situation, emphasizing the importance of forming a narrative that resonates with voters and addresses their aspirations and needs.
**‘Recruit working-class candidates who reflect the pain and the understanding of people who live paycheck-to-paycheck’ BY FAIZ SHAKIR**
Faiz Shakir stresses that reconnecting with the working class must be the Democrats' priority. To achieve this, he proposes recruiting candidates who understand the struggles of low-income individuals, articulating bold economic solutions, and addressing corruption. Shakir emphasizes the need for a populism that resonates with working-class voters.
**'The Democratic Party can’t continue to define itself simply as the party of "anyone but [Republican candidate]"' BY ANNIE WU HENRY**
Annie Wu Henry discusses the need for the Democratic Party to establish a consistent and strong message rather than just opposing Republican candidates. She highlights the importance of core policies that address the real concerns of constituents, especially young voters who prioritize tangible improvements in their lives.
**‘Yield to a new generation’ BY ROSS BARKAN**
Ross Barkan argues that it is time for new leadership to emerge from the Democratic Party, signaling a shift away from the Barack Obama and Joe Biden eras. He suggests a stronger focus on communicating a vision that appeals to working-class voters, acknowledging past failures in this regard.
**‘A new way forward’ BY DONNA BRAZILE**
Donna Brazile advocates for immediate action from the DNC to chart a new course for the party.
**‘Fox News and the podcast brosphere tell them we are weak’ BY CHUCK ROCHA**
Chuck Rocha contends that the Democratic Party needs to reconnect with its roots and stop relying excessively on polling and modeling. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the concerns of working-class voters, particularly in ways that can regain their trust.
**‘Wrest more control of the national information environment from Trump’ BY WILL STANCIL**
Will Stancil argues that the core issue lies not in policy but in the information landscape shaped by right-wing media. He asserts that Democrats must improve their approach to modern media to effectively combat misinformation and connect with voters.
**‘Democrats must return to being the party that a majority of voters believes to be saner’ BY MATT BENNETT**
Matt Bennett suggests that the party must focus on presenting itself as more reasonable and aligned with voters’ lives, moving away from focusing solely on demographics.
**‘Reimagine, recommit, and revolt’ BY JEFF JOHNSON**
Jeff Johnson calls for a revolution in how leaders are chosen, advocating for a system that prioritizes transformational change and equitable policies for all Americans.
In summary, the Democratic Party faces significant challenges in adapting to a shifting political landscape. A collective call for authentic engagement, bold messaging, and a recommitment to core values emerges from this discussion on the road ahead.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
PMG Magazine consulted various Democratic strategists, activists, and thinkers for their insights. While responses varied, a unanimous call for change emerged.
**‘Abandon policing cultural behaviors’ BY ANDREW YANG**
Andrew Yang, a former Democratic presidential candidate and founder of the Forward Party, emphasizes the need for the Democrats to start fresh. He suggests an apology for undermining Bernie Sanders during the 2016 primary and proposes naming Dean Phillips as the new chair of the DNC, citing his willingness to prioritize the country over personal ambition. Yang insists on holding competitive primaries moving forward, allowing for inclusive participation, especially from independents. He argues against backing extremist candidates in Republican primaries and advocates for supporting local journalism and fair representation in government. Ultimately, he believes that the party should focus on improving Americans’ living standards and avoid policing cultural behavior, particularly considering that such views often do not resonate with many Democratic voters.
**‘A deeper rethink of a consistently failed strategy’ BY MATTHEW DUSS**
Matthew Duss, a former foreign policy adviser, argues that Democrats need to abandon ineffective outreach strategies aimed at moderate Republicans that come at the expense of their own base. He points out a disconnect between economic performance and the feelings of everyday Americans, urging Democrats to promote a unifying economic populist message. Duss believes that Democrats should address the real economic struggles faced by voters and challenge the narratives propagated by right-wing demagogues who exploit grievances by targeting immigrants and minorities.
**‘Begin by admitting that our party has been entirely directed by Donald Trump’ BY SARADA PERI**
Sarada Peri calls for a complete reevaluation of the party, stating that Democrats have been reactive to Trump's rhetoric rather than proactive in outlining their vision. She argues for shedding outdated assumptions in light of their current situation, emphasizing the importance of forming a narrative that resonates with voters and addresses their aspirations and needs.
**‘Recruit working-class candidates who reflect the pain and the understanding of people who live paycheck-to-paycheck’ BY FAIZ SHAKIR**
Faiz Shakir stresses that reconnecting with the working class must be the Democrats' priority. To achieve this, he proposes recruiting candidates who understand the struggles of low-income individuals, articulating bold economic solutions, and addressing corruption. Shakir emphasizes the need for a populism that resonates with working-class voters.
**'The Democratic Party can’t continue to define itself simply as the party of "anyone but [Republican candidate]"' BY ANNIE WU HENRY**
Annie Wu Henry discusses the need for the Democratic Party to establish a consistent and strong message rather than just opposing Republican candidates. She highlights the importance of core policies that address the real concerns of constituents, especially young voters who prioritize tangible improvements in their lives.
**‘Yield to a new generation’ BY ROSS BARKAN**
Ross Barkan argues that it is time for new leadership to emerge from the Democratic Party, signaling a shift away from the Barack Obama and Joe Biden eras. He suggests a stronger focus on communicating a vision that appeals to working-class voters, acknowledging past failures in this regard.
**‘A new way forward’ BY DONNA BRAZILE**
Donna Brazile advocates for immediate action from the DNC to chart a new course for the party.
**‘Fox News and the podcast brosphere tell them we are weak’ BY CHUCK ROCHA**
Chuck Rocha contends that the Democratic Party needs to reconnect with its roots and stop relying excessively on polling and modeling. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the concerns of working-class voters, particularly in ways that can regain their trust.
**‘Wrest more control of the national information environment from Trump’ BY WILL STANCIL**
Will Stancil argues that the core issue lies not in policy but in the information landscape shaped by right-wing media. He asserts that Democrats must improve their approach to modern media to effectively combat misinformation and connect with voters.
**‘Democrats must return to being the party that a majority of voters believes to be saner’ BY MATT BENNETT**
Matt Bennett suggests that the party must focus on presenting itself as more reasonable and aligned with voters’ lives, moving away from focusing solely on demographics.
**‘Reimagine, recommit, and revolt’ BY JEFF JOHNSON**
Jeff Johnson calls for a revolution in how leaders are chosen, advocating for a system that prioritizes transformational change and equitable policies for all Americans.
In summary, the Democratic Party faces significant challenges in adapting to a shifting political landscape. A collective call for authentic engagement, bold messaging, and a recommitment to core values emerges from this discussion on the road ahead.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
