THE Democratic Party must have a come to Jesus moment on immigration and accept a series of home truths if they are to emerge from the political wilderness, experts have warned.
A vacuum has emerged within the Democratic establishment since Kamala Harris’s defeat to Donald Trump and there is no consensus on how to take on the GOP.
GettyAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez, pictured in 2019, has been touted as a potential presidential candidate in 2028[/caption] The White House has put up photographs of the mugshots of illegal migrants that have been arrestedAFPThe lack of leadership has seen the likes of firebrand congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez whipping left-wing fanatics up into a frenzy, rallying alongside veteran socialist Bernie Sanders.
Cory Booker, a senior New Jersey senator, has emerged as a potential contender after making history by speaking for over 24 hours on Senate floor against Trump’s platform.
And, Gavin Newsom has been making waves, having hosted conservative commentators on his podcast titled This is Gavin Newsom.
David Richards, a political science professor at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia, claimed the Democrats have “disintegrated” following November’s loss.
The 2028 field is set to be congested, but commentators have warned the Democrats must have a vision going forward.
And that cannot just be opposing Trump.
“Of course, they’re going to be anti-Trump,” Richards said.
“But that’s beginning to sort of wear thin. That was part of the problem they had with the presidential election.
“All they could present was ‘Hey we’re not Trump, that’s great, but in the absence of an actual plan, people are going to be a little suspect.”
Richards warned the Democrats may have to water down its progressive stance when it comes to immigration given the national split toward diversity initiatives in the workplace.
“A lot of the Democrats base is that they want to be progressive, but with general opinion swinging the other way, it’s going to be hard for them to maintain that base and not alienate folks,” he added.
“When it comes to immigration, I think the Democrats are going to have a ‘come to Jesus’ moment and say, ‘Look, immigration is obviously a concern for many Americans.
‘How do we make it so it’s not something that people are afraid of or that people feel is harming the United States?’
“That might be hard for Democrats to sort of stomach and do that.”
Richards warned that the Democrats could encounter difficulties if culture war issues or immigration are the primary issues at the ballot box come the midterms in November 2026.
Trump polls well among voters on immigration, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll.
Overall, 46% of those surveyed back his immigration policy.
The survey has him polling better on immigration, than on the economy and trade.
Less than four in 10 people support Trump’s approach toward the economy and trade talks with other nations.
FERTILE GROUND
Richards explained that the economy may be easier ground for the Democrats if voters do not believe they are better off financially.
Election exit polls revealed the economy was among the top five issues voters considered in polling booths.
More than 60% of voters surveyed said they were feeling either dissatisfied or angry about the way the US was heading, as per NBC.
Almost half of voters claimed they were financially worse off in November 2024 compared to four years previously.
Meanwhile, Lindy Li, a former Democratic fundraiser who now campaigns for the Republicans, warned the Democrats could be in the political wilderness for a decade.
In a blistering attack, she said the party had lost the argument on a whole range of issues – from migration to gender policies.
She claimed she was ex-communicated from the party after voicing concerns about Joe Biden’s fitness for office.
“The Democratic Party is shrinking their tent, they’re not expanding it,” Li added.
That might be hard for Democrats to sort of stomach and do that
David Richards political science expert“I didn’t want to leave the party. I just wanted to be the conservative voice in the party, but there’s no room for conservative voices.”
Li believes the Republicans could enjoy more than a decade in power in a similar fashion to Margaret Thatcher, who was prime minister between 1979 and 1990.
And, she thinks the GOP can seize on the Democrats’ lack of leadership.
“There’s nobody in charge. It’s hilarious and amazing how incompetent they are.”
Li struggled to name a Democratic candidate that could take on the Republicans.
COULD HARRIS MAKE A COMEBACK?
Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, has been embroiled in controversy after it emerged he falsely claimed he received a Bronze Star on a White House application form.
Moore has tried to dampen speculation about a 2028 run by revealing he would seek re-election in Maryland.
Li said the Republicans would find it easy to attack Moore politically in light of the controversy.
But, she was more scathing about Kamala Harris.
She claimed there is “no chance” Harris would win the presidency.
“It’s a disaster for Democrats but a blessing for Republicans,” she added.
“If i were a Democrat, I would be p***ed.
“I think I would I have a better chance [of winning the presidency] and I’m not even constitutionally eligible.
“This woman is nothing without a script.”
The vice president was often criticized during the 2024 campaign for her garbled word salads and repetitive addresses.
Her speeches were often criticized and used by Republicans in their campaign ads.
And, Li previously described Harris’ ill-fated 2024 campaign as a “$1 billion disaster.”
Days after Harris conceded, Li told Fox & Friends Weekend: “The truth is that is just an end epic disaster.”
GettyScholars have warned that the Democrats may have to deal with some home truths when it comes to immigration (Pictured: ICE agents seen in Chicago)[/caption] GettyKamala Harris has been touted as a potential 2028 contender[/caption] ReutersGavin Newsom has been sparring with conservative commentators on his podcast[/caption] Getty Images - GettyWes Moore is on the list of potential candidates[/caption] AFPFirebrand New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigning alongside veteran politician Bernie Sanders[/caption]RUNNERS AND RIDERS
Harris has been tight-lipped on her aspirations as she could run for the Democratic Party’s nominee to be the Governor of California, or in 2028.
But, Richards believes other candidates may not be deterred even if Harris announced a 2028 run.
“Democrats tend to sort of throw people overboard once they have run and lost,” he said.
“They’re unforgiving about reintroducing people who have failed previously.
“If Harris was going to announce a 2028 run, I think a lot of people would say ‘Ok, great, but we’re still going to look at other people.”
Newsom is believed to be a potential contender, and the scholar explained potential advantages.
“He’s positioning himself as somebody outside of the party leadership, who is willing to change norms,” said Richards.
Newsom has put himself at odds with the progressive flank of the Democratic establishment, when it comes to transgender women competing in female sports.
But, his candidacy would not come without risks.
“I’m not sure if he’s going to be distinctive,” Richards said.
“He may end up fumbling the ball by not being able to get the Democrats behind him.
“But that’s the kind of person the Democrats need to rally behind.”
GettyAlmost half of Americans back Trump when it comes to his immigration policy[/caption] GettyJoe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race last summer, paving the way for Harris to be the Democratic candidate[/caption] Read More Details
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