Members of the Democratic National Committee are concerned that the party’s focus on identity politics and progressive policies has left it out of touch with voters.
Some members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) are expressing concerns that the party’s focus on identity politics and progressive policies has left it out of touch with voters, with one member saying they don’t want to be the “freak show party” anymore. This sentiment has reportedly shaped the race for the next DNC chair and is being cited as a factor in Vice President Kamala Harris’ significant loss to President-elect Donald Trump in the recent election, according to Politico.
“The progressive wing of the party has to recognize — we all have to recognize — the country’s not progressive, and not to the far left or the far right. They’re in the middle,” explained DNC committeeman for Rhode Island Joseph Paolino Jr, per Politico. “I’m going to look for a chair who’s going to be talking to the center and who’s going to be for the guy who drives a truck back home at the end of the day.”
Another DNC member from Florida highlighted the disconnect many voters feel. “I don’t want to be the freak show party, like they have branded us. You know, when you’re a mom with three kids, and you live in middle America and you’re just not really into politics, and you see these ads that scare the bejesus out of you, you’re like, ‘I know Trump’s weird or whatever, but I would rather his weirdness that doesn’t affect my kids.’”