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The current climate in the Democratic Party—reflecting the sentiments of both its activists and core supporters—points to a strong desire for confrontation. This internal strife came to a head last week when Chuck Schumer allied with Republicans to push through a spending bill, much to the chagrin of several Democratic Senators. This moment presents a crucial opportunity for key Democratic figures to outline a vision that could lift their party from its current state of relative obscurity.
The air is charged with unexpressed frustrations, but the broader implications of this moment could be minimal.
Recent surveys reveal that Democrats are at a critical crossroads. Their public image has plummeted to historic lows, with only 29% of Americans viewing the party favorably—a 20-point drop since January 2021, when Trump left office and Biden took over, according to a recent CNN poll. Furthermore, only 63% of party members hold a favorable view of their own organization.
What loyal Democrats seek from their leaders is particularly illuminating. A notable 57% believe the party should prioritize obstructing the Republican agenda, a sharp increase from the 23% who favored opposition as a primary goal during Trump’s initial year. It’s essential to recognize that this is not 2017; the current conflict carries a distinctly different vibe. Although the Resistance may not be rallying as vigorously as it did during Trump’s presidency, the demand for a more forceful opposition is evidently present.
This drive for confrontation appears to be a persistent sentiment. The CNN poll was conducted just before a group of nearly a dozen Senate Democrats, led by Schumer, collaborated with Republicans to avert a government shutdown. The heated discussions surrounding that contentious vote now shape the narrative regarding how Democrats should move forward. For many prominent Democrats, many of whom are eyeing the 2028 presidential race, their reactions to Schumer’s controversial decision may hold significant implications.
Take Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has been quietly positioning himself for 2028. On Tuesday, he attended a session at the Center for American Progress to strategize for the challenges of the second Trump era. When asked about supporting Schumer’s vote to keep the government funded, Pritzker chose not to back it.
“Look, he’s the elected leader,” Pritzker stated. “I disagree with what he did, and vehemently so. But I also acknowledge that he has done commendable work as a Senate leader in other contexts.” This measured response might serve him well in New Hampshire, where he is already a familiar face ahead of the state’s crucial Democratic Party fundraiser next month.
In stark contrast to Pritzker’s diplomatic approach, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been unrelenting in her criticism of Schumer’s decisions. Even prior to Schumer formalizing his collaboration with the GOP on the spending proposal, she was already broaching the possibility of a primary challenge against him in 2028. Even centrist Democrats are starting to envision what a Senator Ocasio-Cortez might look like.
Across the political spectrum, there is a palpable unease regarding the party’s trajectory. Representative Glenn Ivey of Maryland has openly called for Schumer’s resignation, and he may not be alone if the current climate continues to decline. If more mainstream lawmakers’ consultants demonstrate through polling that this position is safe, many others are likely to follow suit.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom is trying to broaden his appeal, albeit in ways that some might view as either strategic or misguided. He urged Senate Democrats to allow a government shutdown rather than conceding to Republican demands for a budget that would entail severe cuts, while also defending his recent friendly interactions with conservative figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. “After the last election, we all agreed that it’s critical for Democrats to seek new and innovative ways of connecting with people,” Newsom communicated to supporters via email. (This might explain why, according to a new book, Trump reportedly felt intimidated by the prospect of facing the California Governor if he had replaced Biden on the ticket last year.)
For liberals who have distanced themselves from Newsom, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz could present a more appealing alternative. While Republicans are steering clear of town halls to avoid confrontational constituents, Walz is actively engaging with House districts held by Republican incumbents. Recently, he asked an audience in Omaha about Senate Democrats and the government shutdown: “I sense that a lot of people wish they had voted against this. Is that accurate?” The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.
However, Walz, who tends to thrive when campaigning on his terms, remained grounded in pragmatism. “Chuck understands, and others realize, that a shutdown has serious consequences,” Walz told a local NPR station. This practical approach was also evident during a previous stop in Des Moines, where he implied that searching for the party’s next leader might be an exercise in futility. “There isn’t going to be a charismatic leader swooping in to resolve this. It will require people actively participating on a beautiful Friday afternoon, demanding change and holding leaders accountable.”
Numerous other figures seem more focused on solidifying their positions for the 2028 election than on advancing the party’s agenda. Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently hosted a high-profile dinner with Washington insiders, while former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg opted out of a Senate run in Michigan last week. All eyes are on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who filled in for Biden late in the 2024 campaign, has suggested that she will likely announce her intentions regarding a 2028 run by the end of summer.
This ongoing jockeying is exacerbating the simmering tensions within the Democratic Party as it grapples with how to effectively counter the Republican agenda. Trump will undoubtedly remain a significant force in the political landscape for the foreseeable future. Unlike the Republicans, who have recently demonstrated their commitment to 2028 by appointing Vice President J.D. Vance as the Republican National Committee’s chief fundraiser, Democrats lack a cohesive strategy for navigating the upcoming months, let alone the midterms or the 2028 elections. Without a unified front, their time in the political wilderness will likely be shaped by Trump and his supporters. As internal discord persists, all that the weary electorate observes is a party rife with discussions about confronting Trump, yet devoid of a clear roadmap to accomplish that goal.
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