The Democratic Party is undergoing a shift in approach as President Donald Trump begins his second administration. Unlike the fury-fueled resistance of 2017, Democratic leaders are now focusing on attacking the president strategically while emphasizing bipartisanship and showcasing Democratic alternatives in the states.
The change in strategy comes as Democrats face a challenging political landscape. With Trump winning the popular vote and all 50 states shifting right in 2024, Democrats are treading carefully. Thirteen House Democrats now represent districts won by Trump, while another 50 come from districts where Kamala Harris won by a slim margin. This shift has led Democrats to adopt a more measured approach, eschewing the constant outrage cycle of the past.
Many potential 2028 Democratic hopefuls have refrained from publicly responding to Trump’s pardons of Jan. 6 defendants and Elon Musk’s controversial gesture during Trump’s inauguration celebration. Instead of immediately denouncing these actions, Democratic leaders are biding their time, waiting for public sentiment to potentially turn against Trump. The focus is on earning back the trust of the American people, rather than engaging in endless resistance headlines.
While some Democrats are frustrated by the messaging void created by this muted approach, others believe it is necessary to carefully craft a strategy for challenging Trump’s presidency. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been an exception, speaking out against Trump and Musk’s actions. However, most Democratic leaders are taking a more cautious approach, focusing on highlighting Trump’s policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of working-class Americans.
The Democratic National Committee chair race has also reflected this broader stasis within the party. The frontrunners are focused on party mechanics rather than ideological messaging. Progressive strategist Faiz Shakir has entered the race, highlighting the need for Democrats to challenge Trump’s failure to deliver for working people and address the influence of ruling elites.
Overall, the Democratic Party is in a period of transition, as leaders navigate a changing political landscape and seek to redefine the party’s brand in the face of Trump’s second administration. The focus is on strategic attacks, bipartisanship, and showcasing Democratic alternatives, rather than engaging in constant outrage. As the party looks ahead to the 2028 election, there is a sense of cautious optimism about the path forward.
