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The desire for confrontation within the Democratic Party—among both its activists and its key figures—has never been more evident. A recent internal clash erupted after Chuck Schumer joined forces with Republicans to push through a contentious spending bill, much to the frustration of several Democratic Senators. This scenario presents a crucial moment for leading Democrats to lay out a vision that could potentially lift their party from its current state of obscurity.
The environment feels ready for the release of pent-up frustrations. Yet, the potential ramifications of this moment may be limited.
Recent polling suggests that Democrats are at a critical crossroads. Their public perception has plummeted, with only 29% of Americans expressing a favorable view of the party—a staggering 20-point drop since January 2021, when Trump exited the White House and Biden took office, according to a CNN poll released this week. Alarmingly, just 63% of party members view their organization positively.
What party loyalists expect from their leaders is particularly revealing. A significant 57% of Democrats now believe that the primary focus should be on obstructing the Republican agenda, a marked shift from the 23% who wanted opposition to be a priority during Trump’s first year. It’s essential to recognize that this isn’t 2017; the current discord carries a notably different flavor. While the fervor of the Resistance may not be as potent as it was during Trump’s administration, the call for a more robust opposition is unmistakably present.
This eagerness for confrontation seems to be more than just a passing trend. The CNN poll was taken right before a group of nearly a dozen Senate Democrats, led by Schumer, collaborated with Republicans to prevent a government shutdown. The heated discussions surrounding that controversial vote are now influencing the narrative on how Democrats should proceed. For the party’s leading figures—many eyeing the 2028 presidential race—their reactions to Schumer’s contentious choice may prove pivotal.
Take Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has been quietly preparing for a 2028 bid. On Tuesday, he attended a session at the Center for American Progress aimed at tackling the challenges of the second Trump era. When asked about his support for Schumer’s action to maintain government funding, Pritzker chose to withhold endorsement.
“He’s the elected leader,” Pritzker remarked. “I strongly disagree with his decision. However, I also acknowledge that he has made significant contributions as a Senate leader in other areas.” This diplomatic stance may resonate well with voters in New Hampshire, where he is already a well-known figure ahead of a key Democratic Party fundraiser next month.
In stark contrast to Pritzker’s measured approach, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been unwaveringly critical of Schumer’s decisions. Even prior to Schumer’s formal alignment with the GOP on the spending proposal, she was already hinting at the possibility of a primary challenge against him in 2028. Even centrist Democrats are starting to consider what a Senator Ocasio-Cortez could mean for the party’s future.
Throughout the political landscape, there’s a palpable sense of unease regarding the party’s direction. Representative Glenn Ivey from Maryland has publicly called for Schumer’s resignation, and he may have company if conditions worsen. Once mainstream lawmakers’ consultants show through polling that such a stance is safe, more may join him.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom is seeking to broaden his appeal, albeit in ways that some may view as either strategic or misguided. He has urged Senate Democrats to allow a government shutdown rather than concede to Republicans over a budget that would impose harsh cuts, while also defending his recent amicable interactions with conservative figures like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. “After the last election, we all agreed that it’s essential for Democrats to explore fresh and innovative ways to connect with people,” Newsom communicated to his supporters via email. (This approach might explain why a recent book suggests that Trump felt intimidated by the idea 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 may present a more appealing alternative. While Republicans are avoiding town halls to escape hostile constituents, Walz is actively engaging with House districts held by Republican incumbents. Recently, he posed a question to an audience in Omaha regarding Senate Democrats and the potential government shutdown: “I get the sense that many wish they had voted differently. Is that right?” The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
However, Walz, who thrives when campaigning on his terms, remained grounded in reality. “Chuck understands, and others recognize, the significant consequences of a shutdown,” Walz told a local NPR station. This pragmatic perspective was also evident during a previous appearance in Des Moines, where he suggested that searching for the party’s next leader may be an exercise in futility. “There will not be a charismatic figure swooping in to solve this. It will require active participation from people on a beautiful Friday afternoon, demanding change and holding leaders accountable.”
Numerous other figures seem more preoccupied with carving out their paths for the 2028 election than with 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. Attention remains focused on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped in for Biden late in the 2024 campaign, has signaled that she will likely announce her intentions regarding a 2028 run by the end of the 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 player in the political arena for the foreseeable future. Unlike Republicans, who have recently demonstrated their commitment to 2028 by appointing Vice President J.D. Vance as the chief fundraiser for the Republican National Committee, Democrats currently lack a unified strategy for navigating the coming months, let alone the midterms or the 2028 elections. Without a cohesive approach, their time in the political wilderness will largely be dictated by Trump and his supporters. As internal divisions continue, all that the fatigued electorate sees is a party rife with discussions about confronting Trump, yet devoid of a clear plan to achieve that end.
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