New York Times Calls Out Democrats’ Identity Politics After Crushing 2024 Defeat

The New York Times editorial board issued a sharp critique of the Democratic Party’s performance in the 2024 presidential election, calling out the party’s failure to reflect on its losses and its continued missteps.

Despite narrowly losing the presidency, Democrats suffered significant setbacks, including the loss of the Senate, the inability to reclaim the House, and poor showings in several governor and state legislature races.

The editorial argues that instead of engaging in meaningful introspection, many Democratic leaders are blaming external factors like inflation and voter turnout for their defeat.

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The op-ed highlights comments from key Democratic figures, such as Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who claimed, “We’ve got the right message… What we need to do is connect it back with the voters.”

Governor Tim Walz, who was the party’s vice-presidential nominee, added, “I don’t think we’re going to win over those 77 million that voted for Donald Trump… I’m concerned with the 90 million who stayed home.”

According to the editorial board, these excuses fail to address the root problems facing the party.

The Democrats’ strategy has alienated key voter demographics, leaving them vulnerable to further defeats.

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The article points to the party’s low approval ratings, noting that only “27 percent of Americans now have a favorable view of the Democratic Party,” which represents their lowest approval in decades.

The Democrats now have a 27% approval rating. pic.twitter.com/3p4egSty2j

— Bill Maher (@billmaher) March 26, 2025

Polling data has shown that “the more people vote, the better Republicans do,” underscoring the Democrats’ continued struggle to expand their base.

The editorial also takes aim at the Democratic Party’s overreliance on identity politics, arguing that the party has focused too much on divisions based on race, gender, and sexuality, rather than shared American values.

This emphasis, the board asserts, has turned off many voters, including a growing number of Asian, Black, and Latino voters.

Democrats who succeeded in areas that Trump won, such as Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona and Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, adopted a more moderate approach, focusing on border security and law enforcement while acknowledging their party’s failings on social issues.

The editorial board’s critique points out that progressives’ tendency to “scold” Americans for their views has only deepened the divide.

The left’s stance on issues like race and gender has been perceived by many as condescending, further distancing them from the voters they need to win back.

The suggestion that progressives “sometimes adopt a scolding, censorious posture” is seen by many as an understatement, as this behavior has been a hallmark of the left’s political strategy for years.

To recover from their losses, the editorial board advises Democrats to engage in self-reflection.

They suggest that the party acknowledge the mismanagement of Joe Biden’s cognitive issues, embrace more moderate policy stances, and offer bold new ideas to improve the lives of Americans.

In 1988, Joe Biden had 2 brain aneurysms — had to have brain surgery.

In 2008, he was criticized for hiding his health issues.

In 2020, more questions about Joe’s health and cognitive decline.

Yet, every year, Biden’s doctor — Dr. Kevin O’Connor — has signed off, saying Joe… pic.twitter.com/WaqdDJHwZB

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) July 9, 2024

While some Democrats have acknowledged the ineffectiveness of trying to present Biden as mentally sharp, the editorial suggests that a shift toward moderate policies might be too much to ask from the current leadership.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ deviation from her more socialist stances during the 2024 campaign is noted, but the editorial points out that Harris never clearly explained why she had shifted her views, leaving voters uncertain about her commitment to a more moderate agenda.

Meanwhile, the progressive wing of the party, led by figures like Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), continues to push for far-left policies.

This faction’s influence is growing, making it unclear if the moderate wing can counterbalance their rise.

The editorial concludes with a bleak assessment of the Democratic Party’s current trajectory, noting that the party remains stuck in its usual talking points, such as “America is bigoted” and “Orange Man Bad.”

The question, the editorial board asks, is when the party will finally recognize its mistakes and make the necessary changes.

Until then, the GOP will continue to capitalize on its control of the White House and Congress, potentially solidifying its power if Democrats fail to adapt.

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