WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch
Can the Democrats Make a Comeback During Trump 2.0?
Mar 27, 2025
Ruy Teixeira, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a keen observer of the Democratic Party’s evolution, dives into the party's current crisis. He highlights the alarming decline in approval ratings and urban governance issues fueled by mismanagement. Teixeira discusses demographic shifts favoring Republicans and suggests vital changes for the Democrats to regain relevance. He also explores potential bipartisan opportunities, emphasizing the need for compromise amidst Trump’s evolving policies. Can the Democrats adapt, or are they stuck in dysfunction?
26:40
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Quick takeaways
- Democrats face unprecedented challenges due to historically low approval ratings and the migration of voters from blue to red states.
- The party's entrenched interests and reluctance for meaningful reforms have led to governance failures in major cities, damaging their reputation.
Deep dives
Democratic Party's Challenges in a Trump Era
The Democratic Party faces significant challenges in the context of Donald Trump's administration, with approval ratings reaching historically low levels reminiscent of pre-New Deal times. The movement of people from blue states to red states is contributing to this decline, as many perceive red states as better governed and more prosperous. This demographic shift restricts the Democrats' influence, confining them to increasingly smaller regions, which complicates their ability to form effective national coalitions. The conjecture that Democrats can rely solely on Trump's unpopularity to regain traction appears misguided, as their branding and governance have not resonated with broader voter demographics.
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