Issues, Etc. Why the Democratic Party is Losing Voters on Social Issues – Ramesh Ponnuru, 11/14/25 (3182)
Nov 14, 2025
Ramesh Ponnuru, Editor at National Review and a political commentator, delves into why the Democratic Party is losing voter appeal on social issues. He highlights the disconnect between the party's elite base and broader electorate. Ponnuru discusses how progressive influences risk alienating traditional voters, including Christians, and emphasizes the importance of addressing public priorities. He also explores potential strategies, like running pro-life candidates, while cautioning against the party's deep ties to identity politics.
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Illusion Of Concentrated Electoral Strength
- Democrats perform strongly with high-propensity voters but weaken among occasional voters.
- That concentrated strength is insufficient to win national elections without broader reach.
College-Educated Base Sets The Agenda
- The Democratic Party is dominated by college-educated voters who set its agenda and language.
- Most voters are outside that group and feel little affinity for those priorities.
Progressives Driving Party Positions
- The progressive left is empowered and pushing to set party positions even when out of step with broader public opinion.
- Some nominal moderates adopt progressive stances privately while avoiding public emphasis.
