Bulwark Takes

Democrats Are Rebuilding — But With Whom?

Apr 16, 2025
Lauren Egan, the resident dim whisperer at The Bulwark, dives deep into the Democrats' evolving strategy amidst shifting leadership dynamics. She discusses Senator Cory Booker's recent filibuster as a sign of change and Senator Chris van Hollen's trip to El Salvador, which indicates new priorities for the party. Egan highlights the struggle to distance from Biden's legacy while identifying fresh voices and innovative messaging that can resonate with voters, particularly in light of rising right-wing challenges.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Biden's Awkward Post-Presidency Speech

  • Joe Biden's post-presidency speech was marred by technical issues and inaudibility, causing frustration among listeners.
  • Lauren Egan noted his struggle to communicate clearly, evoking PTSD-like reactions reminiscent of his 2024 campaign moments.
INSIGHT

Biden's Toxicity within Democrats

  • Biden is seen as a complicated and toxic figure within the Democratic Party due to his role in recent political failures.
  • Many Democratic voters and strategists prefer the party to move on and not have him as a central figure in future campaigns.
INSIGHT

Democrats' Leadership Vacuum

  • Kamala Harris receives more grace than Biden but remains tied to his political legacy, complicating her future.
  • The Democratic Party is currently leaderless, lacking a clear figurehead to unify and energize it post-Biden and Harris.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app