Former Clinton pollster Doug Schoen delivers a scathing rebuke of today’s Democratic Party, declaring “It isn’t the party of John F. Kennedy or Bill Clinton” as he clings to his membership while openly admitting he has “very little in common” with the woke, far-left direction the party has taken.
Key Takeaways
- Doug Schoen, a former Clinton pollster, expressed deep concerns about the Democratic Party’s shift toward far-left ideologies, stating moderates are “not welcome” in today’s party.
- Democrats faced criticism for their behavior during President Trump’s address to Congress, particularly for not acknowledging a 13-year-old battling brain cancer.
- Former Clinton advisors warn that Democrats’ “amateurish” resistance to Trump is resulting in “record lows” in polls while Trump’s ratings continue to rise.
- Schoen believes Democrats must offer policy alternatives addressing border security, inflation, crime, and immigration reform to remain relevant to American voters.
- Sen. John Fetterman’s potential party switch was highlighted as evidence of growing discomfort among moderate Democrats with the party’s current direction.
A Party Transformed: Democrats’ Leftward Shift
The transformation of the Democratic Party from the centrist days of Bill Clinton to its current progressive stance has become too extreme for some of its longtime strategists. Doug Schoen, who helped build and re-elect President Clinton, expressed profound discomfort with his party’s direction during a recent interview. His concerns highlight a growing rift between traditional Democratic values and the party’s new ideological framework, raising questions about whether moderates can still find a political home within its ranks as the 2024 election approaches.
“I certainly think that is possible, if you look at what he’s said and what he’s done. It’s clear he’s uncomfortable in the Democratic Party, as frankly I am. I disagree with the Republicans on a lot of things. They go further than I would go. So I cling to my membership in the Democratic Party, but it’s not the same party.” – Doug Schoen
Schoen’s candid assessment reflects the identity crisis facing Democrats who rose to prominence during the Clinton era. When discussing Senator John Fetterman, who has shown signs of breaking with Democratic orthodoxy on issues like immigration and Gaza, Schoen acknowledged the possibility of party-switching. This potential realignment signals deeper concerns about whether the Democratic Party still represents the values and policy positions that once made it competitive across broader segments of the American electorate.
Congressional Address Behavior Draws Criticism
The Democrats’ conduct during President Trump’s recent address to Congress became a flashpoint for criticism, even from longtime party strategists. Mark Penn, another former Clinton advisor, warned that Democrats’ refusal to stand or applaud at any point during Trump’s speech came across as “amateurish” and is contributing to their declining poll numbers. The stark contrast between rising approval ratings for Trump and falling numbers for Democrats suggests a tactical misstep that resonated poorly with the American public.
Republican Senator Katie Britt expressed disappointment that Democratic colleagues couldn’t “stand and show love” for American citizens being recognized during the address, including a young cancer survivor. This moment crystallized the partisan divide that has increasingly characterized American politics. Democrats’ official response, delivered by Senator Elissa Slotkin, attempted to contrast Trump’s leadership unfavorably with Ronald Reagan’s approach during the Cold War, but failed to address the substantive policy concerns that voters consistently rank as priorities.
Path Forward: Policy Alternatives Needed
For the Democratic Party to regain relevance with American voters, Schoen prescribes a clear return to addressing kitchen-table issues. He specifically highlighted the need for Democrats to offer substantive alternatives on border security, inflation reduction, crime policies, and immigration reform. Without these policy corrections, Schoen fears his party will remain “irrelevant” to the concerns that actually drive voter decision-making. This strategic assessment calls for Democrats to recognize the legitimate concerns of American citizens rather than dismissing them in favor of ideological purity.
“It isn’t the party of John F. Kennedy or Bill Clinton. Moderates are really not welcome. And I wish we could have the kind of discussion about issues that most of us want, that President Trump, I think, was inviting from the opposition, that is sadly absent. It’s a woke, far-left party that I really have very little in common with, with the party that I helped build and [helped] re-elect, proudly, Bill Clinton.” – Doug Schoen
The disconnect between Democratic leadership and voter priorities appears increasingly pronounced. Schoen’s comparison to 1994, when Bill Clinton successfully pivoted after the Gingrich revolution, provides a historical template for how Democrats might reconnect with mainstream America. That adaptation preserved Democratic relevance during a challenging political moment. Today’s Democrats face a similar crossroads, but thus far appear resistant to the policy adjustments that might bridge the widening gap between their progressive agenda and the pragmatic concerns of everyday Americans.
Sources:
- Former Clinton Pollster Admits He’s Clinging To Party Membership As Far Left Drifts From Core Values
- Pollster warns Democrats’ ‘amateurish’ anti-Trump antics are ‘tanking’ with Americans
