CNN host Abby Phillip and panelists argued that if Democrats are to win back voters, they need to take concrete steps to shift their far-left positions and make substantial changes. The discussion came as the party continues to grapple with internal conflict and the aftermath of its November losses.
Phillip emphasized that the party must risk offending its base by implementing actual policy reforms rather than just talking about them. This comes amid debates within the Democratic Party about how to move forward, with some members doubling down on far-left politics while others are calling for a reevaluation of the ‘woke’ policies that many believe have alienated voters.
On Tuesday evening, a panel on CNN discussed a recent report from The New York Times suggesting that Democrats are spending $20 million on a study aimed at understanding how to better connect with male voters. The panel addressed the party’s lack of a parallel to the podcaster Joe Rogan, who has gradually gained prominence in the ‘MAGA universe.’ CNN media correspondent Hadas Gold suggested the idea of creating a ‘sleeper’ podcast where the party funds independent voices.
However, Gold argued that such an idea wouldn’t necessarily work. She insisted that the only way to succeed is through authenticity, and the party needs to build credibility in a way that makes it attractive to diverse supporters. When she praised Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego as an example of authentic rhetorical style, Phillip responded that Democrats need actual policy substance to their reform.
‘Okay, but here’s the thing. They’re going to have to—you alluded to this,’ Phillip said, referring to former Biden White House official Dan Koh, who called for taking positions that may offend parts of the party. ‘They’re going to have to get rid of some sacred cows. This is going to be the hard part. Everybody talks about authenticity until the rubber meets the road, and they have to actually take positions that the activist, you know, consultant class base does not want them to take.’
Meanwhile, CNN commentator Shermichael Singleton expressed skepticism, stating that Democrats would need to make drastic changes to their positions to effectively target men of every color. He argued that the party has moved far to the left and that many members, even those from the South, don’t make room for guys to express their views openly on various issues.
When asked what changes he would make, Koh proposed better border enforcement and support for upward mobility, stating that ‘These positions aren’t popular with a lot of the party, but it’s what people are — to the point of putting people where they are, it’s where people are, and it’s where we need to be as well.’