CNN’s senior political data reporter Harry Enten has drawn sharp criticism against the Democratic Party, describing its current state as ‘messier than a hoarder’s basement.’ Enten’s comments come as the party continues to struggle with internal disagreements and a lack of a clear direction in the wake of recent election losses. He pointed out that the party has not only failed to find a new leader but has also disappointed voters, creating a significant challenge for the Democratic establishment.
Enten’s analysis was part of a discussion on CNN News Central, where host Kate Bolduan addressed Kamala Harris’s recent remarks to Stephen Colbert. Harris, the former Vice President, spoke at length about her decision not to run for Governor of California and hinted at a potential 2028 presidential bid. Bolduan highlighted that Harris’s comments left the door open for her to run again in the future, showing that she is not ruling out a return to the presidential race.
Despite her comments, Enten emphasized that the Democratic Party’s search for leadership is far from over. He argued that the party remains historically divided over the proper path forward, making it difficult to produce a unifying figure. ‘The water is quite warm,’ Enten said, advising potential candidates to ‘jump right in’ because there is currently no frontrunner for the 2028 election.
Enten also pointed to recent polling data that suggests the Democratic Party’s image is at an all-time low. According to three similar polls, the party is perceived as ‘total and complete garbage’ by many Americans. The party’s net favorable ratings are record lows, with the Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Gallup all showing significant negative ratings. This sentiment is largely driven by discontent within the Democratic base, which has been seeking a new direction for the party.
Enten concluded that the future of the Democratic Party will depend on the choices made by its base. ‘We’ll ultimately end up seeing who they choose,’ he said, noting that whatever decision the base makes, ‘it will be quite the thing who ultimately gets the rose.’ The analyst’s comments reflect growing concerns about the Democratic Party’s ability to regain public trust and unite its members as it looks ahead to its next major electoral challenge.