4 months into Trump’s second term, Democrats remain pessimistic about their party

Democrats continue to grapple with pessimism about the future of their party, six months after suffering setbacks at the hands of President Donald Trump and Republicans. A recent national poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that only about one-third of Democrats are very or somewhat optimistic about the party’s future, a significant decline from last July when around six in 10 Democrats expressed optimism.

The Democratic Party has been in a state of disarray since the last November’s elections, which saw Republicans reclaim control of the White House, the Senate, and defend their House majority. The losses were compounded by Republicans making gains among traditionally Democratic voter groups such as Black and Hispanic voters, as well as younger voters.

The survey conducted in May points to a contrasting increase in optimism among Republicans, with 55% expressing optimism about the future of the GOP, up from 47% last summer. The resurgence of Republican enthusiasm has left many Democrats feeling disillusioned and frustrated with the party’s leadership.

In the wake of Trump’s return to power, an energized base of Democrats is calling for stronger opposition to the president’s agenda. There is a growing sentiment among Democrats that party leaders must take a more aggressive stance against the administration’s policies. This frustration is not only directed at Republicans but also at Democrats perceived as not vocal enough in their opposition to Trump.

As a result, the favorability ratings of the Democratic Party have plummeted to all-time lows in several recent polls. According to the AP-NORC survey, only around a third of all respondents have a positive view of the party. The GOP’s ratings are not much better, with only around four in 10 adults holding a favorable view of the Republican Party.

Key figures within the Democratic Party, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are also facing challenges in their favorability ratings. While Sanders maintains a positive image among around four in 10 Americans, Ocasio-Cortez’s favorability is viewed positively by only three out of 10 adults. However, roughly half of Democrats hold a favorable opinion of Ocasio-Cortez, who is seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender.

There are rumors that Ocasio-Cortez may challenge Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer in the 2028 elections. Schumer’s favorability ratings have taken a hit, with only 21% of adults viewing him positively. Despite a drop in support among Democrats, Schumer remains a prominent figure within the party.

Overall, the Democratic Party is facing a crisis of confidence among voters, with multiple polls indicating record-low favorability ratings. The party’s congressional leadership has also seen a decline in confidence, according to a recent Gallup poll. As Democrats struggle to regain momentum, Republicans appear to have the upper hand on key issues such as the economy and immigration, as indicated by recent polls.

The road ahead for the Democratic Party remains uncertain, with internal divisions and external challenges posing significant obstacles. As Democrats seek to rebuild and reenergize their base, the future of the party hangs in the balance.