Centrist Dems turn on far left after the election: ‘Identity politics’ is ‘absolutely killing us’
Centrist Democrats are pointing fingers at their far-left colleagues in the wake of Election Day, claiming that their focus on “identity politics” and other issues contributed to significant victories for the GOP. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from New York, went as far as to say that President-elect Trump has found no greater ally than the far left within his own party. Many like-minded Democrats are echoing these sentiments, citing racial politics, anti-police rhetoric, and gender controversies as driving away millions of potential voters.
In a scathing post, Torres criticized the far left’s disconnect from reality, stating that pandering to a niche group more aligned with social media platforms like Twitter, Twitch, and TikTok is a losing strategy. He emphasized that the working class is not buying into the radical ideas being pushed by the far left. Longtime Democratic strategist, James Carville, also condemned the slogan “defund the police,” calling it the “three stupidest words in the English language” and warning of the lasting damage it has caused to the party’s image.
Several Democratic lawmakers in both the House and the Senate have joined Torres in denouncing their party’s extreme positions. One centrist House Democrat expressed frustration with the emphasis on identity politics, labeling it as detrimental to their electoral prospects. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut criticized the party for being out of touch with the concerns driving support for Trump, urging Democrats to listen more and avoid dictating to voters what is best for them.
However, not all Democrats are on board with a shift away from progressive ideologies. When Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts spoke out against biological males competing in women’s sports, he faced backlash and calls for his resignation. Fellow Democrats accused him of betraying the LGBTQ community and caving to political pressure. Despite the criticism, Moulton stood by his comments, refusing to apologize and emphasizing the need for honest discussions within the party.
As tensions within the Democratic Party escalate, the debate over the direction of the party and its messaging continues. While some members advocate for a more moderate approach to appeal to a broader base of voters, others remain committed to progressive values and social justice issues. The party faces a critical moment of reflection and decision-making as it grapples with internal divisions and seeks to rebuild support ahead of future elections.
