Centrist Democrats are outraged with far-left members in their party, attributing recent electoral losses to progressive stances on issues like identity politics, policing, and gender.
Figures such as Rep. Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat, took to social media to these issues not only detract from addressing broader public concerns but also drive voters away.
In a post on X, Torres described the far-left’s agenda as more representative of social media platforms than of the real-world challenges of working Americans, saying that Democrats have more to lose than gain by prioritizing these divisive topics. Torres, like others, believes the focus should shift toward policies that resonate with the majority of voters rather than issues that may appeal to an online audience but not to the working class.
“Donald Trump has no greater friend than the far left, which has managed to alienate historic numbers of Latinos, Blacks, Asians, and Jews from the Democratic Party with absurdities like ‘Defund the Police’ or ‘From the River to the Sea’ or ‘Latinx,'” Torres posted.
“There is more to lose than there is to gain politically from pandering to a far left that is more representative of Twitter, Twitch, and TikTok than it is of the real world. The working class is not buying the ivory-towered nonsense that the far left is selling,” he added.
Other prominent Democrats have echoed these sentiments. Longtime strategist James Carville called “defund the police” one of the most damaging messages of recent years, labeling it “the three stupidest words in the English language,” Fox News reported.
Carville noted that while some left-wing ideas appeal to younger or more urban voters, they alienate moderate and swing voters, particularly in battleground states, making it difficult for Democrats to win crucial elections.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) voiced similar concerns, arguing that the party’s failure lies in its detachment from the struggles that fuel the populist “Make America Great Again” movement, which Trump’s base fervently supports. In a tweet thread on X, Murphy criticized the Democratic Party for dismissing concerns that resonate with many working- and middle-class Americans, further disconnecting from an electorate whose support they need to regain.
The internal conflict came into sharp focus when Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass) faced backlash from his party for condemning biological males competing in women’s sports. Moulton’s stance led to strong opposition within his ranks, with calls for his resignation from other Democrats, such as Massachusetts state Rep. Manny Cruz and Salem City Councilor Kyle Davis, the New York Times reported.
Despite the criticism, Moulton defended his position, stating that he supports equality and fairness in women’s sports, which he feels is consistent with his role as a father and legislator. He emphasized that the party needs to address voter concerns openly rather than conforming to an “unspoken Democratic Party purity test.”