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This election marked a rejection of feel-good vibes without action, demonization, and elitism—a needed wake-up call for Democrats. While some elders avoid hard conversations, as Gen Z elected Democrats, we feel compelled to enter the fray and suggest the necessary changes so that we can have a competitive party in the future to lead.
Throughout 2024, Democrats pushed the message that America’s inflation wasn’t as severe as in other countries. But for those struggling with rent, bills, and gas, this was dismissive and offered no plan to address everyday costs or debt relief. We focused on first-time homebuyers and lowering prescription costs for seniors, but what about groceries and gas? Telling people to “shop at the right places” doesn’t pay rent or fill tanks. We need to ground campaigns in the reality of people’s daily expenses, proposing solutions to lower those costs rather than relying on past achievements.
Our biggest mistake was positioning ourselves as the “party of labor” while mainly supporting unionized workers. Though union support is crucial, most Americans aren’t unionized. Non-union workers—whether in fast food, secretarial workers, or day laborers—need wage hikes, secure pensions, and reliable healthcare. Ignoring them alienates a core constituency. American workers aren’t a special interest group—they’re the country’s backbone, and they need a party that genuinely fights for them.
We lost partly because we demonized fellow Americans. President Biden’s “garbage” comment about the other side was downplayed as a mistake, but it underscored a broader issue: labeling Trump supporters as irredeemable rather than engaging with them. While Trump’s rhetoric has been offensive, ignoring or disparaging his supporters drove many undecided voters away. Instead of retreating to our base, we should reach out and aim to change minds.
Even our base wasn’t thrilled with the nominee this time. Although we respect Harris, she lacks the national appeal Biden had in 2020. Biden should have exited earlier, allowing a primary to yield a stronger candidate. Meanwhile, relying on celebrity endorsements and “vibes” alienated many, especially young men who are drawn to figures like Joe Rogan and conservative movements rejecting woke politics and elitism. We need to connect with them on economic issues, avoid fearmongering, stop the fascist talk, and focus on what resonates: financial stability and straightforward values.
The Dobbs decision brought abortion to the states, and in 2022, many Democratic candidates won on codifying abortion protections. Since then, a majority of states, including red ones, have either protected abortion rights through ballot referendums or rejected referendums to remove access as a right. With that, the 2024 focus on a federal ban backfired. We should instead advance basic protections, setting a Constitutional floor while respecting state rights on the issue.
If we want to rebuild coalitions like those of past Democratic leaders, we must stop writing off the South and rural America. These communities aren’t lost causes. They need fair wages, healthcare access, and respect for their values. Missouri’s support for minimum wage increases and abortion protections while voting Republican shows that rural voters are open to progress but don’t trust a party that dismisses them. Addressing their concerns on economic stability, healthcare, and sensible gun laws will earn their respect.
Senator Bob Casey’s campaign in Pennsylvania used an effective ad that addressed immigration concerns by first acknowledging the problem, then presenting real solutions. We need to follow suit, discussing immigration with empathy and proposing actionable solutions like more judges, patrols, and legal immigration pathways. This approach would also help regain Hispanic support, a group with nuanced views on immigration.
Our party has focused too heavily on niche issues like gender-affirming rights and foreign policy in Gaza. While these are important, they don’t resonate with most voters who are worried about paying bills. Instead, we should prioritize Social Security, a vital issue for all Americans. Biden talked about protecting it, but now, with Trump in power, it’s genuinely under threat. We should promise to reduce most taxes on Social Security benefits and protect those funds from misuse, ensuring retirees get what they’ve earned.
Energy independence should also be a winning issue for Democrats. We need to emphasize job creation and grid security rather than environmental alarmism. Clean energy can bring well-paying jobs to former coal and gas workers, offering real economic benefits.
As Gen Z voters, we’ve grown up with the impacts of gun violence and want common-sense gun reforms. Simple regulations once had bipartisan support, and many Americans, even in conservative areas, would back policies that balance the Second Amendment with public safety. Instead of being labeled the “gun-grabbing party,” we should support gun rights while advocating for responsible regulation, similar to what exists for other high-risk products.
It’s time for Democrats to get real. Our party has become perceived as soft, out-of-touch, and ineffective. To build a winning coalition, we need to toughen up, focus on Americans’ core concerns, and stay patriotic. Let’s stand up for the working class, rural communities, and everyone who feels left behind. We should be the party that truly listens, builds up, and prioritizes Americans first in ways that matter.
