The Democrats’ Biggest Problem
Author: Greg Valliere
April 21, 2025
REELING DEMOCRATS ARE STUNNED TO SEE the party below 30% positive in polls of voters — the lowest in their history. This has led to recriminations and finger-pointing, with one issue in the limelight.
THAT ISSUE IS THE AGE of many leading Democrats who seem reluctant to step aside for a new generation. But time waits for no one, whether in Rome or Washington.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: Nancy Pelosi, sill in the House, is 85, and her two former House leaders are still serving — Steny Hoyer, 85, and James Clyburn, 84. Chuck Schumer is 74.
ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL this spring is Bernie Sanders, 83, and even Joe Biden, 82, who has been making speeches — angering many Democrats, who believe Biden has become an albatross for the party.
THIS HAS MOTIVATED A NEW GENERATION of Democrats, led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who draws huge crowds, with Sanders. But both of them seem way too far to the left to be serious presidential candidates.
LOTS OF YOUNGER DEMOCRATS ARE SPEAKING OUT, LED BY Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, a decorated combat veteran who was breathing fire on Meet the Press this weekend.
AS FOR THE REPUBLICANS, they are afraid to confront Donald Trump, who is nearly 79. Trump has adroitly exploited the immigration issue, branding the Democrats as supporters of terrorists — still another reason why the Democrats’ polls are so poor.
SOME MODERATE GOVERNOR will emerge as a major player in the next year or two, focusing on the economy. But for now, the Democrats are stuck with a generational issue, with no fresh faces on the horizon.
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