The Tone-Deaf Democrats
Author: Greg Valliere
December 9, 2024
DEMOCRATS ARE STILL in a state of shock, but that didn’t stop them from convening this weekend at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where it’s impossible to find a room that costs under $500 a night ($600 with taxes).
THE PARTY’S TOP GOVERNORS met in closed-door sessions with donors, interest groups and advocacy organizations.
OSTENSIBLY, THE DEMOCRATS met to map strategy for next year’s New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, but there the meetings clearly aimed at where the party should head following the November debacle.
ATTENDEES INCLUDED Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Tim Walz of Minnesota, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Roy Cooper of North Carolina.
FOR NOW, THE DEMOCRATS are pledging to cooperate with Trump, who sounded somewhat conciliatory in an extensive interview this past weekend on “Meet the Press.” The Democrats clearly were auditioning for the presidency.
TRUMP HAS QUITE AN OPPORTUNITY, if he’s serious about an immigration deal with Democrats on “dreamers.” But he seems adamant on tariff hikes and seems to have little interest in sending more aid to Ukraine.
OUR SENSE IS THAT THE ACRIMONY will intensify even before the Jan. 20 inauguration. Is Trump really serious about jailing Democrats who attempted to bring charges against him? That issue alone could plunge Washington politics into a deep freeze.
BUT THE DEMOCRATS SENSE AN OPPORUNITY. The early frontrunner is the liberal Newsom, but Whitmer is a first-rate politician whose support in Michigan and neighboring states would be critical.
IN THE MEANTIME, the Democrats would be well-advised to stay away from Beverly Hills — not the message they need to send.
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