Where Could the Democrats Go From Here?

Democrats will need to start by regaining public trust on basic voter issues.

“History doesn’t repeat itself but it often rhymes,” as Mark Twain famously observed. And nowadays, it often does so literally. While I, unfortunately, lack the skills to offer hip, rhyming historic analysis like Lin Manuel Miranda (or Edward Sherman, the creator of my preferred colonial musical), I will take a stab at applying lessons from the past to what is currently one of politics’ most pressing questions: Where could the Democrats go from here?

Modern American politics, starting with the turn of the millenia, share some parallels to the late 20th century that can be viewed as a loose timeline for evolving cultural attitudes and perspectives. The Bush administration’s Iraq War paralleled Vietnam in reshaping public trust, while Bush’s “compassionate conservatism” echoed Eisenhower’s moderate Republican ethos. Barack Obama’s historic presidency and masterful media presence drew natural comparisons to JFK’s Camelot, while Donald Trump’s populist appeal tapped into Reagan-era nostalgia from the 80s.

If this pattern holds, we’re entering a 1990s-style technological renaissance. The emerging Tech Right, led by figures like Elon Musk, signals a potential GOP national majority built on innovation and deregulation. Yet, this vision faces resistance from tech-skeptical traditionalists within the Republican Party, creating an opening for Democrats to chart a new course.

But Democrats will need to start by regaining public trust on basic voter issues. Kitchen table concerns still drive voter behavior more than tech policy. The recent Trump victory appears far more tied to inflated grocery prices than questions about AI startup fundraising. A drone invasion or bird flu outbreak could overshadow discussions about America’s regulatory framework for AI or cryptocurrency. And on many of these core issues, like national security and crisis management, Republicans still lead.

Democrats must address these fundamental challenges while offering a distinct vision for the country’s growth. And they have a ways to go. Democrats have long presided over dysfunctional urban epicenters. Their years of failed experiments with defunding the police and refusing to prosecute crimes have helped the GOP firmly establish itself as the party of law and order. Meanwhile, the left-wing party’s politicization of business, education, pop culture and the courts has enraged Americans who want to go to Target or listen to the radio without having a new, exceedingly progressive worldview thrusted upon them. And an influx in illegal immigration has turned attention to Democrats’ strife with proper border enforcement.

All this is not to suggest Democrats will — or even should — wholeheartedly adopt the policies of the right. For the sake of the political pendulum and pluralism, we should want our political parties to be different and offer a blend of ideas to the national discourse. Democrats hold a valuable voice when it comes to elevating instances of social injustice and inequality, and millions of Americans still see issues of police brutality, corporate sustainability and humane immigration reform as viable proposals for candidates to run on. But Democrats can no longer win elections with rhetoric alone. While keeping in line with the interests of the Democratic voter base, the party must offer sound solutions to real time problems.

First and foremost, the Democrats need to get their own house in order. Blue states and cities, most prominently New York and California, need to restore the presence of law enforcement and effective prosecution of crime with urgency. This will mean trading the old guard of longtime elected leaders like Gov. Kathy Hochul for fresh faces (perhaps Rep. Richie Torres?) in the way New Jersey traded the corruption-plagued Bob Menedez for 42-year-old reformer, now-Sen. Andy Kim.

Furthermore, Democrats can lead on the issue of government accountability as the outsider party from the current Republican trifecta. Whether it’s ensuring the existing social safety net programs are solvent and efficient in the modern era, or negotiating bipartisan standards for the rule of law and the role of regulators, the left should do the uncomfortable work needed to ensure fiscal and legal soundness. While this will require castigating Elizabeth Warren to the outskirts of the big blue tent, creating term-over-term stability to law enforcement and social welfare will cool the political temperature across the board.

And most importantly, the Democrats will need to chart a path centered on prosperity. By and large, policy domains like housing, the environment and public works are still led by the left. Stability in these areas is essential to allow young people to succeed financially, build their own families and live healthy lives. But Democrats will need to think like entrepreneurs, not social engineers, setting aside interests in perfectionist equity to pursue innovation and national development.

By focusing on these fundamentals rather than cultural flashpoints, Democrats can build a coalition that resonates with Americans’ aspirations for stability and growth. The tech revolution may provide the backdrop, but delivering tangible improvements in daily life will determine political success in the decade ahead.

For the time being, a Republican victory in the 2028 presidential race looks exceedingly likely. Trump currently holds a high “honeymoon” period approval rating, something he did not experience in his first go-around. While the GOP seems poised for an ideological clash, the left still has a lot of steps to take to avoid a renomination of the outgoing Vice President. We shall see. If this year showed anything, it’s that the DNC is immune to listening to heterodox voices.

Author bio: Sam Raus is a nationally-published political analyst and trained public relations professional working across the private and public sector. He writes about various issues including tech policy, economics, foreign relations, applied history and culture. Raus is a native of the Philadelphia metro area and avid reader. Sam Raus can be found on X @SamRaus1.