The Messenger: Democrats Need To Learn How To Get Excited About the Center-Left

Since 2016, the Democratic Party’s tent has seen growth fueled by suburban independents, moderates, and disaffected Republicans who have rejected the modern GOP’s embrace of MAGA extremism. At the same time, however, the Democratic Party’s activist class has taken an increasingly leftward turn, embracing left-wing populism and purity politics that alienate the rest of the party. For example, the party’s appeal is diminishing among rural and non-white working-class voters.

The Democratic Party has the potential to once again become a true big tent party, united in support of core liberal values — standing up for democracy, protecting LGBTQ rights, women’s reproductive freedoms and restoring the American dream — but we won’t expand our coalition if we keep applying progressive purity tests to Democrats running in competitive districts and states.

As Democrats gear up for the 2024 election cycle, it’s critical for the party to build grassroots support for center-left and moderate Democrats who have enabled the party’s biggest successes over the past six years and who will ensure that Democrats gain a sustainable majority.