Why Democrats are still losing the war of ideas – New York Post
Last week, a Politico/Morning Consult poll on President Trumps proposed travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries revealed a somewhat surprising discovery: 60 percent of voters agreed with Trumps proposed ban. That includes 56 percent of independents and even 41 percent of Democrats.
The plan, however, has a distinct advantage: Its the only idea on the table.
Whats the alternative to the ban from the left? Whats the plan to stop terrorist attacks? Literally nothing.
Every time theres a deadly attack, liberals rush to downplay the dead bodies as just a regular part of life and not take any action lest we radicalize more terrorists. After the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, then-President Barack Obama said that we refuse to be terrorized. After the November 2015 terrorist attacks in France, the deadliest day of violence in France since World War II, Mayor de Blasio said terrorists cant succeed if we refuse to be terrorized.
But that just isnt true. We can all refuse to be terrorized and get murdered anyway. Trumps ban is the only idea that isnt go on with our lives as if nothing happened.
Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders, the great leftist hope, says seriously that terrorism is caused by climate change. No wonder Trumps ban is resonating.
Is the ban wisely crafted? Of course not. It tightens visitation rules for people coming from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen but not from Saudi Arabia, Egypt or the United Arab Emirates the three countries from which all but one of the 9/11 hijackers hailed.
But at least it aims to do something while the other side has their fingers in their ears pretending nothing is happening.
Its not just terrorism. Trumps something on immigration, in his case a wall that would be astronomically expensive and likely ineffective, is more popular than the lefts nothing. What do Democrats believe on immigration?
They talk a lot about compassion, and Hillary Clinton spoke often of protecting families who are here illegally, but what is their actual position? Is it much different from being essentially open borders?
Last week, Rich Lowry called the Democratic position on immigration hostile to enforcement and to any skepticism about current high levels of immigration. The Democrats dont want to do anything to stop illegal immigration, and they dont want to enforce existing immigration laws, but they cant outright say so.
When a party cant vocalize its position because it would mean certain electoral death, thats a problem and its a problem Trump didnt have.
Its the same on health care, trade and other major issues. Trumps ideas are impulsive and often poorly thought-out but they exist. Democrats like Elizabeth Warren spend their time accusing Republicans of wanting people to die but not actually making changes to a crumbling ObamaCare system that has meant abject misery for so many Americans.
Democrats entire reason for being has become we are not Trump. They remain wrapped up in an election that happened eight months ago, convinced it was stolen from them by Russian hackers and unable to let go.
When Trump spoke in Poland last week, he defended Western values and liberals went apoplectic, calling it a racist dog whistle.
The left has become all safe spaces and language policing. And the Democrats seem to be coddling this because encouraging the Resistance to stay angry at everything is easier than taking stands on issues. But anyone who has ever worked in campaigns knows you need a message with some substance. Virtue signaling and posturing isnt enough.
Policy matters.
Last week, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee unveiled its latest proposed bumper stickers for the midterms. One that was widely mocked read Democrats 2018: I mean, have you seen the other guys?
Newsflash: The other guys control the White House, Senate, House and a majority of statehouses and governorships. Yes, the voters have seen the other guys they seem to like them.
Democrats are under the mistaken impression that simply pointing and laughing at Republicans, Trump in particular, is going to be enough. It hasnt been so far, and if signature Trump policies are going to poll at 60 percent approval, it wont be next time, either.
The rest is here:
Why Democrats are still losing the war of ideas - New York Post
- D.C. U.S. attorney probing Democrats over alleged threats, documents show - The Washington Post - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats face pressure to fight Trump agenda, but have limited power in the minority - NPR - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats need to use spending battle to control Trump, Tammy Baldwin says - POLITICO - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats in Congress Lack Trust From Their Own Voters: Poll - Newsweek - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats Announce Plan To Increase Special Education Funding By $40M - CT News Junkie - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- The Interview: Senator Ruben Gallego on the Democrats Problem - The New York Times - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Rep. Alma Adams says Democrats are challenging the Trump administration on several fronts - WFAE - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Republicans are teeing up the next big immigration test for nervous Democrats. Activist groups are watching. - POLITICO - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats Fear They Are Missing the Moment to Remake the Party - The New York Times - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Florida Democrats file bill to repeal six-week abortion ban - WCTV - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Idaho Democrats criticize GOP over Medicaid and education bills - Idaho News - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- The more Democrats fight, the more they'll lose: Former Speaker McCarthy - Fox News - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Senator Warner: Democrats brand is really bad - POLITICO Europe - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Column: Democrats belatedly wake up to start battling Trump and Musk - Los Angeles Times - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- What to expect as Republicans and Democrats meet in Detroit this weekend to select new party chairs - Michigan Advance - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Opinion | Why I still criticize Democrats more than Trump - The Washington Post - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats intend to rapidly pass $40 million spending package to fund special education programs - WTNH.com - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Michael Cohen warns Democrats that Trump 'already owns the libs' and that attacking him 'doesn't work' - Fox News - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- What can Democrats do about Trump and Musk's policy blitz? Here's what Washington lawmakers say - The Spokesman Review - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Gov. Hochul Meeting With Top Democrats About "The Path Forward" For New York City - Legislative Gazette - February 20th, 2025 [February 20th, 2025]
- Democrats call out Trump actions on Tesla, Musk - The Hill - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- This Small Rust-Belt City Holds the Secret to Democrats Latino Woes - The New Republic - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Democrats Swear Theyll Fight Elon Musk. But What About the Cash They Took From SpaceX? - The Intercept - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- More Democrats Favor Party Moderation Than in Past - Gallup.com - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- What is WAs parental bill of rights? And how are Democrats seeking to change it? - Washington State Standard - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Will an Allegheny County property tax hike haunt Democrats running for County Council? - 90.5 WESA - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- RFK Jr. confirmed as Trump's health secretary, over Democrats' loud objections - NPR - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- As Trump steamrolls Washington, Democrats search for a strategy and a voice - The Christian Science Monitor - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Strategic Vision's 2025 Most Loved Vehicle Awards: Republicans and Democrats Choose EVs as their Most Loved Vehicle, and It's Not Tesla - Business... - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- New to the Senate, Gallego challenges Democrats' views on 'working-class Latinos' - NPR - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Republicans think economy will improve over the next year, Democrats expect it to get worse - Pew Research Center - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Democrats rage against DOGE but shouldnt everyone be against waste? - The Hill - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Democrats unveil state legislative map for the next election cycle, with eyes on opposing Trump's agenda and redistricting - NBC News - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- FLORIDA DEMOCRATS RESPOND TO PASSAGE OF IMMIGRATION BILLS - Florida Democratic Party - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Letter From House Democrats on Justice Department Officials - The New York Times - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Democrats call Musk and DOGE 'evil.' But Trump is doing what Americans want. | Opinion - USA TODAY - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Opinion | Why Democrats Fail the Immigration Test Every Time - The New York Times - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Democrats are divided on government shutdown threats - POLITICO - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- "People are pissed": Inside Democrats' growing tension with their grassroots allies - Axios - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Latinos Bolted to the Right in 2024. Can Democrats Win Them Back? - The New York Times - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Aguilar says Democrats would oppose spending bill with Department of Education cuts - NBC News - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Democrats Need Judges to Rein In Trump. Theres No Plan B. - TIME - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Full List of Republicans, Democrats Who Voted Against RFK Jr.'s Nomination - Newsweek - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Democrats target Musk in first DOGE hearing on war on waste - NewsNation Now - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Opinion | Democrats Stand Up for the Bureaucrats Against DOGE - The Wall Street Journal - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- House Democrats warn Energy Department against canceling approved loans - The Hill - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Increasing numbers of Democrats want their party to oppose Trump CBS News poll analysis - CBS News - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Can Hakeem Jeffries be the leader the Democrats want? - The Independent - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Democrats Hint at Government Shutdown to Stop Trumps Axing at Federal Agencies - The New York Times - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Adams Asks for Voters Trust as Democrats Argue He Is in Thrall to Trump - The New York Times - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Conservatives clinch longtime goal of booting Democrats from leadership ranks in Texas House - The Texas Tribune - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Chapo Trap House Isnt Going to Save the Democrats - Vanity Fair - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Omar: Democrats attending Trumps inauguration sends the wrong message - The Hill - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Texas Democrats haven't been in power for 30 years. They just lost more control at the Capitol. - KUT - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- House Democrats, Secretary of State are suing House GOP lawmakers. Heres what you need to know. - Minnesota Reformer - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- GOP Threatens Weekend Work as Democrats Test Resolve on Nominees - Bloomberg Government - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Democrats Need a Bigger Tent on Abortion - Bloomberg - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Senate Republicans refuse to work with Democrats on immigration bill - MSNBC - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump axes Democrats on intelligence and privacy oversight board - Nextgov/FCW - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- GOP leaders mull a big debt-and-funding deal with Democrats - POLITICO - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Democrats struggle to pick their message against Trumps shock-and-awe campaign - The Associated Press - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Why Democrats are still in charge of the CFPB and OCC - American Banker - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump to visit battered North Carolina towns still suffering months after Helene: 'Treated badly by Democrats' - Fox News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump admin tells all Democrats on intelligence oversight board to resign - The Record from Recorded Future News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Rantz: WA Democrats pulled a fast one on voters as they undo parental rights initiative - MyNorthwest - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Diminished Democrats grit their teeth through second Trump inauguration - The Washington Post - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump: We have to get Democrats to approve tax cuts - The Hill - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- NEW: Donald Trump Rolls Back Biden-Harris Rule to Lower Drug Costs for Millions of Americans - Democrats.org - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- DEI is on Trump's chopping block. See how Democrats are fighting back. - USA TODAY - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Biden tries to lift Democrats' spirits on last full day in office - Reuters - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump ejects Democrats from intelligence-and-privacy oversight board - Defense One - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Note to Wisconsin Democrats: Cut the gas tax - Isthmus - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- WA Democrats push for gun permits, safe storage and limit on bulk buys - The Seattle Times - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- 2028 Watch: Here are the Democrats who may eventually jump into the next White House race - Fox News - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- Democrats Battleground Leader, Exiting Congress, Reflects on What She Learned - The New York Times - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- The Democrats and Republicans Best Positioned Right Now for 2028 - POLITICO - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- Democrats Brace for Mass Deportations in Sanctuary Cities As Trump's Agenda Beckons - Newsweek - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- Democrats face criticism that their party lost touch with working-class voters - KUOW News and Information - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- Senate Democrats to focus on economic issues and distributing opioid settlements funds - KGAN TV - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- Top Beacon Hill Democrats blast local press for persistent negative media narrative - Boston Herald - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]