Reforming the Democratic Party: A Vision for Real Change
November 9, 2024 - The loss of the presidency and where we go from here
The 2024 election has left the Democratic Party at a crossroads. As I see it, there were several factors that led to our defeat. From Joe Biden’s last-minute decision to drop out to the neglect of voices advocating for Palestinian rights, and the impact of third-party candidates, it’s clear there were numerous challenges. However, the real issue that cost us—and perhaps even the country—was the leadership's decision to pander to right-wing voters while alienating the party’s core. Working-class individuals, Latinos, African Americans, and young voters were left disillusioned, watching as the Democratic leadership distanced itself from their needs. It’s time for a complete reformation of the party from the top down.
The Need for Accountability
To move forward, we need to start by acknowledging mistakes. The Democratic Party leadership cannot continue to blame progressives for recent failures. Under the establishment’s guidance, we lost in 2016, barely scraped by in 2020, and suffered a significant loss in 2024. This “pivot to the right” is simply unsustainable and has cost us the support of those we need most.
It’s time for the progressive wing to take charge. The moderate and establishment members should still be part of the party, but they can no longer dictate leadership or policy. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) itself must undergo a transformation—or even be replaced altogether with a new body that truly reflects the values and priorities of its members.
Addressing the Issues That Matter
If we’re serious about change, we need to focus on what matters most to Americans right now:
1. Economic Relief for Working Families: The Democratic leadership needs to understand that, for most Americans, the prices of basic goods and housing are still too high. It doesn’t matter how well the economy is doing statistically if people aren’t feeling the benefits in their daily lives.
2. Authentic Engagement with Latino and Black Communities: Latinos and African Americans are not monolithic groups. We’re tired of the pandering and empty promises. The party needs to address our concerns with sincerity and follow through on its commitments.
3. Protection for Vulnerable Communities: Immigrants and LGBTQ+ individuals are now more vulnerable than ever, especially in red states. The Democratic Party leadership has placed these communities at risk through inaction and stubbornness. Protecting their rights needs to be a top priority moving forward.
A New Leadership and Messaging Strategy
Reforming the DNC or replacing it altogether with a body that genuinely represents progressive values is just the beginning. We need a fresh leader who is not part of the establishment or centrist circles, someone who can unify the party and inspire voters over the next four years.
Alongside new leadership, the party must also overhaul its messaging strategy. Kamala Harris, despite being a solid candidate, was overshadowed by the larger campaign and missed the chance to communicate her own accomplishments clearly. Moving forward, we need a messaging approach that highlights individual leaders’ achievements and creates a distinct connection with voters.
Countering Right-Wing Influencers and Embracing Social Media
To engage young people, we need to counter right-wing influencers who exploit them and offer genuine solutions that reflect our values. Right-wing influencers and grifters are exploiting young people’s frustrations, pulling them to the right. Our job is to expose this manipulation and offer concrete examples of how progressive policies can make a difference in their lives.
We can take inspiration from Kamala HQ’s successful social media accounts on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, which used innovative engagement tactics to build momentum. TikTok, Twitter, and other social platforms allow for rapid, relatable communication that resonates with young audiences. Let’s build a dedicated social media team to focus on trend-based, transparent messaging that makes our policies clear and accessible.
Looking to the Future
It’s time to develop both long- and short-term strategies to protect the rights and communities under threat from the new administration. We need to lay the groundwork now for the 2026 midterms, mobilizing a strong grassroots network and delivering clear messaging on the key issues.
The road ahead is challenging, but the potential for real change is within our reach. By staying true to our values, holding ourselves accountable, and embracing the strength of progressive leadership, we can create a Democratic Party that is ready to meet the needs of all Americans.
