The left’s response to their stunning election loss has been more of the same: fear-mongering about Trump and his political picks. But here’s the thing—endlessly criticizing Trump or claiming half the country supports him because they’re homophobic, racist, or misogynistic is not a winning strategy. Instead, the Democratic Party should be asking itself a much harder question: Why do so many Americans feel like the party has failed them?

The reality is, many voters who support Trump do so not out of hatred or bigotry, but because they see him as a disruptor of the status quo. They see a system that has ignored their struggles—rising costs, economic uncertainty, and community decay—and feel that Trump represents their frustrations with a political elite that seems indifferent to their pain. While the left focuses on fear about Trump locking up political opponents, it’s worth remembering the same accusations were hurled his way in 2016 over Hillary Clinton, with nothing ever coming of it.

The left should shift their focus to tangible issues that affect everyday Americans. For example, consider the enormous sums of money sent abroad in foreign aid in recent years. Imagine if even a fraction of that had been used to eliminate student loan debt. Millions of Americans would have seen immediate relief. Or what if those funds had been directed toward building tiny home complexes to provide housing for the homeless?

Take California as a case study. The state has some of the highest taxes in the country, but also faces skyrocketing housing costs, rampant homelessness, and high crime rates. The solution isn’t to pour more money into band-aid fixes but to address root issues like affordability and economic opportunity. Instead of focusing on ideological aspirations to become a social democracy like certain European nations, perhaps it’s time to acknowledge the challenges those nations face—like the strain unchecked immigration can place on public resources.

Another issue that has eroded trust is the current system of “fact-checkers,” which often feels more like opinion-policing than an unbiased pursuit of truth. Both sides could benefit from a truly independent network of fact-checkers that is not beholden to partisan agendas, allowing for transparent and fair public discourse.

The Democratic Party could regain the trust of voters by focusing on issues that unite Americans: economic opportunity, infrastructure, education, and public safety. Instead of doubling down on divisive rhetoric, they should take a hard look at why their vision isn’t resonating with so many. It’s not because America is inherently hateful—it’s because many feel ignored by a political class that seems out of touch with their struggles.

By re-centering their message on practical solutions and showing they can deliver results, the left has an opportunity to rebuild trust. But that starts with listening—not lecturing.

4o

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