Democrats Still Licking Their Wounds

Democratic strategist James Carville, known for his sharp political insight, recently reflected on his failed prediction that Vice President Kamala Harris would defeat President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 election. In an interview with CNN’s Michael Smerconish, Carville admitted that the outcome was “very depressing” and pointed to several mistakes in the Democratic campaign strategy.

Carville, who has had a long history of advising Democratic campaigns, reiterated his famous mantra, “It’s the economy, stupid,” acknowledging that economic issues played a significant role in Harris’s defeat. He further lamented that American voters no longer seem to prioritize qualities like character, honesty, or decency in their elected leaders. “I totally agree with that person,” Carville said, responding to a viewer’s comment on the state of American elections. “It’s very depressing.”

Carville also reflected on the Democratic Party’s failure to focus on the concerns of voters, instead letting the election become too much about President Trump. “Voters want an election about them,” Carville explained. “They don’t want an election about you or your opponent.” He went on to criticize his own party for failing to heed this basic rule of politics, admitting that even after decades of experience, he himself had lost sight of this vital principle.

The seasoned strategist also called out Democrats for their use of what he termed “NPR language,” like “defund the police” and the controversial term “LatinX,” which he argued alienated many potential voters. “Those were three of the dumbest words in the history of politics,” Carville said, pointing out that while these phrases might have been meant to sound progressive, they ended up sticking in voters’ minds for all the wrong reasons.

Finally, Carville expressed disappointment in the Harris campaign’s lavish spending, which came under intense scrutiny after her concession. He warned that the Democratic Party must learn from its mistakes if it hopes to mount a successful challenge in future elections.

As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, Carville’s insights serve as a sobering reminder that political campaigns must always center around the concerns and priorities of the electorate—something Republicans, with their focus on economic stability and national security, may want to consider as they head into the next election.