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Democrats Have No Leadership

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) has raised concerns about the direction of his own party, stating that the Democrats are “totally devoid of leadership” and need a significant overhaul. In an interview with Politico, Phillips—who made headlines earlier this year by launching a long-shot bid to challenge President Biden—called on his fellow Democrats to reengage with working-class voters and focus on practical solutions, rather than getting caught up in divisive identity politics and political power struggles.

“We’re witnessing a party that has lost its way,” Phillips said. “Leadership is what’s missing, and without it, we are rudderless.” He also pointed out that the Democratic Party, as it currently stands, operates through fragmented silos, with various committees and outside groups pulling in different directions, hindering effective action and strategy. “The current system is simply not working. We need a comprehensive turnaround,” he emphasized.

Phillips’s remarks come in the aftermath of the 2024 election, where Republicans gained a trifecta, and President Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris. For Phillips, this shift highlights the failure of the Democratic Party to maintain the trust of key voter blocs, especially the working class. “The irony is that Republicans are now the party of the working class,” he said, pointing out that traditionally Democratic voters are increasingly turning to the GOP. This shift is evident in the 2024 exit polls, which show a growing alignment of blue-collar voters with conservative policies.

Phillips blamed the Democratic Party’s leadership for this shift, noting that many of his colleagues prioritize tenure and identity politics over practical, problem-solving solutions. He argued that this has created an opening for the GOP to connect with voters who feel ignored by the establishment.

While Phillips is retiring from Congress, he did not rule out a future role in public life, suggesting that the two major political parties need more competition to push them toward cooperation and real solutions. “We need something to break the cycle of division,” he said. “I believe it’s time for change—not just for the sake of change, but for the sake of the people who are being left behind.”

Phillips’s candid reflections on the state of his party serve as a stark reminder of how both major political parties must adapt to the changing needs of voters, especially working-class Americans, if they hope to remain relevant in the years to come.