Top Democrat Calls Out Far-Left As Midterms Approach

Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville is sounding the alarm about the direction of his own party, warning that growing divisions among Democrats could once again benefit President Donald Trump and Republicans.

During an interview with Politicon, Carville argued that progressive activists are spending too much energy fighting fellow Democrats instead of focusing on defeating Republicans in competitive elections. He said the strategy mirrors the internal battles that weakened Democrats during the 2016 election cycle.

Carville Says Democrats Are Repeating History

Carville compared today’s wave of progressive primary challengers to the political movement that emerged during the 2016 Democratic presidential race.

According to him, those internal fights fractured Democratic unity and ultimately made it easier for Donald Trump to win the White House.

He pointed to several recent primary victories by progressive and democratic socialist candidates, including Brad Lander’s win over Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), Darializa Avila Chevalier’s upset victory against five-term Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), and Melat Kiros’ defeat of longtime Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette.

Carville argued these races demonstrate that many activists remain more interested in defeating establishment Democrats than expanding the party’s appeal to independent and swing voters.

Carville Blames Bernie Sanders For Trump’s 2016 Victory

Looking back at the 2016 presidential election, Carville repeated a criticism he has made for years.

He argued that Sen. Bernie Sanders’ lengthy Democratic primary campaign against Hillary Clinton weakened the eventual nominee and contributed to Trump’s victory.

“Bernie Sanders is the reason that Donald Trump is president,” Carville said, describing the 2016 election as “the most catastrophic event of this century.”

According to Carville, Sanders’ extended challenge convinced many voters in key battleground states—including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin—that establishment Democrats were no different from establishment Republicans.

He believes that perception made it more difficult for Clinton to unite enough voters in the general election.

Sharp Criticism Of Progressive Democrats

Carville reserved some of his strongest criticism for today’s progressive movement.

He argued that many activists continue targeting incumbent Democrats instead of directing their efforts toward defeating Republicans.

In one of the interview’s most emotional moments, Carville said the strategy was politically self-defeating.

“These people are so f—ing stupid I don’t know what to say about it,” he said.

He continued by arguing that many progressive candidates appear more focused on defeating fellow Democrats than building a coalition capable of winning national elections.

Democrats Face Critical Midterm Decisions

Carville also rejected the argument that both major political parties share equal responsibility for the country’s current challenges.

He argued Democrats have historically expanded healthcare programs and other domestic initiatives, while Republicans have worked to reverse many of those policies.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Carville warned Democrats against following what he described as “false prophets” who promise sweeping political change while attacking members of their own party.

Instead, he urged Democrats to unite around defeating Republicans if they hope to avoid repeating the setbacks he believes cost them the White House in 2016.