In an opinion piece published earlier this month, former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich argued that the Democratic Party is grappling with a significant internal dilemma that could undermine its ability to compete effectively in upcoming elections.
Gingrich contends that widening cracks are forming within the party’s coalition, primarily between what he terms a “survivalist wing” and a more vocal “radical leftwing.”
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Gingrich pointed to the backlash against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer from the party’s left flank following the passage of a Continuing Resolution to prevent a government shutdown as evidence of this tension. He positions Schumer within the “survivalist wing,” describing this faction as recognizing the political vulnerabilities created by certain progressive policies and past performance issues.
The former Speaker highlighted the party’s low national favorability rating, citing a figure of 29 percent, which he compared to the Republican Party’s standing after the Watergate scandal. He also referenced California Governor Gavin Newsom’s comment that the “Democratic brand is toxic,” interpreting Newsom’s recent outreach efforts, such as hosting a podcast aimed at conservatives, as opportunistic maneuvering driven by an awareness that the party is out of step with many Americans, despite Newsom’s own progressive record.
Further compounding the party’s challenges, according to Gingrich, is a lack of clear leadership. He cited a poll indicating that the three most popular potential leaders – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (10 percent), Vice President Kamala Harris (9 percent), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (8 percent) – all poll in the single digits or low double digits and represent the party’s left wing.
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Gingrich interprets this as evidence of both a leadership vacuum and the difficulty the “survivalist wing” faces in shaping the party’s direction.
He also referenced a Rasmussen Reports poll suggesting division among Democratic voters themselves, with 59% of likely U.S. voters believing the party should become more moderate, compared to 27% who advocate for a more liberal direction.
However, Gingrich asserts that the 27% favoring a more liberal stance possess disproportionate influence due to greater financial resources and grassroots energy. He pointed to events like the Sanders-AOC “Fight Oligarchy Tour” and recent rhetoric from figures like Senator Cory Booker as examples reinforcing the party’s left-wing image.
Analyzing recent special election results, Gingrich suggested sobering lessons for Democrats from races in Florida’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts. Despite reported significant spending advantages (6.5:1 and 10:1 respectively), Democrats lost both races by nearly 15 percentage points. Gingrich presents this as evidence that current strategies are insufficient for regaining ground.
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