Democrats Must Move to Center to Win Elections, Say Democratic Strategists

A new report details the leftward movement of the party and urges moderation, though some observers say bold leadership will matter more.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Alex Wong/Getty Images

The Democratic Party made a hard left turn after 2012 and must move back to the center to be competitive in federal elections, according to a new report from Democratic strategy group Welcome.

The findings provide a factual basis for the view expressed by some Democrats that the party lost in the 2024 election by abandoning its focus on jobs, immigration, and public safety in favor of social issues.

To regain national dominance, the report says the Democratic Party must de-emphasize extreme liberal positions and focus on the bread-and-butter issues that matter to most Americans.

While the report’s findings are largely accurate, some experts say, they may do little to revive the Democratic party, which needs bold, charismatic leadership more than carefully crafted position statements.

Leftward Shift

The report’s authors documented the leftward movement of the Democratic Party in three ways.

First, Democrats’ support for progressive legislation increased dramatically between the six congressional sessions from 2013 through 2024, the authors found.

For example, the Equality Act, which was introduced in 2015 and would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, gained 99 percent co-sponsorship by Democrats in 2023, and the Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act rose from 1 percent support among Democrats to 57 percent.

The party’s messaging changed during that period, based on an analysis of keywords used in party platform documents.

Mentions of men decreased by 51 percent and fathers by 100 percent. Responsibility was mentioned 83 percent less, and mentions of the middle class and tax cuts decreased by more than two-thirds, and the economy by half.

At the same time, mentions of the words white, Black, Latino, Latina, LGBT and related terms, and hate increased more than 1,000 percent. Mentions of the words gun or guns, reproductive, and equity increased more than 700 percent.

Additionally, the perception among voters that the Democratic Party is too liberal rose from 47 percent to 54 percent.

Prescription for Change

“To win again, Democrats need to listen more to voters and less to out-of-touch donors, detached party elites, and Democratic politicians who consistently underperform at the top of the ticket,” the report states.

To do that, the authors recommend a series of actions, including focusing on lowering costs, growing the economy, creating jobs, expanding the social safety net, and moderating positions on topics like immigration, public safety, energy production, and some identity issues.

The findings were cheered by James Carville, the architect of Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential victory, who coined the phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid.”

Carville called the analysis “common sense.”

Greg Schultz, manager for the 2020 Biden campaign, said, “Campaigning on unpopular policies and ignoring voters’ top priorities leads to disastrous electoral results.”

In practice, some prominent Democrats have been implementing a similar strategy for months, moderating their platform on some social issues and appealing to voters primarily on economic concerns.

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, who is considering a 2028 presidential bid, hosted the late conservative spokesperson Charlie Kirk as his first podcast guest in March.

Commenting on men participating in women’s sporting events, Newsom said in March, “It is an issue of fairness—it’s deeply unfair.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has also adopted a more centrist approach since the 2024 election.

“Let’s cut red tape and unleash the extraordinary potential of American industry.” She said in an April speech. “Let’s usher in, as President [Donald] Trump says, a ‘Golden Age’ of American manufacturing.”

Mixed Review

Focusing on issues that matter to ordinary people is good, but it may not be enough to reinvigorate Democrats, according to Ken Kollman, professor of political science at the University of Michigan, who believes platforms don’t change political parties—leaders do.

“It’s finding appealing candidates, talented campaigners,” Kollman told The Epoch Times.

Pointing to the electoral success of the Republican Party under Trump, Kollman said, “The [populist] issues didn’t come first. An appealing candidate crafted this kind of messaging.”

Aaron Dusso, chair of the Department of Political Science at Indiana University, Indianapolis, said the report is a prescription for repeated failure.

“This is a report that comes from the wing that has been running the Democratic Party for 30 years,” Dusso told The Epoch Times. “They’re essentially making their statement again, ‘Don’t go left.’”

While that worked in the 1990s, it has not been effective since, according to Dusso. The current moment calls for Democrats to present a clear distinction between themselves and Republicans and to communicate it positively and relentlessly.

As evidence, he pointed to progressive lawmakers Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), whose rallies consistently draw large crowds.

“They’re showing you what works,” Dusso said. “You’ve got to stand up.”

The Democratic National Committee did not respond to a request for comment before the time of publication.