Why The Democrats Lost

Don’t get it twisted. Trump and the Republicans did not win the 2024 election as much as the Democrats lost it, as they have done repeatedly throughout my lifetime. This election season, disillusionment and frustration shaped the Democratic base, and as a lifelong Democrat, I found myself more apathetic voting blue than ever before.

The reason for the red wave wasn’t so much to do with Trump’s brilliant strategy, or rather, lack thereof. Instead, it was the Democrats’ chronic inability to resonate with the concerns of everyday Americans that ultimately led to their defeat, which has been a common theme in recent years. A deeper look at these issues shows how the Democrats’ explicit missteps opened the door to a decisive Republican victory, revealing critical gaps in the party’s ability to reach the average American voter.

A Party Divided by Identity Politics

The Democratic Party has increasingly focused on identity-based politics, centering issues around race, gender, and social justice. While vital to their platform, this approach often feels exclusionary to some, especially to moderates or voters outside urban centers. I don’t know who needs to hear this over at the DNC headquarters, but an election is never won by excluding potential voting members. It’s not rocket science. But it is behavioral science.

The science of building a cohesive group identity teaches that unity is best achieved not by amplifying our differences but by promoting a sense of shared purpose and shared identity. The Core Design Principles, drawn from the economist Elinor Ostrom’s Nobel Prize-winning research and recently updated by the non-profit Prosocial World, provide a roadmap for creating strong, inclusive groups that can address complex situations such as resource management—a model the Democrats would do well to consider.

At the heart of these principles lies inclusive decision-making and a clear, shared mission. For Democrats, this means widening their net to engage a full spectrum of voices, from urban progressives to rural moderates, in an open dialogue that transcends identity-based divisions. By focusing on issues that resonate widely—such as economic stability, healthcare, the environment, and education—the party can forge a flexible yet robust identity structure that welcomes diverse perspectives without alienating those who may feel overlooked.

This identity-first approach has left the Democrats vulnerable, creating an image of a party more focused on segmenting than uniting. Republicans, on the other hand, have seized the chance to present themselves as defenders of “American values,” framing Democrats as out of touch with voters’ common experiences. In a sociopolitical climate where many crave shared purpose, the Democratic message feels lost and fragmented, while the Republican message, regardless of its oversimplifications, strikes a chord with voters longing for unity.

The LGBTQ+ Conversation and Growing Backlash

I am unquestionably pro-LGBTQ+, but I am also invariably anti-authoritarianism. Holding these stances puts me in a precarious and often paradoxical relationship with the current Democratic party. While the Democratic party has rightfully advocated for inclusion and equality for LGBTQ+ members, an intensifying focus on transgender issues, especially in areas like sports and youth healthcare, has created tension even within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Many Americans, including some members of the gay and lesbian community, feel alienated by what they perceive as a one-size-fits-all stance that doesn’t allow room for differing views or nuanced debate.

There is a growing sentiment that certain aspects of the transgender rights movement are enforced with a kind of rigidity that feels authoritarian to many. Policies around language, education, and youth healthcare have often been met with resistance by those who feel that the discourse demands total adherence, rather than fostering understanding and nuance. This perceived “totalitarian” approach has driven some voters toward the Republicans, who have argued for a broader freedom of expression and differing perspectives within the LGBTQ+ conversation. In failing to allow space for this debate, the Democrats have alienated potential allies and ceded ground to Republicans on an issue traditionally seen as their stronghold.

The Problem of Immigration

Immigration, for me, has absolutely nothing to do with race. It has everything to do with the carrying capacity of our social systems—how many new people our strained and often under-resourced social infrastructure can reliably support.

While living in Poland over the past few years as my wife and I navigated the long, expensive process of her legal immigration to the U.S., I witnessed firsthand the limits of even the most resilient social systems. When nearly 10 million Ukrainian refugees sought safety in Poland following the Russian invasion, Poland’s social infrastructure—its healthcare, housing, and education—was suddenly stretched to the breaking point. Compassion for new Ukrainian refugees was palpable and remained high, but the hard reality was that even a system with the best intentions has its limits. Poland now faces an internal immigration crisis, driving more people further to the right than ever before.

The United States faces a similar challenge. To remain a nation that offers refuge and opportunity, we must confront the realities of what our current infrastructure can sustain. Without pragmatic policies ensuring our social systems can accommodate new and established residents, we risk undermining the very promise that makes this country a beacon for so many. Compassionate immigration policy must be paired with sustainable planning, ensuring resources and stability for all who call America home.

While the Democratic party has consistently pushed for more inclusive immigration policies, it has often avoided addressing logistical concerns, such as strains on housing, healthcare, and education. Many voters – including immigrant communities – seek balanced policies that welcome newcomers but ensure public services can handle population growth. Republicans have seized on this concern, framing it as a matter of safety and resource management. By failing to engage in a candid dialogue on the realities of immigration, the Democrats have left this issue vulnerable to Republican narratives of control and security.

Failing to Reach the Rural Voter

For decades, rural America has increasingly shifted away from the Democratic Party. This election only underscored the importance of reconnecting with rural communities. Many rural Americans prioritize issues like agriculture, local job stability, and less governmental oversight. Still, Democratic policies often appear focused on urban problems, creating a perception that the party doesn’t understand or value rural life. Republicans have leveraged this disconnection, casting themselves as protectors of “real” American values. Rebuilding this trust requires Democrats to recognize the unique challenges of rural communities and address them directly.

Losing the Economic Message

Economic issues have been a weak spot for Democrats this cycle. In a year defined by inflation, rising costs, and financial uncertainty, the Democratic response felt overly complex, leaving many voters feeling that the party was out of touch with their immediate needs. While Trump’s solutions may lack substance, his simple and direct messaging resonated with voters struggling to make ends meet.

In contrast, the Democrats seemed to get bogged down in policy nuances and lost the narrative in the process. Republicans, on the other hand, didn’t need intricate plans. They merely needed to project a sense of listening and responsiveness to their base, something the Democrats struggled to convey.

A Final Reckoning

This election cycle revealed a fundamental truth: the Republicans didn’t need to sway masses of new voters, they simply required the Democrats to lose them. In a time when Americans are yearning for unity, pragmatic solutions, and strong economic leadership, the Democratic Party’s platform has lost its touch. As many voters search for shared values and solutions to everyday concerns, the Democrats’ loss appears more a matter of failing to meet their own base’s expectations than any great Republican victory.