Former Clinton pollster Doug Schoen reveals the Democratic Party’s radical shift away from its historical values, as political experts warn that Democrats’ “amateurish” anti-Trump behavior is causing record-low approval ratings among voters.
Quick Takes
- Doug Schoen, former Clinton pollster, expresses discomfort with today’s Democratic Party, stating it’s “not the party of John F. Kennedy or Bill Clinton” and that “moderates are really not welcome.”
- Democrats’ refusal to stand or applaud during Trump’s congressional address—even for a 13-year-old cancer patient—has been widely criticized as off-putting to mainstream Americans.
- Mark Penn, another former Clinton advisor, warns Democrats’ anti-Trump antics are resulting in “record lows” in polls while Trump’s ratings continue to rise.
- Schoen suggests some Democrats like Sen. Fetterman might switch parties due to discomfort with the current Democratic Party’s far-left stance.
- Both pollsters emphasize Democrats must offer policy alternatives on border security, inflation, crime, and immigration reform to remain relevant to voters.
Clinton Era Pollsters Sound Alarm on Democratic Party’s Leftward Shift
Democratic strategists who helped shape the Clinton era are increasingly voicing concerns about their party’s dramatic ideological shift. Doug Schoen, who served as pollster for President Bill Clinton, recently made headlines by describing his discomfort with today’s Democratic Party. “It isn’t the party of John F. Kennedy or Bill Clinton. Moderates are really not welcome,” Schoen stated, highlighting a significant transformation in party values that has left traditional Democrats feeling alienated from an organization they once proudly supported. This dramatic shift, according to Schoen, represents more than just a policy evolution—it signals a fundamental change in the party’s core identity.
The tension became visibly apparent during President Trump’s recent address to Congress, where Democratic lawmakers’ behavior drew criticism from both sides of the aisle. Schoen specifically noted their refusal to acknowledge a 13-year-old battling brain cancer who was present as a special guest. This moment, which would traditionally transcend partisan politics, instead became emblematic of what critics describe as the party’s increasingly rigid ideological stance. Republican Senator Katie Britt expressed dismay at the scene, saying “I was so disappointed that my Democratic colleagues couldn’t stand and show love for some of the Americans that were recognized tonight. That was really heartbreaking to me.”
Democrats’ “Amateurish” Behavior Hurting Poll Numbers
Mark Penn, another former Clinton advisor, delivered a stark warning about the political consequences of Democrats’ current approach. Speaking on Fox News, Penn cautioned that the party’s “ongoing resistance to President Donald Trump, including their refusal to stand and applaud at any point during the president’s address to Congress, is resulting in ‘record lows’ in the polls.” This assessment suggests that what party leaders may view as principled opposition is being perceived by many Americans as petty partisanship, contributing to a growing disconnect between Democratic messaging and voter concerns.
“I certainly think that is possible, if you look at what he’s said and what he’s done. It’s clear he’s uncomfortable in the Democratic Party, as frankly I am. I disagree with the Republicans on a lot of things. They go further than I would go. So I cling to my membership in the Democratic Party, but it’s not the same party.” Doug Schoen
During the congressional address, the contrast between parties became particularly visible when Rep. Al Green and other Democrats caused disruptions that were widely criticized. The official Democratic response, delivered by Senator Elissa Slotkin, focused on criticism of Trump’s approach to Ukraine, comparing his leadership unfavorably to Ronald Reagan’s during the Cold War. Meanwhile, polling trends show Trump’s approval ratings climbing while Democratic numbers continue to decline—a pattern that Penn attributes directly to the party’s current tactical approach to opposition rather than substantive policy alternatives.
A Party at the Crossroads: Potential Defections and Path Forward
The ideological tension within the Democratic Party has reached such a level that Schoen openly discussed the possibility of defections, specifically mentioning Senator John Fetterman as someone who might consider switching parties due to discomfort with the current Democratic platform. Schoen’s analysis suggests this isn’t merely about individual politicians but reflects a broader struggle within the party between traditional moderates and ascendant progressive factions. For longtime Democratic strategists, this internal division represents a significant threat to the party’s electoral prospects and its ability to connect with mainstream American voters.
“I disagree with many of the policies that President Trump so articulately outlined, and I think he’s gone too far. But that being said, my party is not doing what Bill Clinton did when the Gingrich revolution came in 1994, which is to offer a set of alternatives that recognize the American people want border security, a reduction in inflation, tougher policies on crime, and immigration reform. Until we do that as a party, we Democrats remain irrelevant, sadly.” Doug Schoen
Both Penn and Schoen emphasize that Democrats must address issues voters consistently rank as priorities: border security, inflation, crime, and immigration reform. Schoen specifically highlighted the Clinton administration’s successful pivot after the 1994 Republican revolution as a model for how Democrats could regain relevance. Without offering concrete policy alternatives that acknowledge voter concerns, Schoen warned bluntly that Democrats risk continued political irrelevance. This assessment from veteran Democratic strategists suggests that the party’s path back to electoral competitiveness requires not just opposition to Trump but a return to addressing kitchen-table issues that matter to everyday Americans.
Sources:
- Former Clinton Pollster Admits He’s Clinging To Party Membership As Far Left Drifts From Core Values
- Pollster warns Democrats’ ‘amateurish’ anti-Trump antics are ‘tanking’ with Americans
