A strong USA needs a healthy Democratic Party, and the current party is disconnected from its roots and in need of fundamental reform.
In 2016, Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election was more than a win for the Republican Party; it was a pivotal blow to the traditional Republican establishment. Trump’s unorthodox approach signaled a major shift in the political landscape, challenging the old guard of the GOP and reshaping its identity. Trump’s win in 2024 is the final blow to the old Republican establishment, cementing a new era in the party’s evolution.
Now, with the Democratic Party experiencing significant losses, this needs to be the moment for a similar reckoning—a chance to rebuild a healthier, revitalized party.
Once the champion of the average American worker, the Democratic Party today represents corporate and elite interests. From Wall Street banks to Big Pharma, Big Food, Big Tech, and Big Media, the Democratic Party’s alliances have shifted. Life-long Democrats like Tulsi Gabbard and Bobby Kennedy have voiced concerns over this transformation, noting how the party now aligns itself more closely with the interests of powerful corporations rather than with those of ordinary Americans. This marks a stark contrast to the party’s historical role as the voice of the working class—a legacy rooted in advocating for fair wages, labor rights, and economic protections for everyday people. When American patriots like Kennedy and Gabbard feel compelled to leave the party, it’s a sign that something is deeply wrong. Imagine how differently this year’s election might have played out if the Democratic ticket had been Kennedy and Gabbard, aligned with traditional values of service to the people instead of corporate elites.
The Democratic Party’s recent approach to intelligence agencies and the Justice Department is also a troubling shift. Once a party that emphasized civil liberties and transparency, Democrats have been willing to wield these agencies against political opponents which has eroded public trust in these institutions. Trust in these institutions is essential for the stability and security of our nation, and without it, the nation’s resilience against both internal and external threats is severely undermined.
Historically known as the anti-war party, Democrats once stood as vocal critics of military overreach and interventionism. Today, the party is increasingly aligned with neoconservative and military-industrial interests, with figures like former Vice President Dick Cheney openly endorsing Democratic candidates. This shift away from the party’s traditional anti-war stance raises questions about its true alignment and the values it represents.
Free speech, another cornerstone of American democracy, has also become a contentious issue within the Democratic Party. Formerly a defender of free expression, the party now calls for restrictions on certain kinds of speech, especially within digital and media spaces. While these moves are often framed as efforts to curb misinformation, they reflect a troubling embrace of censorship. Even figures like Elon Musk, once a Democrat, have distanced themselves from the party, citing its shift away from free speech values. Musk’s decision to buy Twitter was, in part, a response to this shift—a bid to protect open dialogue in America. A party that once championed dissent now alienates those who value the free exchange of ideas, a principle foundational to democratic society.
I hope that this year’s losses inspire genuine introspection and reform within the Democratic Party, turning this moment of crisis into an opportunity for meaningful growth. Just as the GOP underwent a radical transformation beginning in 2016, I believe the Democratic Party now has a chance to redefine itself, emerging stronger and more aligned with the needs of the American people. If it can shed its corporate ties, reject censorship, and recommit to a foreign policy that prioritizes peace, the party could rebuild a foundation of trust and integrity, ultimately fostering a healthier democracy that truly serves all Americans.