A pair of senior strategists who helped elect President Barack Obama are warning that the Democratic Party is deeply unprepared for the next presidential race, arguing that the party lacks a clear message and political direction.
Jim Messina, who managed Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, said Democrats appear to be relying primarily on voter frustration with President Donald Trump rather than presenting a compelling agenda of their own. Speaking to Axios, Messina warned that such a strategy may help Democrats in midterm elections but will not be enough to win the White House.
“The midterms are going to be 85-90% driven by voter opposition to Trump and maybe 10-15% based on what Democrats stand for,” Messina said.
David Plouffe, who served as Obama’s campaign manager during the successful 2008 presidential campaign, delivered a similar warning. He argued that Democrats are currently not positioned to compete in many states that have shifted toward Republicans in recent years.