Democrats Slammed as 'Inept' by Own Voters in Scathing NYT Interview

Democratic voters are fed up, and they’re not holding back. In a recent New York Times Opinion focus group, disillusioned party supporters tore into their leadership, branding the Democratic Party as "inept" and "useless." The frustration stems from a disconnect that’s left many feeling ignored, especially after President Donald Trump’s 2024 victory.

Terrell from Texas didn’t mince words: "Go back to the drawing board. Reconnect with common people. Talk about helping us get what we need." He dismissed the fixation on Trump’s character, noting, "No one cares how villainous he is." With the party’s favorability at historic lows, voters like Ariel from Indiana want a reboot. "Focusing on Trump as a threat flopped," Ariel said, pointing to leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, who’ve hit the road to hear what everyday Americans want.

Younger voters, like Ashley from New York, feel abandoned. "It’s hard to defend Democrats when they don’t stand by their convictions," the 19-year-old said, craving a spark of hope that’s been missing. Meanwhile, Laura, a Missouri mail carrier, called for dialogue over division. "Fighting Trump isn’t enough. We need to talk without shouting," she urged.

The criticism extended to party heavyweights like Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Ariel, 23, slammed Jeffries for admitting powerlessness and Schumer for flip-flopping on a budget proposal while lecturing voters. Ashley, however, gave a nod to Rep. Jasmine Crockett for her unapologetic style, contrasting it with the party’s tired, performative tactics. "You’re getting killed, but you’re still running the same game," she said.

Adding fuel to the fire, voters blasted President Biden’s re-election bid, arguing it left Kamala Harris with too little time to campaign. As Democrats grapple with an identity crisis, the message is clear: listen, adapt, or lose.