Dems Look To Transition. Trump’s Deportation Legal Front. Where Are We On The Dept. Of Education?

The Democrats’ Identity Crisis Is Playing Out in Public

Democratic leadership is holding firm — at least in its media appearances. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told Meet the Press he’s not stepping down, and there’s no real indication that Senate Democrats are seriously pressuring him to do so. But behind the scenes, there's a deeper question looming: what does the party stand for right now?

While Schumer and other Democratic leaders stick to familiar rhetoric, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are drawing crowds. Big ones. A recent rally in Denver brought in more than 30,000 people — numbers that demand attention. These aren’t just loyal fans showing up for Bernie and AOC; they represent factions of the left that feel disconnected from the party’s core messaging.

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Bernie, in particular, is positioning himself just outside the traditional Democratic framework. He's not running for president. He’s not seen as a direct threat. But that also gives him the freedom to speak plainly about what’s not working. And right now, what’s not working is the Democratic brand in Congress.

The enthusiasm among voters isn't evenly distributed. The most animated corners of the base fall into three broad groups: the disillusioned left, the progressive activists, and working-class voters who aren’t necessarily aligned with either. This coalition is united by frustration, but it's volatile.