In a candid discussion on MSNBC, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) called for a major overhaul in how the Democratic Party communicates with and addresses the concerns of American voters.
According to Breitbart, during a Friday broadcast of MSNBC’s “The Beat,” Smith outlined the need for Democrats to improve governance, shift away from identity politics, and directly confront the authoritarian tendencies and damaging policies of President Donald Trump.
Smith began by acknowledging a widespread dissatisfaction among voters with the Democratic Party’s current approach. He emphasized that change is essential for the party to regain trust and relevance. According to Smith, Democrats must focus on practical issues that resonate with the public.
One key area for improvement, Smith noted, is immigration and border security. He admitted that the party has fallen short in handling these critical matters effectively. Smith urged a renewed commitment to addressing these concerns with actionable solutions.
Smith also criticized the party’s heavy emphasis on identity politics, suggesting it alienates many Americans. He argued that this approach does not align with the broader desires of the electorate. “Focusing on identity politics constantly is not what the American people want, alright,” Smith stated.
On a positive note, Smith highlighted recent progress in Democratic-led cities like San Francisco. He pointed to better management of crime, homelessness, and drug abuse as evidence of improvement. “We’re going to run our cities better, which, by the way, we’re starting to do,” he said.
Smith stressed the importance of not stereotyping the roughly 80 million people who voted for Trump. He rejected the notion that all are driven by prejudice or ignorance. “They’re not all racist, bigoted morons. They’re not. And we need to stop treating them like that,” Smith insisted.
The congressman advocated for engaging with Trump voters to understand and address their concerns. He clarified that Democrats don’t need to win over everyone but should aim to expand their base. “We’re not going to get them all. We don’t need to get them all, but we need to reach out,” he explained.
Smith, who represents a heavily Democratic district with a 70% voter base, noted his seat is secure. However, he emphasized the need to connect with communities where Democrats struggle to win. “What are we going to do to reach the people in those places that we aren’t winning?” he asked.
He pointed to Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Abigail Spanberger as models for broadening support. Smith noted their campaigns focus on inclusivity and addressing diverse voter needs. He added that the outcomes in the coming week and a half will be crucial for these efforts.
Turning to Trump, Smith delivered a sharp critique of the former president’s actions. He described Trump’s behavior as an attempt to undermine democratic principles. “This is an authoritarian takeover of our government, alright,” Smith warned.
Smith argued that Trump’s policies are causing tangible harm across various sectors. He cited negative impacts on farmers and escalating costs in housing, energy, and healthcare. “Look at how the costs of housing, insurance, energy, everything’s going up because of his policies,” he said.
Further detailing the consequences, Smith highlighted risks to millions of Americans’ well-being. He warned that many could lose access to healthcare coverage under Trump’s influence. Additionally, he noted that food security for countless individuals is also in jeopardy. Smith challenged Republicans to justify Trump’s authoritarian actions, beyond debating specific policies. He asserted that there is little room to defend the erosion of democratic norms. “They can’t even really, in any meaningful way, argue the authoritarian aspect of this,” he stated.
Smith concluded by stressing a dual approach for Democrats moving forward. The party must oppose Trump’s harmful agenda while simultaneously reforming itself. “We have to do both of those things,” he affirmed, underlining the urgency of this strategy. The congressman’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party. With upcoming electoral challenges, his call for change carries significant weight. Smith’s vision is one of adaptation and outreach to rebuild voter trust.