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California Senator-elect Adam Schiff has acknowledged that the "entire Democratic Party" bears responsibility for Vice President Kamala Harris’ stunning defeat in the presidential election, as Democrats continue to grapple with the aftermath of their significant losses earlier this month
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Schiff emphasized the need for introspection and a recalibrated strategy moving forward.
Host Kristen Welker pressed Schiff on his pre-election prediction, where he confidently stated Harris would win “overwhelmingly.” Reflecting on the results, Schiff explained, “I think Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and pass the torch was the right decision.
It gave us a chance to win, but not a guarantee. I thought Harris could win. I believed she could take the battleground states.” However, he attributed Donald Trump’s victory to a broader “anti-incumbent wave” that painted the Democratic Party as a symbol of the status quo, which many voters rejected.
“The principal issue is the economy,” Schiff argued. “For years, it’s become increasingly difficult for people working full-time to make a living.
Until we address this challenge, the presidency may be easier to win than it is to keep.” He added that Democrats must present a bold vision that resonates with working-class Americans, many of whom feel disconnected from the party’s priorities.
Welker also confronted Schiff with comments made by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who blamed President Joe Biden for the party’s loss, arguing he stayed in the race too long before stepping aside.
Schiff deflected blame from Biden directly, stating, “The entire Democratic Party bears the responsibility. Myself included, and the former president… Trump and his team mounted an effective campaign. You have to give them credit for that.”
Schiff acknowledged the need for Democrats to connect with everyday Americans: “The existential question is: If you’re working hard in America, can you still earn a good living? Too many people doubt that’s possible.”
He stressed that the party needs to rebuild trust by focusing on economic issues that directly affect working families.
The Democratic Party’s post-election blame game has revealed deep divisions. While some blame Biden for waiting too long to step aside, others criticize Harris for failing to inspire confidence as a successor.
Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders attributed the loss to the Democratic Party’s failure to represent the working class, accusing the party of abandoning blue-collar voters.
Additionally, reports emerged that former President Barack Obama had worked behind the scenes over the summer to encourage Biden to step down earlier, further fueling internal tensions.
Media pundits have pointed to the party’s embrace of progressive “woke” ideologies as a potential factor in alienating middle-class, blue-collar voters.
Some have warned that this shift, combined with a perceived lack of focus on economic priorities, likely contributed to Harris’ loss.
As Democrats look to regroup, Schiff’s comments highlight the broader challenges facing the party. While he praised the Republicans’ campaign strategy, he emphasized the importance of offering a compelling vision for the future.
“We need to show Americans how we’ll move the economy forward and make it work for everyone,” Schiff said.
The loss has sparked calls for a renewed Democratic focus on the concerns of working-class Americans and an effort to address the growing perception that the party no longer represents their interests.
Whether the party can unify around a new strategy remains to be seen, but Schiff’s remarks underscore the urgency of the task ahead.
