I think they see Martin as a glue (ala Hubert Humphrey) that can keep together their boomer <—-> progressive coalition, who can keep the moderates and the lgbtvabcxyz voting in lockstep in 2026. This is based on his roots in MN, a state even nuttier in 2025 than in Hubert Humphrey’s day in 1968.
For a definitive example of such a Minnesotan, see Tim Walz. Walz is a product of that coalition and comes off as a mildly disturbed boomer parody of progressive values.
I don’t think it can work because the progressives are just too far out on the fringe and still pushing, and a well-spoken, middle-aged white guy like Martin lacks credibility.
The root problem seems to be that young Americans take so much time these days to attain adulthood. Those who are indulged in their post-pubescence gravitate to the left. Thus Martin’s coalition building can be seen as indulging them enough to earn their support but far too long to win a general election.
Given the damage Kamala Harris did to their donor class, it seems the Democrats may have to do more with less in 2026. And going by the latest (public) goings on, the task may be much bigger than money.
All of the candidates could agree that the situation facing the party is dire. The Democratic brand is in the toilet, with a recent Wall Street Journal poll showing 60% of Americans view the party unfavorably while only 36% see it favorably. Democrats lost ground with nearly every demographic group last November, including minorities, women, low-income voters and those without college degrees. “Twenty big cities, Aspen and Martha’s Vineyard—that’s what’s left of the Democratic Party,” lamented former congressional candidate Adam Frisch. “And I’m not exactly sure those 20 big cities are getting the best version of the Democratic Party.” Frisch, who lives in Aspen, ran in a red district in rural Colorado; he overperformed the top of the ticket but still fell short.
Yet as the would-be leaders bickered over party mechanics, the very pathologies that many critics argue have alienated Democrats from the American heartland were on display: a party captive to leftist activists, obsessed with divisive litmus tests, out of touch with regular people’s concerns and in thrall to a patronizing identity politics that alienates many of the very minorities it is meant to attract. Nor did anyone dare to argue that the prior administration’s failures might have contributed to voters’ sour view of Democrats, that former President Joe Biden dragged the party down or that former Vice President Kamala Harris was a mediocre candidate. The party’s departing chairman, Jaime Harrison, has been giving interviews standing by his view that Biden shouldn’t have dropped out of the presidential race; his would-be successors had nothing but praise for his tenure. The party’s leaders were vowing to turn the page, but it was clear many things have yet to change.
Rahm Emanuel could be their knight, come back from the crusades abroad. Recently returned from Japan, and for Americans under 25 or so a new face. Probably not performative enough for progressives, maybe we shall see.
The upshot is clear: Americans again believe that liberal activists define the Democratic agenda even more rigidly than the conservative base dominates the GOP. Americans who identify as strong Republicans are about 20 percentage points more conservative than the median voter on issues including immigration and affirmative action. But strong Democrats are sometimes nearly 40 points more liberal — or even further out of step.
It’s therefore no wonder Democrats prefer to narrow their definition of kitchen-table issues. But that’s ballot box poison.
Oh for sure he’s testing the waters. I like this piece; he’s saying a lot of things I agree with. The family discussion at the dinner table, for example.
“Which homeless encampments to avoid walking past”seems like a shot across the bow.
It sounds like you’re frustrated with the situation. It can be tough dealing with people who aren’t up to the task, but staying focused on your goals might help you move forward more effectively.
