Rep. Ro Khanna said Democrats “need to be emphasizing the economic issues” in the wake of the 2024 election, which delivered bruising blows to the party — and prompted a reckoning on the path forward.
“We did not have a compelling enough economic vision,” Khanna, a California Democrat, said Sunday on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
“The Democratic Party should have one simple mission, and that is to address the economic hardships and struggles of many Americans,” Khanna said.
But Khanna said that while he’s been clear on the importance of economic issues, “I don’t think we should run away” from issues like standing up for transgender rights and equal rights.
“The reason we didn’t win, ultimately, is we didn’t listen enough to people on the ground” on emphasizing economic issues, Khanna said.
Rep. According to Ro Khanna, Democrats “need to be emphasizing the economic issues” following the 2024 election, which dealt the party severe blows and forced a reckoning on the party’s future.
The California Democrat Khanna stated on Sunday on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that “we did not have a compelling enough economic vision.”. “,”.
Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris lost support from important demographic groups from the 2020 election to President-elect Donald Trump. A member of the progressive wing of the party, Khanna, blamed the Democratic coalition’s disintegration on the party’s economic message’s flaws.
Khanna asserted that “addressing the economic hardships and struggles of many Americans should be the Democratic Party’s one simple mission.”. “There are many Americans who believe that the American Dream has eluded them and their children, not just those from the working class. “.”.
Voices in Congress, such as representatives, Khanna said. Democrats must present a “better economic story,” according to Pat Ryan, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and Chris Deluzio. They have emphasized a plan to increase the minimum wage, address child care, and construct new factories.
“I think that can unify our party — moderates and progressives — and it transcends race and will help us with Latino voters, Black voters, and White working class voters,” Khanna stated. “On that, we have a clearer vision than Donald Trump. “..”.
Some Democrats have stated in the days following the election that the party’s emphasis on identity politics should have been balanced with the economic message. However, Khanna stated that although he has been explicit about the significance of economic issues, “I don’t think we should run away” from issues like advocating for equal rights and transgender rights.
Khanna advised Democrats not to “shy away from your convictions,” adding that the party can still succeed if they take the issues seriously and concentrate on the economy.
Khanna stated, “Even if they disagree with us on a certain social issue, I think we can win them over.”.
In the midst of Israel’s war in Gaza, Harris lost significant support in Arab American communities in Michigan. Harris would have won Michigan, according to Khanna, “if there had been more of a reckoning with the failures of policy on Gaza.”. Even outside of Michigan, he continued, “this was a real concern for a lot of young people and a lot of progressives.”. “.”.
Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have also cited President Biden’s late decision to withdraw from the race and support Harris amid the election’s tense atmosphere. Although he “has a lot of respect for Speaker Pelosi,” Khanna said he “chuckled” at the notion.
Khanna remarked, “We had Democrats who used the most extravagant superlatives the day he left, saying he did the most honorable thing, likening him to George Washington.”. “There seems to be some contradiction in going back and criticizing him now. “..”.
According to Khanna, Harris’ campaign was “winnable,” and anyone who is now claiming that “this was not a winnable campaign” didn’t say that in August. “..”.
Khanna emphasized economic issues, saying, “The reason we didn’t win, ultimately, is we didn’t listen enough to people on the ground.”. I’m optimistic about the future because we have the substance. “.
