Bulwark Takes: "The Rage Is Real. Liberal Voters Could Oust Dem Incumbent in 2026"

Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark Team (Sam Stein, Lauren Egan)

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sam Stein engages in a candid discussion with Lauren Egan about the growing frustration among Democratic voters that could potentially lead to a significant shift in the party's landscape by the 2026 elections. The conversation delves into the parallels between the current Democratic sentiment and the Tea Party movement of the early 2010s, highlighting concerns about party leadership and voter disenchantment.

Democrats at a Crossroads: A Tea Party-esque Moment?

Lauren Egan introduces the central theme by referencing a recent piece on The Bulwark’s website titled "Democrats risking a Tea Party moment." The discussion centers around Jimmy Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois and a potential 2028 presidential candidate, who warned that the Democratic Party is in a "red alert moment" and needs to act decisively (00:17).

Lauren Egan remarks, “This is a red alert moment and the whole party needs to act like it, including party leadership” (01:06), emphasizing the urgency felt within the party ranks.

Sam Stein probes the analogy to the Tea Party movement, asking, “We have to define what a Tea Party-esque moment is” (01:28). Egan clarifies that it's not about ideological insurgency but rather “Democratic voters are pissed off, they’re fed up with party leadership” (01:51), suggesting a growing internal dissatisfaction that could mirror the grassroots revolt seen during the Tea Party surge.

Voter Discontent and Leadership Challenges

The conversation explores the reasons behind this dissatisfaction. Sam Stein recalls the Tea Party’s grievances, noting criticisms of the party for not resisting Obama strongly enough during bailouts and policy implementations like Obamacare (02:09). This historical context sets the stage for understanding current parallels within the Democratic Party.

Lauren Egan adds that the sentiment now is “These people are just kind of weak and, like, they don’t really have it” (03:38), pointing to a perceived lack of vigor and creativity among Democratic leaders. She also touches on the age factor, mentioning that leaders like Hakeem Jeffries are relatively younger but still face criticism.

Impact on Political Strategy and Primaries

The discussion shifts to the potential implications for Democratic strategy and the upcoming elections. Egan highlights that a significant number of new candidates are expressing interest in running for office, with approximately 500 people daily reaching out to the run for various positions (07:14). Sam Stein underscores the importance of this grassroots surge, explaining how it can build a robust bench of candidates who might challenge incumbents in primaries.

An example cited involves Congressman Lynch from Boston, who faced backlash during a town hall meeting for not doing enough to fight against Trump (08:08). Egan notes that such incidents could lead to primary challenges, reflecting the growing impatience among voters (08:56).

Challenges in Leadership: The Case of Hakeem Jeffries

A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, and his effectiveness in handling the party's current challenges. Lauren Egan criticizes Jeffries for prioritizing a children's book tour over more pressing political battles, stating, “This book tour just totally represents why Democratic voters are pissed off and just like, what the fuck are we doing?” (10:04).

Sam Stein contrasts Jeffries with Nancy Pelosi, who despite facing protests, earned respect through legislative achievements and strong leadership (11:21). Egan argues that Jeffries lacks the "reservoir of goodwill" that Pelosi possesses, making him more vulnerable to internal criticism and protests.

Future Outlook and Potential Outcomes

As the episode nears its conclusion, Sam Stein and Lauren Egan deliberate on whether the Democratic Party will culminate in a movement akin to the Tea Party. Egan remains cautious, stating, “It’s so early. You gotta ask me again in like the summer” (11:56), acknowledging that it's premature to predict the exact trajectory but emphasizing the need for the party to address voter frustrations promptly.

Conclusion

The episode underscores a critical juncture for the Democratic Party, highlighting the potential for significant internal upheaval driven by voter dissatisfaction with current leadership. With a surge in interest for political office and visible cracks in leadership efficacy, the Democrats face the challenge of reinvigorating their base and adapting to the evolving political landscape to prevent a scenario where liberal voters might oust incumbents in the next election cycle.

Notable Quotes:

• Lauren Egan at 01:06: “This is a red alert moment and the whole party needs to act like it, including party leadership.”
• Lauren Egan at 03:38: “These people are just kind of weak and, like, they don’t really have it.”
• Lauren Egan at 10:04: “This book tour just totally represents why Democratic voters are pissed off and just like, what the fuck are we doing?”

Final Thoughts: Bulwark Takes provides a sobering analysis of the current state of the Democratic Party, emphasizing the need for introspection and strategic action to address internal discontent and prevent a potential political upheaval akin to the Tea Party movement. The episode serves as a call to action for Democratic leaders to reconnect with their base and implement meaningful changes to sustain their political momentum.