WSJ What’s News: Democrats Can’t Agree How to Fight Back
Release Date: March 10, 2025
Host: Luke Vargas

Introduction

In the March 10, 2025 episode of WSJ What’s News, host Luke Vargas delves into the pivotal issue facing the Democratic Party: internal disagreements on strategies to counteract President Trump's policies and regain political power. The episode not only examines the broader political landscape but also touches upon international developments affecting global markets and geopolitical stability.

Canada's Political Shift

Mark Carney's Ascension as Canadian Prime Minister
At the outset, Vargas highlights a significant political shift in Canada. Former Bank of Canada and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has succeeded Justin Trudeau as Canada’s Prime Minister after leading the Liberal Party to victory.

• V. Paul Manga (09:33): "When Trudeau announced that he was resigning in January, the Liberal Party was mired at the bottom of the polls... The Liberal Party has rebounded strongly and now in some polls is virtually tied with the Conservatives."

Carney plans to call a snap election, capitalizing on the Liberal Party's regained momentum, especially following Donald Trump's aggressive trade policies against Canada.

Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Policies

Russia's Advances in Ukraine
The episode covers Russia's resurgence in Ukrainian territories, highlighting the capture of Kursk and the strategic use of drone warfare to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines.

• Luke Vargas (02:19): "Ukrainian forces are losing ground in Kursk... Russian and North Korean troops have seized several villages... overwhelming drone power to largely cut supply routes."

This military advancement coincides with the U.S. halting intelligence sharing with Kyiv, diminishing Ukraine's capacity for long-range strikes.

Israel-Gaza Conflict Escalation
Vargas reports on Israel's decision to cut electricity supplies to Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas amidst stalled ceasefire talks.

• Israeli Security Official (Time Unspecified): "The enclave's desalination plant will stop working... Cutting off water to Gaza to pressure Hamas was also a possibility."

A Hamas spokesperson condemned Israel's actions, accusing it of violating international law by disrupting essential services since the war's inception in October 2023.

U.S.-China Trade Tensions
The episode also addresses escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with Beijing imposing additional tariffs on American agricultural products in retaliation to U.S. tariffs.

• V. Paul Manga (05:46): "Chinese tariffs on American food and agricultural products will kick in today... American chicken, wheat, corn and cotton products face an extra 15% duty."

These tariffs are expected to impact the U.S. agricultural export market significantly, valued at nearly $25 billion annually.

Economic Outlook and Political Ramifications

Divergent Views Within Trump's Cabinet
President Trump's administration exhibits contrasting perspectives on the economic trajectory:

• Commerce Secretary Howard Ludnick (05:38): "I know that you inherited a... Mess and you said, I've only been here."

• Treasury Secretary Scott Besant (05:46): "There is a period of transition because what we're doing is very big. We're bringing wealth back to America... It takes a little time."

These differing viewpoints underscore uncertainties regarding the U.S. economy's near-term prospects.

Democratic Party's Internal Struggle

Confrontation vs. Centrist Strategies
The core of the episode focuses on the Democratic Party's internal discord over how to effectively challenge President Trump and reclaim political power.

• Aaron Zitner (07:14): "Democrats have a very restive, liberal base... Centrists in the party say Democrats have to make sure that voters understand what they would do with power if they got it back."

Confrontational Approach
Some Democrats advocate for a direct, confrontational stance to galvanize their base and demonstrate opposition to Trump’s policies.

• Aaron Zitner (08:36): "The confrontation crowd, they think they're having an effect... By showing they have some fight, they've spooked Republican lawmakers."

This faction believes that active engagement, such as attending town halls and vocal opposition, can sway both lawmakers and voters.

Centrist Approach
Conversely, centrist Democrats argue for a more restrained strategy focused on pragmatic policy proposals that resonate with moderate and swing voters.

• Aaron Zitner (08:36): "Centrists really feel like a lack of Discipline right now could make an already bad hand that much worse."

They emphasize addressing core issues like the economy, immigration, and national security without the theatrics of constant protests.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Zitner (07:14): "People are getting out of their houses and going to these town meetings and they've been flooding the Hill, the members of Congress with phone calls."
• Aaron Zitner (10:45): "Democrats are gonna be a cacophony of voices for a few years. The party will not really have a single voice guiding it until the next presidential election."

Leadership and Future Directions

Diverse Voices Within the Party
Leaders within the Democratic Party, such as Gavin Newsom and Alyssa Slotkin, exemplify the spectrum of strategies being considered.

• Gavin Newsom (10:45): "I think that trans athletes should be barred from women's sports... We should focus on your pocketbook issues."

• Alyssa Slotkin (10:45): Delivered a centrist, Midwestern-focused response to the State of the Union, emphasizing basic economic and security concerns over ideological debates.

These examples illustrate the party's attempt to balance its progressive base with the need to appeal to a broader electorate.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Vargas underscores the urgency for the Democratic Party to unify its strategies in the face of imminent political battles, including debates over government spending and tax legislation. The internal divisions within the party reflect broader tensions in American politics, highlighting the challenges Democrats face in coordinating an effective response to Republican policies under President Trump.

• Luke Vargas (11:56): "And we may not have to wait long to see how Democrats choose to fight back ahead of a showdown this week over a Trump endorsed proposal to avoid a government shutdown and reduce spending as well, what is shaping up to be a heated debate over a giant Republican backed tax bill later this year."

This concluding remark sets the stage for ongoing political maneuvering and the potential realignment of party strategies in the months to come.

Produced by: Daniel Bach and Kate Bullivant
Supervising Producers: Christina Rocca and Sandra Kilhoff
Reporting by Aaron Zitner

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