US Democrats criticize party strategy following national election loss

ISTANBUL

Following their loss in this week’s US elections, Democrats have begun scrutinizing their campaign strategy, with prominent voices within the party expressing frustration over the outcome.

Democratic officials quickly voiced their discontent, focusing on the performance of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, and the party's broader approach, as reported by Axios online.

"Instead of saying: 'How can people vote for Donald Trump,' we should be asking: 'Why do people vote for Donald Trump' ... what did he do right and what did we do wrong," said Tom Suozzi, a Democratic congressman representing areas of New York City.

The sentiment was echoed by Bernie Sanders, an independent socialist senator who caucuses with the Democrats, who criticized the party for “abandoning” the working class. Sanders questioned whether party leaders would learn from the “disastrous campaign” or continue to prioritize big-money interests.

Other figures, like representatives Jamaal Bowman and Ro Khanna, also voiced concerns. “There were a lot of mistakes,” Bowman told Axios, reflecting the disappointment felt by many Democrats who had anticipated different results.

Several House Democrats, speaking anonymously to Axios, pointed to Harris’s lack of engagement with moderates, while also noting President Joe Biden’s decision to not seek reelection until late July, leaving Harris with limited time to organize and mount her own presidential bid.

However, party leadership, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his deputies, were largely spared from criticism, with Representative Brad Schneider praising their efforts: "They’ve done a great job ... I don’t think anyone is looking at them."