Democrats Deeply Pessimistic About Party’s Future, Poll Finds/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A new AP-NORC poll reveals growing Democratic dissatisfaction and pessimism about the party’s future, just six months after Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Only one-third of Democrats say they’re optimistic, a dramatic drop since 2024. Meanwhile, Republicans are slightly more upbeat but remain divided on Trump’s leadership and policy direction.
Democratic Doubts Quick Looks
- Only 33% of Democrats feel optimistic about the party’s future
- Optimism fell from 60% in July 2024 to 33% today
- Majority of Democrats distrust how political leaders are chosen
- Republicans more optimistic about GOP’s future than last year
- Trump and Elon Musk drive GOP’s federal downsizing push
- Bernie Sanders, AOC viewed more favorably than Chuck Schumer
- Public opinion of both parties remains relatively low overall
- Growing frustration with Electoral College and gerrymandering
- Protesters and progressives call for generational Democratic shift
- Voters demand a bold, unifying figure to counter Trump
Deep Look: Poll Reveals Democrats’ Crisis of Confidence Following Trump’s Return
NEW YORK — A majority of Democrats are feeling discouraged about the future of their party, according to a newly released AP-NORC poll, highlighting a significant crisis of confidence just six months after Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency and Republicans regained control of Congress.
Only about one-third of Democrats say they are “very” or “somewhat” optimistic about the future of their party. That’s a sharp drop from July 2024, when nearly six in ten Democrats had a positive outlook.
“I’m not real high on Democrats right now,” said Damien Williams, a 48-year-old union member from Illinois. “They’re not doing enough to push back against Trump.”
Party Identity Crisis
The poll results come as Democrats struggle to regroup following a bruising electoral defeat that ousted President Joe Biden and saw Republicans seize both the House and Senate. In the aftermath, Democratic voters express confusion, disappointment, and concern over the party’s leadership and vision.
While Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) continue to command support among progressives, the poll shows growing dissatisfaction with establishment figures like Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
Only about one-third of Democrats view Schumer favorably, a significant decline from December 2024. Among all Americans, his approval is just 21%.
Democratic voter Monica Brown, 61, voiced a common sentiment: “The majority of the old Democratic Party needs to go. They’re not in tune with the new generation or the modern world.”
Republicans More Hopeful, But Still Cautious
While Democrats are mired in pessimism, Republicans are slightly more optimistic about their party’s future. The poll found 55% of Republicans feel positively about the GOP, up from 47% in mid-2024.
Still, only three in ten Republicans say they are optimistic about the direction of U.S. politics overall.
Patrick Reynolds, a GOP community activist from Texas, noted his growing unease with the party’s current trajectory, particularly under the influence of Trump and Elon Musk, now a central policy figure in the administration.
“How can we be the party of the rule of law when we’re violating constitutional principles?” he asked. “There could be a political backlash.”
Bipartisan Discontent with U.S. Political System
The poll reveals that frustration is not confined to one party. Just four in ten Americans have a favorable view of the Republican Party, while only one-third view Democrats positively. Trust in the political system is low across the board.
More than half of Democrats (55%) say they are pessimistic about how U.S. political leaders are chosen, up from 46% last summer. Concerns range from the Electoral College system to gerrymandering, which many believe distort representation.
“I don’t have confidence in the system anymore,” said Linda Sleet, a 69-year-old Democrat from Florida. “It served a purpose once. It doesn’t now.”
Mixed Feelings About Party Leaders
The poll sheds light on how voters perceive key political figures:
- Bernie Sanders: Favored by 75% of Democrats; 4 in 10 among all adults
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Viewed favorably by ~50% of Democrats, 30% overall
- Chuck Schumer: Approval drops to 33% among Democrats
- Marco Rubio: Liked by 60% of Republicans; ~33% overall
- Mike Johnson (Speaker of the House): 50% favorability among GOP, ~25% overall
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: 44% GOP support, 25% overall
A Search for New Leadership
Democrats surveyed expressed longing for a charismatic, unifying figure who could rally the party the way Barack Obama once did. Many said they don’t see that leader yet.
Until such a figure emerges, pessimism is likely to grow, especially as Trump pushes sweeping legislative changes and consolidates control of federal agencies with Musk’s backing.
“I’m going to need to see some wins for America, for humanity, before I can be optimistic,” Williams said. “Right now, it feels like everything is just screwed up.”
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