The results out of Virginia and New Jersey on election night, along with the rejection of progressive ideology in deep-blue jurisdictions across the country, came as a rude awakening for Democrats. While party leaders were already preparing for a difficult midterm election, the scope of Republican gains in suburbanized, Democratic-friendly states caught them by surprise. Despite the party’s relentless focus on boosting federal spending, voters sent a message they’re once again worried about government excess. Top Democratic strategists have also been engaged in difficult conversations about just how damaging the party’s progressive activists—especially their indulgence of anti-police rhetoric and social-justice ideology—have been to the entire Democratic brand. CONTINUED
Josh Kraushaar, National Journal
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