How the Democrats Fumbled America

Greetings my fellow Americans, there is so much to unpack today so let’s get started. History was made on both sides of this election. On the Democratic side, we came close to electing the first woman of color (however you define it) as President of the United States. On the Republican side, former President Donald Trump became the oldest person ever elected and to a second nonconsecutive term, a feat only achieved once before by Grover Cleveland in 1893. Trump also secured the popular vote for the first time in his bid for the presidency.

So, what went wrong? Why did the Democratic Party lose so many Americans—especially men—from all walks of life? Men of every race and background came out to vote in droves.

First, let me say that I have been a lifelong Democrat. I remember being 8 years old when Ronald Reagan defeated one-term President Jimmy Carter, and how sad and uncertain the mood was in my home. I recall the discussions around the election, filled with fear and anxiety, but we survived it. My first vote for president was for Bill Clinton in 1992. He was charismatic, charming, played the saxophone, and had a brilliant wife he respected as an equal. The Clintons represented the "total package." I was proud to vote for Bill. I remember going into the voting booth with my mother in the booth next to me. After voting for Clinton/Gore, I was stumped. I whispered to my mom, “Who are these other people on the ballot? Who do I vote for?” She responded, “Just vote Democrat all the way down,” and so I did. For many years, I followed that same practice.

But now, as a mother, grandmother, property owner, business owner, and elected official, I no longer feel that the Democratic Party represents my interests. I feel unseen by the party, and this election clearly shows I am not alone. The Democratic Party has increasingly pushed agendas that many of us find morally problematic. Now, I’m not a religious fanatic, but there are certain values and standards I believe in—values I want to pass on to my family. Let’s start with the issue of abortion. I am pro-choice and firmly believe women should have autonomy over their own bodies. However, in 2024, the Democratic Party pushed abortion rights as if they were as inconsequential as getting a tattoo. When I talk about reproductive health, I mean the full spectrum—protection for victims of sexual assault and incest, preventive care, free birth control so women can decide when to start a family, and access to safe first-trimester abortions. But instead, the Democratic Party relentlessly focused on abortion, which many voters see as synonymous with "killing babies," and this left many feeling alienated and morally uncomfortable.

Another area where the Democratic Party has lost support is in its handling of LGBTQ+ issues. Let me be clear: everyone has the right to love whom they want, without fear of judgment. But the aggressive push to normalize and promote gay and trans rights in ways that impact children is problematic. Why are preschoolers learning about gender identity? Why are boys allowed to use girls' bathrooms? Why are adolescents being given hormone therapy? At what point did it become acceptable to chemically alter children’s bodies? And why are boys participating in girls' sports?

These issues may seem like simple requests for some, but the Democratic Party has vilified anyone who raises concerns about what’s best for American children. Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to finance gender-affirming care, which, for many, is a personal choice, not a medical necessity. In Illinois, for example, Governor Pritzker passed a law allowing transgender people to change their sex on their birth certificates. When did the Democratic Party decide to speak for and represent the entire LGBTQ+ community? Many of us feel that the rights of gay individuals have been prioritized over the rights of parents to protect their children.

As a result, families like mine, who believe in raising their children by certain values, have felt pushed aside. Schools should focus on reading, writing, math, science, and safe social interactions—not teaching kids about sexuality. These agendas have made many parents feel alienated and morally uncomfortable.

Another critical issue that drove many voters away from the Democratic Party is immigration. Why is the Democratic Party so focused on issues like Ukraine and Israel while American citizens are struggling with rising costs? Why is there such an emphasis on open borders when our own citizens face economic hardship? The fact is, it is unpatriotic to focus on everyone else’s needs while ignoring the struggles of American families. The United States is funding wars that many citizens don’t support, and we’re being forced to pay for things that don't prioritize our own people.

The Bottom Line, The Democratic Party’s focus on issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration has caused them to lose touch with middle-class, heterosexual families who are concerned about the well-being of their children, their communities, and their country. The party has become disconnected from the values that many of us hold dear—values that prioritize family, moral integrity, and patriotism. While issues like sexism, racism, and candidate likability may have played a small part in this election loss, the bigger issue is the Democratic Party’s failure to focus on the real needs of American families.

The Democratic Party’s missteps are not just political; they are cultural and moral. As someone who has supported the party for most of my life, it’s painful to say this: but the Democrats have lost their way. The party needs to refocus on the priorities of everyday Americans and rediscover the values that once made it great.

God bless America.