Simply replacing Biden is just the beginning – Democrats need to overhaul their policies

After a night of lies about President Biden’s condition, Democrats woke up to a harsh reality. The veil has been lifted on an incumbent president who is frail and foggy, facing opposition from the majority of the American public.

Now, the question is not only who should replace Biden as the nominee, but also whether the party will reflect on the unpopularity of its policies and the cultural rot that led them to deceive voters about Biden’s condition.

Starting with the policy problem, the Democratic party has shifted far left, letting intersectional cultural warriors dominate policymaking. This radical left represents a small percentage of voters but holds significant influence within the party. Their ideological purity is enforced by social media backlash against dissenters.

Even before the debate, Biden’s popularity was waning due to the hard leftist stance on major issues. Big spending policies have led to inflation and lost real income for many. Trump’s economic policies are now viewed favorably by voters, with the majority believing they were more effective.

Voter disapproval extends to all major policy areas, including open borders, inflation, and environmental mandates like EVs. Voters are calling for a balanced approach that supports fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables without stifling the economy.

The party’s push on social issues like race and gender, including DEI initiatives and sports participation, is widely unpopular. Even voters of color prefer merit-based systems and oppose certain progressive policies.

School choice, support for transgender individuals, and foreign policy stances are also contentious issues where Democrats are out of touch with public opinion.

The Democratic party’s performance in the 2022 midterms and the shift in voters’ preferences underscore the need for introspection. The party’s reluctance to address dissent on unpopular policies and its reliance on activist newsrooms have contributed to its current crisis.

As Democrats consider a new nominee, they must prioritize honesty and courage in breaking away from failed policies and orthodoxies that are alienating voters. Self-examination and accountability are crucial for the party’s future success.

Julian Epstein is the former Democratic Chief Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee.