Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo offered blunt criticism of the Democratic Party’s approach and warned of future challenges in an interview with journalist Mark Halperin on the “2WAY Tonight” show. Reflecting on the recent election results, Cuomo argued that Democrats missed the mark by failing to understand the priorities of American voters and letting their disdain for former President Donald Trump overshadow the party’s message.
Cuomo emphasized that Democrats have drifted out of touch with many voters. “What we did talk about was bizarre to these people!” he said, referencing some of the issues the party focused on. “It was not about gender change operations for criminals! That’s not where they were at.” According to Cuomo, Democrats need to take a hard look at how their messaging has become disconnected from the everyday concerns of the American people.
The road to recovery for the Democratic Party, explored on @2waytvapp on our "D Future" series w/ @andrewcuomo @melissadderosa @jpodhoretz @danturrentine https://t.co/wiVkslVWMJ
— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) November 12, 2024
In his interview, Cuomo offered a simple but direct piece of advice for his party: “The first thing the Democratic Party has to realize is when you’re in a hole, stop digging.” He explained that introspection is essential, and that Democrats need to understand why they’ve struggled to maintain broad appeal. Cuomo pushed back against those who argue that the party didn’t lean left enough. He warned that the progressive wing’s call to go further left may not resonate with voters, calling it “bizarre” to suggest that the problem was a lack of left-leaning policies. “As bizarre as that appears to be,” he said, “that is going to have to be sorted through.”
Cuomo also argued that the Democrats’ intense focus on opposition to Trump blinded them to the importance of making a positive case for their policies. “We were so blinded by our hate for Trump,” Cuomo said, adding that the party assumed voters would naturally align with their perspective without needing further explanation. He criticized this approach as “disconnected from reality,” explaining that voters weren’t convinced that the Biden administration had worked effectively on their behalf.
Highlighting the perceived gap between the administration’s accomplishments and the public’s awareness of them, Cuomo stressed the need to communicate more clearly what Democrats have done—and will do—for the American people. He argued that Vice President Harris faced an additional burden in convincing voters that the administration had a vision for their future. “We didn’t do that,” he added, stressing that Democrats must do more to illustrate their commitment to the well-being of ordinary citizens.
As Democrats look toward future elections, Cuomo’s remarks serve as a cautionary reminder that voters need tangible, clear reasons to support their party, not just opposition to the other side. By focusing on practical issues that resonate with the American public, Cuomo believes Democrats can avoid alienating voters and make meaningful gains.