Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) expressed concern that the Democratic Party has lost touch with voters due to focusing on unrelatable issues. In a recent appearance on “NewsNation Now,” Cuellar explained that the party’s messaging needs to shift toward addressing the real-life struggles of working-class Americans.
He emphasized that Democrats must focus on issues like border security and the rising cost of living, which are top concerns for many voters.
Cuellar pointed out that the current Democratic emphasis on topics like the “talk of joy” is out of step with the concerns of everyday Americans. He argued that people are more worried about paying for basic necessities, such as eggs, milk, and bread than they are about more abstract or ideologically driven issues.
Cuellar Warns Democrats of Disconnect with Working-Class Voters, Calls for Focus on Economic and Border Security Issues
This disconnect, Cuellar suggested, has alienated many working-class voters who feel their priorities are being ignored.
He also noted that the shift in voting patterns in recent elections reflects this disconnect. Exit polls revealed that former President Donald Trump gained support among voters who prioritized immigration and economic issues, including key demographic groups like Black and Latino voters.
Cuellar cited Trump’s success in areas that had traditionally been Democratic strongholds, such as Starr County, which flipped to support Trump in the 2020 election.
Cuellar’s remarks underscore the need for the Democratic Party to reassess its approach if it hopes to regain the trust and support of working-class Americans. With issues like immigration and the economy dominating voter concerns, Cuellar believes the party must realign its focus to address these pressing issues, rather than continue to prioritize topics that may seem disconnected from voters’ daily challenges.
