Democrats Must Fix 3 Weaknesses by 2028 Despite Midterm Gains

1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Nov 13

Three gaps could still cost Democrats in 2028 despite strong midterm wins, Dustin Guastella argues: a thin economic agenda, weak answers on globalism and immigration, and cultural distance from working-class voters.
47% of non-college voters backed Democrats versus 51% for Republicans, while the party ran strongest among affluent voters — about 60% of those making more than $300,000 voted blue.
Affordability helped Democrats this cycle, but Guastella says that message is not a governing program; he calls for investment-led industrial policy, anti-gouging measures and revenue from taxing wealthy interests rather than gimmicky tax cuts.
$58 million in Democratic ads attacked tariffs and $0 made a positive trade case, he says, warning the party still lacks a post-globalization agenda and a credible promise to reduce illegal immigration.
Guastella says Democrats also need candidates who better reflect working-class values on issues from crime to gender, pairing cultural moderation with progressive economics to lock in long-term loyalty.