At the 2024 Democratic National Convention that concluded last night in Chicago, something extraordinary and troubling unfolded nearby. Planned Parenthood set up a mobile clinic offering free abortions.
This shocking display underscored the stark reality of how far the Democratic Party has drifted from its roots as a big-tent coalition. What was once a party known for embracing diverse views, especially on sensitive issues like abortion, has become increasingly dominated by a rigid orthodoxy.
The fact that this could occur next to the party’s most important gathering highlights a growing disconnect between the party and many of its traditional supporters.
In response, our Democratic group chose a different path.
We recognized that true support for women and families goes beyond the polarizing and often destructive rhetoric that now surrounds reproductive rights. Instead of engaging in further divisive actions, we donated $6,000 in free diapers to a local pregnancy center. This was not just a symbolic gesture; it was a practical demonstration of our commitment to providing tangible support to women and families in need.
By supplying essential resources, we aimed to show that there is a compassionate and constructive alternative to the extremes that have come to define the debate on abortion.
But the Democratic Party’s current struggles with reaching its traditional base are not limited to this convention. Over the past 15 years, the party has seen a dramatic decline in influence, particularly at the state and local levels. In 2009, Democrats held commanding majorities in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as in state legislatures and governorships across the country. The successful passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 seemed to herald a new era of Democratic dominance, with many expecting the party to establish a lasting supermajority.
However, this dominance quickly faded.
Currently, Democrats hold only 46 seats in the U.S. Senate and 212 in the U.S. House, a significant drop from their previous heights. The decline at the state level is even more pronounced, with the party losing nearly 1,000 state legislative seats since 2009. This erosion of power has weakened the Democratic Party’s ability to deliver essential public services and diminished its influence in communities across the nation.
The party’s insistence on rigid adherence to certain positions, particularly on issues like abortion, has alienated potential supporters and led to internal conflicts that weaken the party’s ability to win elections. The abortion issue is just one example of the broader challenges facing the party as it struggles to maintain its relevance and appeal in an increasingly polarized political landscape. It is also emblematic of a larger problem within the Democratic Party—an obsession with ideological purity that has proven to be both counterproductive and divisive.
A.J. Oliver’s experience in 2021, when he ran for Morris County commissioner in New Jersey, is a poignant reminder of this issue. Despite his unwavering commitment to the Democratic Party and his efforts to rebuild the local organization, Mr. Oliver faced backlash for his stance on abortion, leading to the withdrawal of support from a progressive group and demands for his resignation as county chair.
Such internal conflicts highlight the dangers of a party more focused on punishing perceived heretics than on building a broad coalition capable of winning elections.
To rebuild its influence and win back the support it has lost, the Democratic Party must return to its roots as a big-tent party that welcomes a variety of perspectives. This means making room for pro-life Democrats and other dissenting voices who can help the party appeal to a broader range of voters. In a post-Roe America, where abortion policy is largely determined at the state level, the Democratic Party must also re-evaluate its stance on this issue.
The rigid demand for support of abortion without limits is not only unpopular but also unnecessary. Instead, the party should focus on reducing the number of abortions by providing more support for pregnant women, mothers and families.
What might that look like?
Expanding the child tax credit is one policy that should be made permanent. It provides essential financial relief to working-class families and aligns with pro-life values by supporting children after birth.
Supporting pregnancy resource centers is another crucial step. These centers offer vital services to women in low-income areas, and Democrats should champion them as part of a broader strategy to support marginalized communities.
Making birth free in the United States would address the financial burdens of childbirth, ensuring that all women have access to necessary care, regardless of their economic status.
By promoting paid family leave and supporting the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, the Democratic Party can ensure that women and families have the resources needed to care for their children and continue their education without discrimination.
Additionally, implementing the Family Security Act and the Pregnancy Assistance Act would provide financial support to families starting from pregnancy, funding services that assist women in challenging circumstances.
By embracing these policies and fostering a more inclusive environment, the Democratic Party can rebuild its influence, win back the support it has lost, and secure victory in November and beyond.
The absurdity of an abortion clinic seeing a political convention as an opportunity to give away its services should serve as a wake-up call, urging the party to return to its core values of inclusivity, compassion and practical support for all Americans.
The path forward lies not in rigid adherence to divisive policies but in a renewed commitment to supporting all members of society, especially those most in need of assistance. In doing so, the Democratic Party can reclaim its position as a true representative of the diverse voices and values that have historically defined it.
