Excellent piece, Sikander.

A deliberate return to the working class may not be the best tack. Didn't Biden try this? Will doubling the effort make a difference?

Democratic losses in the House and Senate were not enormous, whereas the presidential race was a self-inflicted catastrophe created by Biden—but not entirely. His enablers in the party establishment maneuvered Biden into the 2020 nomination, giving the middle finger to ordinary Democratic voters nationwide. This source of defeat followed the pattern of those of others, such as Hillary Clinton, Gore, and Mondale.

The "Blue Wall" and additional notions of a Democratic fortress shut out Americans -- unbelievably, including Floridians! An enormous effort must be made to talk with these folks again.

Democrats (or Republicans) could succeed by pitching the future and opportunities for all Americans. Biden, Harris, and Trump did none of this. The opportunity (and big disrupter) of artificial intelligence was barely mentioned in their campaigns.

Grand ideas will capture imaginations. However, increasing tariffs, minimum wages, and worker unions will not deliver prosperity or votes in the long run.

Many thanks. Best for the holidays and 2025.