Democratic leaders aren’t failing because they’re too old. They’re failing because their political strategy is obsolete.

The recent Democratic National Committee drama proves the point. Hours after the DNC voted to void David Hogg’s vice chair election on procedural grounds, the 26-year-old activist announced he wouldn’t compete in the redo election. The DNC’s move — forcing new elections over alleged procedural violations — came after leaked audio revealed DNC Chair Ken Martin venting about conflicts with Hogg, saying, "I don’t know if I want to do this anymore" and "you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to."

The outcome illustrates the problem. The DNC forced Hogg out for challenging party orthodoxy — specifically his plan to raise millions through his “Leaders We Deserve” PAC to support young progressives against incumbent Democrats in safe seats. Party officials said DNC officers should focus on defeating Republicans, not “sowing division.” But Hogg’s parting shot captured the real issue. He decried “a serious lack of vision from Democratic leaders, too many of them asleep at the wheel.”

Thank you for signing up!

Subscribe to more newsletters here

Polling confirms that voters agree with Hogg’s diagnosis. A

© The Hill