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Omaha Steve

(108,922 posts)
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 10:30 PM 11 hrs ago

Democratic moderates warn that leaning too far left in midterms sets up presidential loss in 2028

Source: AP

By MEG KINNARD
Updated 4:27 PM CST, March 2, 2026

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Across the country, progressives are lighting a fire that they hope will catapult Democrats back to power in Congress this year. But here in a hotel ballroom, the party’s beleaguered moderates have another message — not so fast.

Leaders at Third Way’s conference talked over and over about how Democrats can’t swing too far left in the midterms, or when picking their next presidential nominee, if they have any hope of winning back the White House.

The title of the two-day, invite-only conference: “Winning the Middle.” And there was plenty of advice on how to do that.

Be plainspoken, not lofty or academic. Don’t live online, but be authentic on social media. Loosen up, and be patriotic without fear that something like the American flag or Pledge of Allegiance has been co-opted by conservatives.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/2026-2028-election-progressive-moderate-0a8db97aff5e49c22625c2f0d7036fcf

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Democratic moderates warn that leaning too far left in midterms sets up presidential loss in 2028 (Original Post) Omaha Steve 11 hrs ago OP
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Way Too Late. We're cleaning house with great democrats ! Bread and Circuses 11 hrs ago #1
$15 an hr min wage and affordable health care for all...oh no nt msongs 11 hrs ago #2
Exactly - when the "right" is controlled by batshit crazy TexasBushwhacker 9 min ago #65
Pitting Moderates v Progressives is what brings us down gab13by13 11 hrs ago #3
I agree creon 10 hrs ago #14
We've been here before. Safe as Milk 11 hrs ago #4
We've lost before because progressives wouldn't help creeksneakers2 9 hrs ago #22
We lose because the party fails to maintain and update LuvLoogie 1 hr ago #56
Well said....especially this bit: Bettie 29 min ago #61
There is no middle between Democracy and Fascism Fiendish Thingy 11 hrs ago #5
First things first creon 10 hrs ago #17
Third Way??are you serious? choie 11 hrs ago #6
Fuck the Third Way johnnyplankton 11 hrs ago #7
Nope creeksneakers2 9 hrs ago #23
Better to seek to restore funding for Obamacare. NH Ethylene 9 hrs ago #30
I think when we get back in power intheflow 1 hr ago #59
We've been muzzled too long. The sure way to a loss is not taking a stand against these middle of the road ideas Deuxcents 11 hrs ago #8
That idea will get us beat again. creeksneakers2 9 hrs ago #25
Our forefathers were radical. Is wanting our kids healthy Deuxcents 9 hrs ago #31
Those things are fine creeksneakers2 9 hrs ago #33
We lose because of the corrupted media. That phrase, 'defund the police' was travelingthrulife 11 min ago #64
Third Way? LovelyStuff 11 hrs ago #9
I fucking hate this moderate bullshit. Cowards, one and all. NewHendoLib 11 hrs ago #10
This is an opinion piece masquerading as a news article Prairie Gates 10 hrs ago #11
They had a meeting.... Bettie 19 min ago #63
Oh here we go again... Marie Marie 10 hrs ago #12
WHY is it only Dems who have to "mitigate" Skittles 10 hrs ago #13
They'll lose because they are extreme. creeksneakers2 9 hrs ago #26
But they didn't lose last time. NH Ethylene 9 hrs ago #32
They hid who they were last time. creeksneakers2 9 hrs ago #35
MAGAts have NEVER hidden who they are Skittles 7 hrs ago #43
Fuck the Third Way Nictuku 10 hrs ago #15
And, don't forget to let your inner-bigot shine! Trash Minorities, proclaim your love of Christian Nationalism, and, Oneironaut 10 hrs ago #16
Not necessary. NH Ethylene 9 hrs ago #34
the right had their tea party around 2010 moonshinegnomie 10 hrs ago #18
What should we do? creeksneakers2 9 hrs ago #27
What? Ya don't like the job Chuckie Schumer is doing? 3Hotdogs 10 hrs ago #19
Terrible arricle headline Terry_M 10 hrs ago #20
I can see that being true, because we've seen it time and time again... C Moon 10 hrs ago #21
I think we should listen to them SSJVegeta 9 hrs ago #24
Yes creeksneakers2 9 hrs ago #28
Clinton was my favorite but Buzz cook 9 hrs ago #37
But he held off the conservatives for eight years. creeksneakers2 8 hrs ago #38
No he didn't. intheflow 52 min ago #60
So what you want is more Democrats that will vote both for war and for tax cuts for the rich? I think not pecosbob 9 hrs ago #29
Those came with the Trump package. NH Ethylene 9 hrs ago #36
Theoretical bullshit. Let's get some real data. usonian 8 hrs ago #39
We need fighters with spines, not Buddyzbuddy 8 hrs ago #40
BS. nt yaesu 8 hrs ago #41
How is opposing Trump too far left? Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin 8 hrs ago #42
Every election we get these marching orders. n/t flvegan 7 hrs ago #44
The billionaire backed Vichy Democratic plan Miguelito Loveless 5 hrs ago #45
Billionaires always jump from their sinking ship to push a right leaning Dem Ponietz 5 hrs ago #46
the flailing of a dying class of politicians. nt Javaman 2 hrs ago #47
Democrats do this every election cycle and, over the decades, have moved to the right, then Vinca 2 hrs ago #48
🍿🙄 QueerDuck 2 hrs ago #49
Truly shitty idea. Kid Berwyn 1 hr ago #50
I disagree with both. everyonematters 1 hr ago #51
They need to run on and govern as Trumpism is not the right direction. harun 1 hr ago #52
Don't they always? CousinIT 1 hr ago #53
JHFC orangecrush 1 hr ago #54
RWers are sure up in arms about future elections.............. Lovie777 1 hr ago #55
BULL SHIT! Chasstev365 1 hr ago #57
Labeling OC375 1 hr ago #58
Being MAGA Lite has worked so well for us... mackdaddy 28 min ago #62
When the public . . . Scubamatt 6 min ago #66

TexasBushwhacker

(21,169 posts)
65. Exactly - when the "right" is controlled by batshit crazy
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 09:56 AM
9 min ago

rapists and rapist sympathizers (any person who is a victim of sex trafficking is a victim of rape, regardless of age) who will START WARS just to distract from their perverted deeds, why is it on US to "play nice"?

I'm mad as hell and I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!!!

We will ALL PAY when farmers lose their farms because of Trump's tariffs.

We will ALL PAY when gas prices go up because of TRUMP'S WAR.

We will ALL PAY when military members DIE in Trump's war.

We will ALL PAY when the national debt skyrockets because of TRUMP'S WARS.

His first term was terrible, but his 2nd has been CATASTROPHIC!!!

creon

(2,055 posts)
14. I agree
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 11:36 PM
10 hrs ago

WQe do not need a blue on blue.

The emeny is that way son ----->

There is plenty of ammunitrion for firing for effect at the enmy

creeksneakers2

(7,973 posts)
22. We've lost before because progressives wouldn't help
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:19 AM
9 hrs ago

And ended up with terrible consequences.

LuvLoogie

(8,750 posts)
56. We lose because the party fails to maintain and update
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 08:33 AM
1 hr ago

its coalition. It throws various parts of it under the bus. Many of it's members vote to gut due process, increase citizen surveillance, and place our means of communication and information under control of nihilist tech CEOs.

Days, weeks, months go by before they even consider adressing arising issues that affect constituents in the wild. Corporate Dems blame progressives for losing, but 3rd way keep voting for compromises that GOPs favor. They're like Susan Collins in donkey drag voicing moderate concern, but always going with the corporate donor position.

Bettie

(19,552 posts)
61. Well said....especially this bit:
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 09:36 AM
29 min ago

"They're like Susan Collins in donkey drag voicing moderate concern, but always going with the corporate donor position."

Absolutely correct.

Fiendish Thingy

(22,763 posts)
5. There is no middle between Democracy and Fascism
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 10:49 PM
11 hrs ago

Centrism is an imaginary, performative construct for politicians without spines or values.

creon

(2,055 posts)
17. First things first
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 11:42 PM
10 hrs ago

First you gain offoce.

The mooto must be

"up men! and at 'em! They won't stand!

The, in office, you devise legislation that actually solve problems.

And put away labels.

Remember that social security was first passed was minimal.

choie

(6,853 posts)
6. Third Way??are you serious?
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 10:55 PM
11 hrs ago

Why the fuck should we listen to these neo liberal, keep things the way they are, m diocrities?

johnnyplankton

(628 posts)
7. Fuck the Third Way
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 10:56 PM
11 hrs ago

We lose because we won't deliver on "radical" ideas like universal healthcare. That and a completely corrupted corporate media.

creeksneakers2

(7,973 posts)
23. Nope
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:28 AM
9 hrs ago

We lost our majorities in Congress after trying to pass Hillary care. And after Obamacare we lost 63 seats in the House and 7 seat in the Senate. They tried to pass single payer health care in liberal Oregon in 2002. It lost 78.5% to 21.5%. What we got took great sacrifice and its a terrible idea to squander it on pipedreams. Please help out with trying to stop Fascism. It would be a big victory if we could get back what we had a year ago.

NH Ethylene

(31,315 posts)
30. Better to seek to restore funding for Obamacare.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:41 AM
9 hrs ago

Many moderates can support that while balking at anything more. One step at a time. We need to get back into power and then go slowly with healthcare improvements.

intheflow

(30,129 posts)
59. I think when we get back in power
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 09:04 AM
1 hr ago

we need to move very quickly, while the wounds this regime inflicted are still fresh. Healthcare, yes, but also expand the SCOTUS and launch treason investigations into Trump and all his sycophants. Then give the death penalty to the m-fers convicted. I’m not in favor of the death penalty in most cases, but in treason this egregious, it’s the only thing that will discourage this level of corruption from the right. They only understand violent consequences.

Deuxcents

(26,420 posts)
8. We've been muzzled too long. The sure way to a loss is not taking a stand against these middle of the road ideas
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 10:58 PM
11 hrs ago

Deuxcents

(26,420 posts)
31. Our forefathers were radical. Is wanting our kids healthy
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:42 AM
9 hrs ago

With a quality education, affordable wages, housing, healthcare, clean air n water and an economy that’s fair for everyone radical? Is fixing our aging infrastructure radical? Is having a platform for the betterment of future generations radical? Making promises that are impossible to keep to stay in the middle of the road is not a winning strategy. Jmo 🌺

creeksneakers2

(7,973 posts)
33. Those things are fine
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:45 AM
9 hrs ago

If you want to push single payer, defund the police etc we'll lose. What do you mean by fair for everyone? If its socialism it won't fly.

travelingthrulife

(5,015 posts)
64. We lose because of the corrupted media. That phrase, 'defund the police' was
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 09:54 AM
11 min ago

developed to make us lose.

Prairie Gates

(7,773 posts)
11. This is an opinion piece masquerading as a news article
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 11:12 PM
10 hrs ago

What's the news here? Some people have an opinion?

Garbage.

Skittles

(170,827 posts)
13. WHY is it only Dems who have to "mitigate"
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 11:22 PM
10 hrs ago

you NEVER see repukes getting these "warnings"

NH Ethylene

(31,315 posts)
32. But they didn't lose last time.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:44 AM
9 hrs ago

They play dirty and use scare tactics and hot-button social issues.

We need to start off more moderate to WIN. And then lead public opinion - over time - to the point where they support the stances that are now considered to be far left.

creeksneakers2

(7,973 posts)
35. They hid who they were last time.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:49 AM
9 hrs ago

They were about halting a flood of illegal immigration, not unleashing gangs of thugs into our cities. I agree that after we stop Fascism we can have a debate about the next step. But first we have to restore what has been destroyed. Then, if we can afford it, look at doing more.

Skittles

(170,827 posts)
43. MAGAts have NEVER hidden who they are
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 02:41 AM
7 hrs ago

WE knew this fascist shit would happen....and I for one am SICK of Dems having to waste YEARS cleaning up repuke messes, only for repukes to HIT THE GROUND RUNNING when they get back into power because our mainstream media COMPLETELY fails us.

Oneironaut

(6,266 posts)
16. And, don't forget to let your inner-bigot shine! Trash Minorities, proclaim your love of Christian Nationalism, and,
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 11:38 PM
10 hrs ago

scold the "Far-Left" for being big meanies to Trump.

Or, we could have a spine?

NH Ethylene

(31,315 posts)
34. Not necessary.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:45 AM
9 hrs ago

Show the people what honor is, what patriotism is, what compassion is. They need to be wooed, not yanked.

moonshinegnomie

(3,977 posts)
18. the right had their tea party around 2010
Mon Mar 2, 2026, 11:44 PM
10 hrs ago

the dems need their version now to replace th o ld guard with young fighters ready to get in th egutter and fight the fascists instead of sending strongly worded notes .

Terry_M

(818 posts)
20. Terrible arricle headline
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:01 AM
10 hrs ago

The headline says dont go left but if you read the article content the advice is spot on - be more plain, talk more simply, dont just assume trolling Trump is gonna win you elections. Actually come up with an economic message that the common person will understand. Those things are all important and correct.

C Moon

(13,583 posts)
21. I can see that being true, because we've seen it time and time again...
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:03 AM
10 hrs ago

the public forgets WAY to quickly.

When the Democratic party gains control again, they need to start charging and seeing those who are now breaking our laws are sentenced and pay for their crimes. No more let's heal and move on. It doesn't work with the gop.

SSJVegeta

(2,688 posts)
24. I think we should listen to them
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:28 AM
9 hrs ago

Because every time Democrats listen to moderates, it always works out well for them.

Buzz cook

(2,871 posts)
37. Clinton was my favorite but
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 01:02 AM
9 hrs ago

Lots of where he failed was because he listened to moderates.
NAFTA was an attempt to appease moderate republicans and conservative democrats.
Ending Glass Steagall was a gift to moderates.
But worst was media consolidation. We may never recover from that.

intheflow

(30,129 posts)
60. No he didn't.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 09:13 AM
52 min ago

He was president when Newt Gingrich launched the contract on America and kicked millions off of welfare. Clinton started the bombing campaign against Iraq which gave Bush “bipartisan” support for invading them. And they impeached him for having consensual sex with an adult. Obama was a way better leader for his 8 years.

pecosbob

(8,368 posts)
29. So what you want is more Democrats that will vote both for war and for tax cuts for the rich? I think not
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:37 AM
9 hrs ago

NH Ethylene

(31,315 posts)
36. Those came with the Trump package.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 12:58 AM
9 hrs ago

People don't necessarily approve of them (in fact I've seen some hard-line Trumpers grow cool to Trump in the last couple of days over the Iran war). And remember Luigi Mangione? Right after he killed the insurance CEO, everybody was cheering him (while saying murder was wrong, of course, but . . . ) However, the minute Trump condemned the killing, the MAGAs switched their sentiments in true, follow-the-leader fashion. With the right kind of presentation, taxing the rich could become a popular Democratic stance that would not alienate anyone as being too far left. Similarly, stop the war in the Middle East may very well be quite a popular message by November.

usonian

(24,598 posts)
39. Theoretical bullshit. Let's get some real data.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 01:24 AM
8 hrs ago

Long story short. Bernie and AOC are generating enough excitement to break through the propaganda wall.

Only a REVOLUTIONARY Democratic party will win, because the maga servants of the rich think they are part of a revolution.
Against an Emmanuel Goldstein kind of enemy who exists in Fox Fiction.

A grassroots revolution is needed for the party to win.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/13244015

The Democratic Party needs to be REVOLUTIONARY, not reactionary. That is how we win. PERIOD.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1016&pid=420478

Buddyzbuddy

(2,417 posts)
40. We need fighters with spines, not
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 01:45 AM
8 hrs ago

go along to get along, capitulating, compromisers ready to run Republican light.

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(134,653 posts)
42. How is opposing Trump too far left?
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 02:01 AM
8 hrs ago

Nearly everyone agrees we shouldn't be in Iran.

Nearly everyone agrees his tax cuts mostly favor the rich. Even if the taxes of the poor and middle class are cut, we're paying more for healthcare, food and fuel so they won't make a difference.

Ponietz

(4,247 posts)
46. Billionaires always jump from their sinking ship to push a right leaning Dem
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 04:31 AM
5 hrs ago

It happens every time.

Vinca

(53,729 posts)
48. Democrats do this every election cycle and, over the decades, have moved to the right, then
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 07:46 AM
2 hrs ago

more to the right. Haven't they learned yet that Republicans will vote for real Republicans and not right-leaning Democrats? They'd be better off embracing the left of center Democrats rather than abandoning them. It seems younger voters, in particular, are itching for change as opposed to the same old politics.

everyonematters

(4,082 posts)
51. I disagree with both.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 08:14 AM
1 hr ago

Push progressive economic policies and deemphasize social issues except for abortion - Bernie Sanders.

harun

(11,381 posts)
52. They need to run on and govern as Trumpism is not the right direction.
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 08:17 AM
1 hr ago

Clearly stating Trump is not a Conservative, he is a Right Wing Populist.

Running and governing on Left Wing Populism is the way.

Health care
Capped lending rates at 15% max (credit cards, etc.)
Only Congress can declare war
Violent ice agents are not the answer to immigration

Lovie777

(22,622 posts)
55. RWers are sure up in arms about future elections..............
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 08:25 AM
1 hr ago

constant divisions thrust upon the "big tent" Democratic Party is always the RW conclusion that Democrats can't get along. In most elections, we can work together and when that happens we win. 2025 was a good year for Democrats, midterm 2026 will also be in favor for us.

But alas, the pro-dictator republican party got tons of money and corporate media is pro-propaganda. They hate democracy and they hate the US as well as her citizens.

OC375

(660 posts)
58. Labeling
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 08:38 AM
1 hr ago

That’s what sucks the air out of the room. Run a good straight forward platform and people will respond.

Scubamatt

(293 posts)
66. When the public . . .
Tue Mar 3, 2026, 09:59 AM
6 min ago

is given a choice between voting for Republicans versus Republicans-lite, they will always vote for Republicans. Why don't we FIGHT for things that matter to most Americans, like living wage, affordable healthcare, access to reproductive health, letting people live their lives, and governmental accountability - and leave the labels for the pundits and talk show hosts. Fight for the issues - really fight - and we will win.

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