In American politics, the party that holds the White House always has a clear face, a recognizable leader. Right now, that’s Donald Trump and the Republican Party. So when journalists call me in a panic — “The Democrats don’t have a leader! They don’t have a face! What’s happening?” — I tell them the same thing: relax. That’s just how the U.S. system works. When you’re in the opposition, you don’t get a single, unifying figure. That comes later. It’s not a crisis, it’s the cost of being out of power.

But here’s where Democrats do risk stepping into a trap: looking backward. Yes, Kamala Harris wants to publish her memoirs. Yes, Joe Biden is lining up a book deal. Fine. But the more oxygen they take up, the harder it gets for Democrats to move on. And that’s not doing the party any favors.

Let’s be clear: the message for 2026 cannot be Joe Biden. It cannot be Kamala Harris. Harris had her shot and she missed it. The only message that will help Democrats win back power now is one that connects to the economy and the middle class.

And here’s the opportunity: Donald Trump managed to increase unemployment, inflation, and the debt all at once. That’s a record Democrats should be able to run against. The question is: will they seize the moment, or will they blow it again?

PS: For more on this, check out my latest video on my YouTube channel.