Following President Trump's election win, former Maryland Governor and DNC chair nominee Martin O'Malley offered a candid assessment of the Democratic Party's standing during a CNN interview.
O'Malley acknowledged the party's struggles after the election, attributing the defeat to a disconnect with the concerns of working-class Americans. He highlighted the rising cost of living outpacing wage growth as a key issue the party failed to adequately address.
Positioning himself as a potential agent of change, O'Malley emphasized his experience as governor and his previous role chairing a national committee. He believes his leadership skills and experience make him the ideal candidate to revitalize the party.
O'Malley echoed Democratic strategist James Carville's sentiment that the party needs to prioritize economic issues. He agreed with Carville's assessment that focusing on the economy is crucial for the party's future success, and revealed that Carville had advised him on his DNC chair candidacy.
A progressive strategist, speaking anonymously to The Hill, also criticized the party for neglecting the working class, suggesting that this trend began during the Obama administration when the party shifted its focus towards attracting support from Silicon Valley and affluent, college-educated individuals.
