Former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg stated that moderate Democrats "don't have the right values," asserting that the party's establishment repeatedly loses elections because its priorities are misaligned with those of the American public. Hogg made these remarks during an appearance on CNN's "The Source," addressing concerns about progressive candidates potentially struggling in general elections against Republicans.
"The reason why the establishment of our party is being defeated over and over and over again is because they don't have the right values that are aligned with not the Democratic base, but the American people," Hogg told host Kaitlin Collins. He added, "Where people are sick and tired of listening to Democrats and tell them all the reasons why they can't solve their problems."
Hogg advised moderates to adjust their approach instead of urging successful progressive candidates to shift towards the center. "I would say to the moderates in our party, you need to figure out how to actually offer something new to voters that isn't just the same message that you gave them in 2024," he said.
His comments drew a counterpoint from Steven Bonnell II, a liberal streamer known as "Destiny." Bonnell told Fox News Digital that Hogg's assessment does not reflect the views of typical Democratic voters. "I would say that this is outside of the Democratic Party's mainstream views," Destiny stated. "Polls seem to evidence this, with a plurality (or majority, in some cases) of Democratic voters feeling as though the party has moved too far to the left."
Destiny, who has been critical of the party's more left-leaning factions, suggested Hogg's remarks exemplify a dynamic where progressives can criticize moderates without facing similar internal party scrutiny. "People in the Democratic Party's extreme fringe have created a ‘ratchet effect,’ where you cannot criticize anyone to the left-of-moderate view point," he explained. "Those same people can infinitely attack the moderate wing, leading outsiders (and even people from within) to view the Democratic Party as far more extreme than it actually is."
He warned that a Democratic Party that dismisses its moderates' values could face electoral consequences. "I think it would mean the Democratic Party would probably have a hugely difficult time succeeding in the upcoming general in 2028, and possibly even stumble in 2026," Destiny said. "Which is especially ridiculous given how low Trump's popularity is at the moment."
Meanwhile, veteran Democratic strategist James Carville expressed a different perspective. He told Fox News Digital that he believes Democratic primary voters will ultimately reject the socialist wing of the party. "I think it's more likely than not that the Democrats embrace sanity," Carville said.
Carville suggested that a takeover by the socialist wing could lead to a party schism, echoing concerns he has raised regarding the increasing influence of certain progressive figures. He stated, "That probably would result in some kind of schism in the party. I'm going to let Democratic voters determine the direction that party goes in, and if it goes in the direction — which I'm pretty confident it won't — but if it goes in that direction, then I'm going to be 82. OK, fine, go ahead, but not with me."
Carville has previously indicated he would leave the party if streamer Hasan Piker became a significant force within it. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in response to such comments, suggested Carville could "start his own party."