Are Never-Trumpers Welcome in the Democratic Party? Mehdi Asks Sarah Longwell
Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, attributes the Republican Party's 2026 midterm defeat to a rejection of Donald Trump's authoritarian politics and economic failures. Longwell argues that voters recognized a failed experiment and demanded change, specifically citing the war with Iran and a disconnect from the electorate. In separate discussions with Mehdi Hasan, Longwell addresses the role of Never-Trumpers within the Democratic Party, asserting that those who believe democracy is at stake should elect Democrats. Longwell continues to use voter focus groups to identify the priorities of independent and swing voters.
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- ✓ Sarah Longwell is the publisher of The Bulwark.
- ✓ Mehdi Hasan questioned Sarah Longwell on whether Never-Trumpers are welcome in the Democratic Party.
- ✓ Sarah Longwell conducts focus groups with swing and independent voters.
- ✓ Sarah Longwell stated that people who believe democracy is at stake should elect Democrats.
What changed
Sarah Longwell attributed the 2026 GOP midterm defeat to economic failures and the Iran war.
Live updates
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Sarah Longwell analyzes GOP 2026 midterm losses and Democratic ties
Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, attributes the Republican Party's 2026 midterm defeat to a rejection of Donald Trump's authoritarian politics and economic failures. Longwell argues that voters recognized a failed experiment and demanded change, specifically citing the war with Iran and a disconnect from the electorate. In separate discussions with Mehdi Hasan, Longwell addresses the role of Never-Trumpers within the Democratic Party, asserting that those who believe democracy is at stake should elect Democrats. Longwell continues to use voter focus groups to identify the priorities of independent and swing voters.
Why it matters
The Bulwark serves as a hub for former Republicans who oppose Donald Trump. This tension highlights a broader struggle over whether the Democratic Party can effectively integrate these allies while managing internal disagreements on foreign policy.
What is confirmed
- Sarah Longwell is the publisher of The Bulwark.
- Mehdi Hasan questioned Sarah Longwell on whether Never-Trumpers are welcome in the Democratic Party.
- Sarah Longwell conducts focus groups with swing and independent voters.
- Sarah Longwell stated that people who believe democracy is at stake should elect Democrats.
Still unconfirmed
- Donald Trump's economic failures and the Iran war contributed to the 2026 GOP losses.
What to watch next
- Official certification of the 2026 midterm election results
- Further analysis of independent voter data from Longwell's focus groups
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- Zeteo — Are Never-Trumpers Welcome in the Democratic Party? Mehdi Asks Sarah Longwell
- USA Today — Have voters already forgotten everything Trump got right? | Opinion
- KQED — What Has Sarah Longwell Learned From Hundreds of Voter Focus Groups?
- Observer-Reporter — OP-ED: Will Dems capitalize on voters’ discontent?
- zeteo.com — Are Never-Trumpers Welcome in the Democratic Party? Mehdi ...
- bsky.app — Post by @thebulwark.com — Bluesky - bsky.app
- bsky.app — Post by @trumpwatch.skyfleet.blue — Bluesky - bsky.app
- www.alternet.org — Sarah Longwell says Trump’s ‘failed experiment’ backfired ...
- zeteo.com — BREAKING: Haley Stevens Endorses Republican in Final Attempt ...
- www.radio.net — The Next Level podcast | Listen online for free - radio.net
- www.wypr.org — What issues mattered to Independent voters this election ...
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