Who People Want As The New Face Of The Democratic Party

Buzz Feed

2 days ago

After a resounding defeat last November, it's clear that the Democratic Party needs to figure out how to move forward.
So, we asked the BuzzFeed Community who they would like to see as the new face of the party. Here's what they said:
"AOC or Jasmine Crockett. We need someone who actually wants the best for the American people and has our best interests at heart."
—Anonymous
"I hadn't heard of Andy Beshear until that period where we were all wondering who was going to be chosen as Kamala's running mate, but he seems like a great fit to lead the party right now. He's connected with voters enough to keep winning elections in his red state of Kentucky, and we could certainly use some of that in the next presidential election."
—Anonymous
"I love those videos of Katie Porter breaking things down on her whiteboard to emphasize how corrupt and greedy corporations have gotten. She fearlessly calls out companies that don't pay their workers enough, Big Pharma for exploiting sick people, etc. She is a true supporter of the middle class and exactly who I want to represent me."
—Anonymous
"I feel like the clear option has to be a governor or early-term senator. Historically, Democratic candidates have often won elections by being outsiders to Washington politics. So, I think the key faces of the Democratic Party should be people like Pete Buttigieg or Wes Moore. What we need the least is for another senator or other person with a long Washington record to come in and march the party to another defeat."
—Anonymous
"I think Adam Schiff should run as the Democratic nominee for president in 2028. He's really smart, has experience in Congress, and is well-spoken. Most importantly, he has no fear of Trump or Trumpites. Go Adam!"
—Anonymous
"I recently saw clips of James Talarico speaking on Joe Rogan's podcast, and I was blown away. I hadn't heard of him before, but he was smart, had common sense, and made me hopeful for the future of the Democratic Party. He wants to return the party to really looking out for the working class — something we should all agree on. Even Joe agreed with him and urged him to run for president. I don't think James has the name recognition for a 2028 run, but he's a rising star, and I hope to see much more of him."
—Anonymous
"Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois. She's a veteran who lost both her legs fighting for her country and is committed to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families. She had to use IVF to become a mother and went public about what it took for her to have children. She's not going to sit idly by while the rights of women and reproductive healthcare are being actively suppressed and undermined."
—Anonymous
"Jasmine Crockett, Maxwell Frost, and AOC. They're young enough to know how to play this game MAGA plays. We should have learned from the first election Trump won. Americans who voted for the economy, without any regard for the morality of the one they voted for, got exactly that — look at all the immoral and chaotic mess! Now, we all have to deal with it."
—Anonymous
"Given the results of our presidential election and a discombobulated Democratic Party (plus the reluctance to replace career old farts with modern-day thinkers), I don't believe our country is capable of voting in a woman, let alone a woman of color. Hurts me to believe that, as a lifelong Democrat of mixed race and a mother of adult Democrats. But if we make it beyond Trump, we'll need healing and major rebuilding by — sadly and likely — a more centrist white male. One with the integrity and guts to empower the brilliance and partnership of a woman like Jasmine or AOC. Perhaps Walz?"
—Anonymous
"Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico should also be in the limelight as a true leader. She had the courage to call out Congressmembers who objected to placing the entirety of Project 2025 into the public record."
—Anonymous
"I've been very impressed with Zohran Mamdani. He's getting people engaged and passionate. His proposals are good for the many, rather than the few. I believe a democratic socialist is precisely what the US needs right now, despite what old, corporate Democrats think. It's so frustrating how other countries can take care of their citizens while the US is too focused on greed. It's time we caught up with the rest of the world."
—Anonymous
"Andy Kim of New Jersey. He's shown that he's willing to fight. I'm looking three years ahead, and I think he might actually be presidential material."
—Anonymous
"Pete Buttigieg has such a way with words. Very smart and articulate, with the ability to break complicated issues down in ways that regular people can understand and care about. He also seems to have a calm demeanor, patiently explaining stuff without becoming hot-headed, but still standing his ground. It would be a welcome change after Trump."
—Anonymous
"Jamie Raskin has demonstrated he is willing and capable of fighting back."
—Anonymous
And finally, "AOC, because I like that she works with the left wing of the party while the rest of the establishment is courting moderate votes. Jasmine Crockett is also a good candidate to lead the party, but I'd like to know more about her inter-party strategies as well. For now, AOC seems to connect with the people and has the ability to use the system to make the most possible change of the moment. Hey, maybe AOC-Crockett 2028!"
—Anonymous
Who would you like to see as the new face of the Democratic Party? Why? Share your thoughts in the comments or in the anonymous Google form below.