Democratic Favorability Weakens Amid Internal Split

Public support for the Democratic Party is weak, with particularly low favorability in battleground and Rust Belt areas and a documented “Democratic penalty” for identical economic‑populist messages labeled as Democratic. National polls from Gallup, UPI and CNN/SSRS show slipping favorability for both major parties and a narrowing Republican edge on security and prosperity as public confidence falls. The party is also contending with an internal policy divide between “Abundance” liberals and anti‑monopoly populists; former White House aide Mike Konczal has urged treating those ideas as complementary and crafting a unified narrative that addresses corporate gatekeepers and stronger safety nets. High‑profile shifts, such as former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan’s Democratic gubernatorial bid, and criticism from both right‑wing outlets and frustrated left‑leaning commentators underscore reputational and credibility challenges. Observers are calling for the party to rebuild, unify its message, and promote leaders who can restore broader electoral appeal.