Broadbent Institute Joins Latin American Progressive Think Tanks to Form Global Democracy Defense Network

A new centrist Democratic think tank called the Searchlight Institute has been launched in Washington, D.C., led by Adam Jentleson, a former Senate aide. The group aims to reduce the influence of progressive organizations on the Democratic Party by embracing a mix of policy positions across the ideological spectrum and promoting a political realignment. Searchlight plans to utilize innovative methods like a “Shark Tank-style policy generation process” to develop ideas that better align with broader public opinion, even if it means repudiating traditional liberal stances on issues like climate change and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite its ambitious goals and a projected $10 million annual budget supported by billionaire donors, some observers are skeptical about the institute’s ability to achieve meaningful realignment. The formation of this think tank reflects ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party as it grapples with balancing progressive priorities against more centrist approaches amid President Donald Trump's declining approval ratings and political challenges. This development continues a historical pattern where centrist Democratic groups seek to steer the party toward the right to regain electoral viability.