What Democrats need to do | Opinion
If the Democratic Party wants to regain durable public trust in 2026 and beyond, it should offer a practical alternative to Republican chaos and grievance politics. Many voters are tired of endless cultural conflict and a government that seems unable to improve daily life. They want secure jobs, affordable healthcare, lower costs, peace abroad and fairness at home. Democrats should build a platform focused on results rather than the hollow campaign promises Republicans have come to be known for.
First, the party should make full employment and rising wages its central economic promise. Most Americans care less about the stock market than whether they can find jobs that pay enough to live on. Federal policy should promote infrastructure renewal, industrial modernization, workforce development, and incentives for domestic production. Every region should share in growth. Democrats should say clearly: If you are willing to work, there should be a decent job available.
Second, Democrats should champion guaranteed healthcare coverage. The United States spends more on healthcare than many nations while millions still fear costs, gaps in coverage and medical debt. Whether through a public option, Medicare expansion, or another universal model, the principle should be simple: healthcare is a necessity, not a luxury. Families should not face bankruptcy because someone gets sick, and workers should not lose coverage when changing jobs. Americans are tired of waiting for Trumpcare, which always seems to be two weeks away.
Third, Democrats should become the party of strategic restraint abroad. Americans are weary of costly military entanglements like Iraq, Afghanistan or Iran with unclear goals. The United States should maintain a strong defense, honor core alliances and confront genuine threats — but use force wisely and sparingly. Military leaders in the U.S. should study how Ukraine has used innovative, agile yet low-cost approaches to bring Russia to its knees. Resources consumed by unnecessary foreign adventures would be better invested at home. Peace is not weakness; it is disciplined realism.
Fourth, Democrats should lead with a care economy agenda centered on childcare, healthcare and eldercare. Millions of families struggle to balance work with caring for children or aging parents. Affordable childcare helps parents stay employed. Better eldercare allows seniors to live with dignity. Paid family leave, caregiver tax credits, preschool access, and expanded home health services are not giveaways; they are essential economic infrastructure.
Fifth, the party should embrace tax relief for working and middle-class families. Democrats should argue that too many tax burdens have been shifted downward while wealthy interests receive special advantages that do not lead to trickle down effects. Government should prove competence, reduce waste and lower costs where possible at the federal, state and local levels.
Sixth, Democrats should support free and fair trade, including rolling back broad tariffs that raise consumer prices and invite retaliation. Tariffs often function as hidden taxes on families and businesses. Targeted trade measures may sometimes be justified, but tariffs should not be the main economic strategy. Consumers benefit from lower prices, exporters from open markets, and workers from trade paired with training and industrial investment.
Finally, Democrats should adopt a humane, orderly immigration policy. America needs secure borders and functioning laws, but it also needs realism and decency. That means modern border management, faster asylum decisions, legal pathways for needed workers, and a path to citizenship for long-settled undocumented residents who obey the law and contribute to society. What is not needed is the murder of innocent U.S. citizens by masked thugs called ICE agents.
The Democratic path forward is not to mimic opponents or chase every culture-war controversy. It is to offer a coherent program focused on jobs, healthcare, peace, family support, lower costs, fair trade and humane immigration. That is how durable trust is rebuilt and how future elections will be won.
William J. Rothwell is Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Academy Professor at Penn State, University Park. His opinions are his own and do not reflect the university’s.