(DCNF)—CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten said on Friday that Americans currently perceive “the Democratic brand” as atrocious, based on recent polling.
The Wall Street Journal, CNN and Gallup all recently found the Democratic Party has record-low favorability. Enten also said on “CNN News Central” that Democrats lack a clear polling front-runner for president — in contrast to previous elections.
“Democrats at this point are historically divided. It is a complete and utter mess. It is messier than a hoarder’s basement,” Enten said. “What are we talking about here? The national early poll leader — 25% plus. Normally, that’s where Democrats are. [Joe] Biden was at 25% plus in 2020. Hillary Clinton was in ’08 and ’16. [Al] Gore was in ’00 and ’04.”
“At this particular point, there is no one — no one — in the Democratic race for president who’s polling at 25% plus,” he continued. “The water is quite warm. If you’re a Democrat potentially thinking about running in 2028, jump right in — because at this point there is no front-runner.”
Host Kate Bolduan asked Enten if he attributed the lack of a front-runner to voters’ negative perceptions about the Democratic Party.
“I think that that is in large part of what’s going on is one of the reasons why there is no front-runner, nobody wants to put anybody up at the top of their ballot list, is because at this particular point, the Democratic brand is in the basement,” Enten said. “It is total and complete garbage in the mind of the American public.”
“The Democratic Party’s net favorable rating — record lows in all three. Wall Street Journal, 30 points underwater. CNN, 26 points underwater. Gallup, 26 points underwater,” he added. “And that is being driven in large part by discontent within the Democratic base. The Democratic base wants something different.”
NewsNation political contributor Chris Cillizza warned on his “So What” Substack Monday that the Democratic Party was in serious trouble amid historically low favorability numbers, which he said were indicative of “a brand crisis.”
“People have no idea really what the Democratic Party stands for. And to the extent that they think they know, they don’t like it, right? So, it’s weak, it’s woke and it’s anti-[President Donald]Trump,” he said. “That’s what people will say about the Democratic Party. That is not getting it done.”
A May Puck/Echelon poll also showed that likely voters largely perceived the Democratic Party as “liberal, weak, corrupt.” Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters most commonly viewed the party as “weak.”
Moreover, a July 16 Quinnipiac University poll found that only 19% of voters approved of Democrats in Congress, marking an all-time low for the polling outlet.
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Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
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The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
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Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
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In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
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Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.