(DCNF)—Democratic Washington Rep. Adam Smith said Friday on MSNBC’s “The Beat” that not all supporters of President Donald Trump are “racist, bigoted morons,” adding that his party needs to broaden its outreach and not “constantly” focus on “identity politics.”
For nearly a year since Trump won the 2024 election, Democrats have struggled to understand and regain voters, creating a split over which ideas the party should prioritize. When asked what “single message” Democrats need to rally behind to “take back some power” during the midterms, Smith discussed how the party should engage Trump supporters.
“We have to understand that all whatever 80 million, I think, is the number that voted for Trump, something like that. They’re not all racist, bigoted morons. They’re not,” Smith said. “And we need to stop treating them like that and say, ‘OK, you’ve got concerns. We’re going to address them.’ We’re not going to get them all. We don’t need to get them all.”
“But we need to reach out to people that broadens our coalition. We can’t keep preaching to the choir. Look, I represent a 70% Democratic district,” Smith added. “Whether I’m here or not, a Democrat is going to represent this district. And that’s great. But what are we going to do to reach the people in those places that we aren’t winning?”
With media pundits and polls warning Democrats in recent months about their struggling approval among voters, data from RealClear Polling shows an average favorability of 34.7% for the party. In March, however, Democrats hit a new low in CNN’s SSRS poll, reaching just a 29% favorability rating.
According to a New York Times report released Aug. 20, between the 2020 and 2024 elections, Democrats lost an estimated 2.1 million voters across 30 states, alongside Washington, D.C. In comparison, Republicans added 2.4 million registered voters and gained more new voters than Democrats between 2024 and 2025.
Prior to his comments on Trump supporters, Smith said Democrats need to focus on “what Trump is doing and how that is unacceptable,” accusing the president of being an “authoritarian” and “turning [the U.S.] into a monarchy.” While criticizing Trump, Smith acknowledged the Democratic Party also needs to understand why voters haven’t been “thrilled” with them.
“We have to change. We have to get better. We have to legitimately address immigration. We have to have secure borders, and we didn’t do as good a job on that as we should have,” Smith continued. “Focusing on identity politics constantly is not what the American people want. All right. We get that. We’re going to fix that.”
“We’re going to run our cities better, which, by the way, we’re starting to do. You look at some of the things that are happening in San Francisco and other places where we’re getting after, you know, crime and homelessness and drug abuse and actually governing better,” Smith added.
Notably, the issue of crime in major Democrat-led cities came under the media spotlight in August — after Trump first deployed the National Guard into Washington D.C. after a slew of crimes gained national attention.
While Democratic lawmakers and legacy media pundits claimed Trump was overreaching his powers, pointing to the city’s crime dropping 35% in 2024. Data from local police, however, leaves out certain crimes such as felonies and aggravated assaults, allowing crime rates to appear lower compared with 2020.
With crime significantly dropping in Washington, D.C., Trump has called for deploying the National Guard in major cities like Chicago to address crime issues. However, Democrats such as Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker have argued the National Guard isn’t necessary, highlighting videos of low-crime areas of Chicago appearing to show the city is safe.
Some Chicago residents have voiced opposition to the governor and Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying Trump’s assistance would be welcomed in high-crime areas.
According to ABC7 Chicago, police data through Aug. 16 shows homicides in the city down 25% compared to 2023. Over the last 12 months, there have been 474 homicides, while the yearly average between 2021 and 2023 hit 722, the outlet reported.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.