Politics

Democrats Could Use a Cold Shower Before the Midterms

They have good reason to be optimistic. But they are sounding a bit too giddy.

First published in The Atlantic on May 5, 2026.

by Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic

May 7, 2026 | reading time: 7 Min.

The Democratic wilderness is starting to look awfully sunny. Gone, for the most part, are the blame-casting, hand-wringing, and paralysis-by-analysis that gripped the party after Donald Trump’s reelection. Same with the constant grousing about how the party is fractured, leaderless, locked out of power in Washington, and unloved across the country.