Freshman Representative Sarah McBride (D-Del.) made waves in a recent interview with Politico’s The Conversation, where she candidly acknowledged that many Americans feel the Democratic Party has treated them poorly — even going so far as to say voters think Democrats have been “a–holes.”
“I think voters feel like Democrats have sort of been a–holes to them,” McBride said in the interview, set to air Sunday. Her remarks come as Democrats continue to reflect on their recent widespread losses in the November elections.
McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, emphasized that voters are seeking respect above all else — and many don’t believe they’re getting it from the Democratic Party.
“A voter asks two questions when choosing who to support,” McBride explained. “First: Does this candidate or party like me and respect me? If that answer is no, they won’t even bother asking the second question, which is: What does this person or party actually stand for?”
She argued that the Democratic Party’s failure to answer that first question effectively has cost them support among key constituencies.
Other prominent Democrats have raised similar concerns. Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has warned that the party often appears “condescending,” especially toward working-class voters, and suggested many Democrats expect voters to “be smart enough to know they’re voting against their interests.” Meanwhile, Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) criticized the party for dismissing concerns about issues such as transgender athletes in women’s sports.
McBride believes Democrats must reframe their message to rebuild trust. “We need to unite around three simple ideas: working people need more help, democracy and freedom are worth protecting, and we’re not going to treat voters like garbage,” she said.
She also pointed out that much of the negativity voters associate with the Democratic Party isn’t coming directly from elected officials — but from high-profile voices online.
“In today’s world, voters don’t just judge the party by politicians,” she noted. “They also see the loudest influencers online — and when those voices mock or shame people, even rhetorically, and no one pushes back, it reflects poorly on all of us.”
McBride’s blunt assessment signals a growing call within the party to shift its tone, re-center its focus on economic and democratic values, and reconnect with the broader electorate — especially those who feel left behind or disrespected.
