Centrist Democrats Criticized for "Not Caring About Winning" by Pundit Josh Barro

Political pundit Josh Barro recently took to social media, asserting that certain elements within the Democratic Party are demonstrating a lack of commitment to electoral success. In a tweet posted on October 28, 2025, Barro stated, "This is a sign of a party that does not care about winning," linking to a Substack article titled "Deciding to Win: How We Got Here" and an image. This comment appears to target the strategies and priorities of what he perceives as the party's left flank, particularly in the context of centrist Democratic discourse.

Barro's criticism aligns with sentiments expressed at WelcomeFest, a recent gathering of centrist Democrats organized by WelcomePAC. The event, held in Washington D.C., centered on the theme "Responsibility to Win" and aimed to discuss strategies for the Democratic Party to achieve broader electoral victories. Speakers at WelcomeFest, including Barro, frequently criticized progressive advocacy groups, arguing their tactics and policy stances contribute to Democratic losses.

WelcomePAC, a political action committee, positions itself as supporting "pro-democracy, pro-growth, and pro-opportunity" Democratic candidates, often those who are seen as more moderate. The organization's stated goal is to help Democrats win elections by focusing on pragmatic solutions and appealing to a wider range of voters, rather than what they view as niche progressive agendas. This approach often leads to friction with the party's progressive wing, which advocates for more transformative policy changes.

The "Deciding to Win" narrative, championed by WelcomePAC and figures like Barro, suggests that a focus on specific cultural or ideological issues by the left can alienate swing voters and lead to electoral defeats. Critics of this centrist viewpoint, however, argue that abandoning progressive principles could demobilize the party's base and fail to address critical societal challenges. The ongoing debate highlights a significant ideological divide within the Democratic Party regarding the most effective path to power and governance.