Fareed Zakaria Urges Democrats to Reclaim Competence Amidst Voter Disillusionment

Political commentator Fareed Zakaria recently issued a stark call to action for the Democratic Party, asserting that a perceived lack of government competence in critical areas like housing, education, and fiscal management is eroding voter faith. In a social media post, Zakaria emphasized the urgent need for Democrats to "rediscover the lost art of competence" to rebuild trust among sympathetic voters, linking to a detailed analysis of his views.

Zakaria's commentary, published on November 14, 2025, in an article titled "Why Democrats Keep Flailing," argues that the party often promises "wonderful-sounding new programs" but then presides over "bloated bureaucracies and inept execution." He noted that "If America has an affordability crisis, it tends to be in places Democrats govern, like New York, Illinois and California, which all feature high taxes, soaring housing costs and stagnant outcomes in basic areas like education and infrastructure." This highlights a critical disconnect between policy ambition and practical implementation.

The issues of housing, schools, and balanced budgets are central to public perception of governmental effectiveness. Across the United States, many regions face persistent housing crises characterized by escalating costs and limited availability. Similarly, public education systems continue to grapple with challenges related to funding, curriculum, and student performance, leading to varied outcomes. Fiscal responsibility, particularly at state and federal levels, remains a constant point of contention, with ongoing debates about deficits and resource allocation.

Zakaria's critique extends to the Democratic Party's broader strategic focus, suggesting that an overemphasis on certain cultural or identity issues may alienate mainstream voters who prioritize tangible results. He has previously argued for Democrats to become "the party of building things," rather than focusing on what he perceives as less impactful political discussions. This perspective suggests that voters, even those ideologically aligned with the Democratic Party, are increasingly prioritizing demonstrable results over political rhetoric.

Ultimately, Zakaria's message underscores the importance of practical problem-solving and efficient governance for maintaining political credibility and securing future electoral success. His call for a renewed focus on competence implies that the ability to effectively manage and deliver on core governmental responsibilities is paramount for meeting public expectations and rebuilding trust.