Public Order Concerns from 2020-2023 Pose Persistent Challenge for Democratic Party

Political commentator and economist Noah Smith recently articulated a significant electoral challenge facing the Democratic Party, stemming from a perceived breakdown of public order between 2020 and 2023. In a social media post, Smith contended that the period, marked by "riots, crime, and uncontrolled borders," led to the Democratic Party being largely blamed for these issues. He further suggested that the party will continue to struggle electorally "until people believe they stand for public order instead of anarchy."

The years 2020 to 2023 saw widespread social unrest, including numerous protests that sometimes escalated into riots, along with rising crime rates in many urban centers. Concurrently, issues at the U.S. southern border, characterized by increased migrant encounters, drew significant public and political attention. Noah Smith, through his "Noahpinion" blog, has consistently analyzed how public perception of these events has impacted the Democratic Party's standing.

Smith's commentary highlights that the "long shadow of 2020," particularly the "defund the police" rhetoric embraced by some prominent Democrats, contributed to a tarnished reputation on crime. He noted in a recent post that while many Democrats quickly moderated their stance on policing, the initial association persisted. Similarly, on immigration, Smith observed that while Americans generally support immigration, they strongly disapprove of "migrants flouting their laws by entering illegally," an issue where public approval for more restrictive approaches has been evident.

According to Smith, the perception of chaos and a lack of control over these critical public order issues has created a significant hurdle for Democrats. He has frequently advocated for the party to adopt a more moderate and "combative centrist" approach, particularly on cultural issues, to regain the trust of a broader electorate. This strategy, he argues, involves demonstrating a clear commitment to fundamental tenets of public safety and border security, rather than being perceived as aligned with more extreme positions.

The ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding its messaging and policy priorities on public order, crime, and immigration remains crucial. As Noah Smith suggests, addressing these deeply rooted public concerns and shifting the perception of their stance on law and order will be vital for the party's future electoral success.