Democrats will have a RECKONING: Pollster

Summary

Mark Penn told host Mark Levin that he had expected El-Sayed to lose, believing Democrats would object to his rhetoric and record. Penn criticized Democratic leaders for supporting him, including Chuck Schumer’s reported financial backing. He was especially troubled by El-Sayed campaigning with Hassan Piker, whom Penn condemned for saying America deserved 9/11.

Penn said a broader national political swing—roughly 10% of the electorate, including about 5% switching sides—may have mattered more than the candidates themselves. He also argued that the Rogers campaign misjudged its strategy by focusing on Black voters rather than trying to win over women and Hayley Stevens.

Levin pressed Penn on whether Democrats should have drawn a line against candidates or allies he characterized as extremist or anti-American. Penn agreed that the party’s “big tent” approach had been too indiscriminate: he said Democrats accepted support they did not need while seeking power and would have been stronger by setting clearer limits. He contrasted this with what he described as greater Republican discipline and predicted Democrats would face a reckoning in future presidential primaries, while noting that some Democrats are willing to draw boundaries.

Presenters and Contributors

• Mark Levin: Host
• Mark Penn: Guest