Part 2/8:
Smith points out that many candidates who succeeded in this cycle did so by running against the Democratic Party's brand rather than embracing it. This sentiment was echoed by Joe Concha, a Fox News contributor, who noted that Donald Trump not only dismantled the so-called "Blue Wall" in the Midwest but also gained traction in traditionally Democratic urban areas. This shift presents a considerable challenge for Democrats moving forward, as they grapple with the decline in their electoral strongholds.