Part 6/8:
The long-term failure to cultivate strong candidates within the Democratic ranks becomes evident when considering the potential contenders. Names like Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Pete Buttigieg emerge, but their appeal is notably limited. Even popular figures like Roy Cooper or Gretchen Whitmer struggle to gain national traction, and others, such as AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) and Dean Phillips, face considerable obstacles in the primary.
The situation is exacerbated by the prospective candidacy of figures subtly linked to previous electoral failures, which only serves to highlight the Democratic Party's struggles. In essence, the bench is shallow, relying on candidates who are often regarded as uninspiring or out of touch with the electorate's needs.