Democratic Party Hits Record Low 29% Approval, Ex-Clinton Pollster: 'I've Never Seen Anything Like This'

Democratic Party Faces Historic Decline in Favorability, Says Veteran Pollster

Veteran political analyst and former Clinton pollster Mark Penn expressed shock on Friday over what he described as an unprecedented collapse in support for the Democratic Party. Speaking on Fox News’ "Hannity", Penn referenced a recent CNN/SSRS poll conducted between March 6 and 9 that shows the party’s favorability at a dismal 29%—its lowest point in decades. chayka1270 / Pixabay

Penn Reports 'Unprecedented' Drop in Party Support on Fox News

“I’ve never seen anything like this in over 40 years of polling,” Penn said. “The Democratic Party ratings have collapsed from a 47% favorable down to 29, 27 in some of these polls, and that’s an incredible loss of moderate, working-class voters.” Yamu_Jay / Pixabay

Analyst Attributes Democratic Decline to Narrowing Progressive Appeal

Penn attributed the plunge in popularity to the party’s increasingly narrow appeal, saying it has become dominated by progressive voices like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). “Those [are the] kinds of voters that the Democratic Party needs to win elections, and it’s being shrunk to a base of left-wing advocates like Bernie Sanders and AOC who were touring the country carrying the Democratic banner. That’s not helping,” Penn added, noting that these figures, while vocal, may not represent the broader coalition the Democrats need to win elections. Jack Gruber, Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Democrats Launch 'People's Town Halls' Initiative

In response to mounting losses—including the 2024 presidential race and both chambers of Congress—the Democratic Party has launched a “People’s Town Halls” initiative. Organized by groups such as the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), and the Association of State Democratic Committees, the tour aims to rebuild support in Republican-held districts. ALEX HICKS JR./STAFF / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Party Opposition Mounts Against Trump's Government Efficiency Department

Meanwhile, the party continues to push back against President Trump’s second-term policies, particularly his controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), now helmed by Elon Musk. The department has aggressively slashed federal employment rolls, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats. Thomas Bender / Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Internal Democratic Divisions Emerge Over Response to Trump Policies

The internal divisions within the Democratic Party were on display as well. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez labeled a Trump-supported government spending package a “slush fund” for Trump and Musk, while Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) called his party’s response to the bill “total theater.” Josh Morgan / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images