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The DUmpster / Re: U.S. Senator Alex Padilla was just forcibly removed
« Last post by SVPete on June 16, 2025, 10:55:14 AM »Padilla backlash could backfire on Democrats, some in party worry
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5349876-alex-padilla-incident-democrats-response/
Padilla's stunt was October-surprise-grade. It was the kind of thing done when the general public and commentariat do not have time to think and reflect before some major action, like voting in an election. There was no such imminent event, so people realize Padilla was doing partisan political theater.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5349876-alex-padilla-incident-democrats-response/
Quote
But behind the scenes, a number of Democrats worry the incident won’t play well for the party in the long run, especially since the chatter appeared to fall along party lines in the aftermath of Padilla’s removal.
In interviews Friday, these Democrats didn’t want to speak on the record given that officials in their party are publicly unanimous in backing Padilla.
But these sources say they fear the Padilla incident could have negative ramifications as the party tries to find its way back from their devastating loss in November.
“Here’s the thing: Did it change anyone’s minds or did it just rev up the base?” said one Democratic strategist worried the incident could backfire on their party.
“This is what we don’t understand. We think these moments will cause outrage, but they miss the point. It’s not swaying anyone. It just makes us look petty.”
Padilla's stunt was October-surprise-grade. It was the kind of thing done when the general public and commentariat do not have time to think and reflect before some major action, like voting in an election. There was no such imminent event, so people realize Padilla was doing partisan political theater.