On Monday, Ken Martin, the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, voiced concerns about an “internal force” threatening to usher in “fascism” in the United States.
A CNN poll from March indicated that the favorability of Democrats plummeted to 29%. More recent polling showed that only 27% of voters supported the party’s leadership, with a further decline to just 19% in a July Quinnipiac survey. During a DNC summer meeting, Martin’s remarks aimed primarily at President Donald Trump echoed these concerns.
“Democrats, we’re definitely facing a storm,” Martin remarked. “In fact, it’s already upon us—a fascist regime that promotes inequality, undermines democracy, engages in voter suppression, and imposes rigid rules.”
Democratic voter registrations have decreased by 2.1 million across 30 states since the 2020 presidential election, while Republican registrations have gone up by 2.4 million. The Republican National Committee noted it had significantly more funds available than the DNC, underscoring challenges with Democratic fundraising efforts.
Martin emphasized unity beyond party lines, stating, “It’s vital that we align, not just as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans who uphold shared values.” He highlighted the importance of respecting the Constitution, the rule of law, and the need to protect emerging democracies worldwide.
“These core values define who we are as Americans and form the foundation of our identities globally,” he continued. “We can agree on these principles across party lines. However, there are those, like the current dictator, who want to discard these values. When Joe Biden spoke in 2020 about the fight for the soul of the nation, he was spot on.”
Martin later expressed discontent regarding David Hogg, an activist who lobbied for gun control following the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018, during a recent Zoom meeting. Hogg faced challenges within the DNC and was ultimately removed from his vice-chairman position.
Vice President Kamala Harris also took a stand, delivering a strong condemnation of Trump during a town hall meeting, labeling him as “unstable” in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. Harris intensified her critique, aiming to galvanize support against Trump.
In the 2024 election, Trump outperformed expectations, securing 46% of Hispanic votes, 40% of Asian votes, and 13% of Black votes. In 2020, those numbers were notably lower, with Trump receiving 32%, 34%, and 12% from these respective groups. Back in 2016, his figures were even less favorable, with only 28% of Hispanic votes, 27% of Asian votes, and 8% of Black votes.
