# “It’s Why We Lost The Last Election” - Sen. Schiff On Democrats Who Maintain The Status Quo Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVFHYYU4tDU Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/cVFHYYU4tDU Generated: 2025-07-21T21:32:16.304+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Senator Adam Schiff explains that the Democratic Party's perceived alignment with the status quo led to their loss in the last presidential election, and that the rising popularity of democratic socialists like Bernie Sanders and AOC stems from their authentic and vigorous challenge to this status quo, resonating with millions of Americans struggling economically despite working harder than ever. **Key Points:** - Bernie Sanders and AOC are gaining large rally crowds in "red districts" across the U.S. - These figures, including Zohran Mamdani who won a primary in New York, are often associated with democratic socialist ideals. - Colbert suggests their message aligns with historical Democratic messages of caring for farmers, marginalized people, and ensuring good jobs, asking where this message went. - Schiff states that democracy is in trouble because the economy is not working for millions of Americans, who struggle despite working harder than ever. - The appeal of Sanders, AOC, and Mamdani lies in their vigorous challenge to the status quo, which they recognize "sucks" for working people. - They are authentic and unafraid to say so, confronting the status quo and putting forward bold ideas. - Democrats must fight for rapid change and avoid being seen as the party of the status quo to win future elections. ![Screenshot at 0:33: Stephen Colbert and Adam Schiff engaged in conversation at the desk, with the New York City skyline visible behind them.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-00-33.png) **Context:** Stephen Colbert interviews Senator Adam Schiff on "The Late Show," discussing the current state of the Democratic Party and the rising appeal of progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The conversation centers on the party's message, economic issues, and the perception of the "status quo." ## Detailed Analysis Stephen Colbert and Senator Adam Schiff discuss the Democratic Party's messaging and the growing appeal of democratic socialist figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Colbert notes that Sanders and AOC are drawing large crowds even in traditionally "red districts" and that Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won a primary in New York. He questions why the traditional Democratic message of caring for the working class, reminiscent of FDR and LBJ, seems to have faded. Schiff responds by asserting that American democracy is in peril because the economy is failing millions of Americans who, despite working harder than ever, struggle to afford basic necessities like housing and healthcare. He explains that the popularity of figures like Sanders, AOC, and Mamdani stems from their authentic and vigorous challenge to the existing status quo, which they openly declare is detrimental to working people. Schiff emphasizes that these politicians are not afraid to propose bold, transformative ideas and confront the established order. He concludes that for Democrats to succeed in upcoming elections, including the midterms and the next presidential election, they must shed the image of being the party of the status quo and actively advocate for rapid, dramatic change to address the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens. ### The Rise of Democratic Socialists - Bernie Sanders and AOC are drawing large crowds in red districts - Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won a primary in New York ### The Democratic Message - Colbert questions where the traditional Democratic message of caring for farmers, marginalized people, and ensuring good jobs went - This message is compared to the FDR and LBJ eras ### Economic Discontent and Democracy - Schiff states democracy is in trouble because the economy fails millions of Americans - People work harder but still struggle to afford housing, provide for kids, or access healthcare ### Appeal of Anti-Status Quo Figures - Sanders, AOC, and Mamdani appeal because they are vigorous challengers to the status quo - They recognize the status quo "sucks" for working people and are not afraid to say so ### Authenticity and Bold Ideas - These figures are authentic and unafraid to confront the status quo - They put forward bold ideas for change ### Lessons for the Democratic Party - Democrats must not be seen as the party of the status quo - The party lost the last presidential election due to this perception - Democrats must fight for rapid change to win future elections ![Screenshot at 0:01: Stephen Colbert gesturing while speaking to Adam Schiff](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-00-01.png) ![Screenshot at 0:06: Adam Schiff listening intently to Stephen Colbert](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-00-06.png) ![Screenshot at 0:33: Stephen Colbert and Adam Schiff in a wide shot, both seated and engaged in conversation](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-00-33.png) ![Screenshot at 1:08: Adam Schiff speaking, gesturing with his hands](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-01-08.png) ![Screenshot at 1:30: Stephen Colbert listening, with his hand near his ear](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-01-30.png) ![Screenshot at 2:00: Adam Schiff speaking, making a point with his hand](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-02-00.png) ![Screenshot at 2:55: Stephen Colbert and Adam Schiff in a wide shot, both smiling and looking at each other](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-02-55.png) ![Screenshot at 3:13: Stephen Colbert smiling and looking at Adam Schiff](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/cVFHYYU4tDU/00-03-13.png)