Michael LaRosa: Why Democrats are "Floundering" in the 2026 Midterms

In this episode of the Brian Kilmeade Show, guest Michael LaRosa offers a scathing critique of the Democratic Party's current trajectory, particularly in the context of the 2026 midterm elections. Drawing from his insider experience as a former aide to President Biden and senior Democratic communications strategist, LaRosa argues that the party is 'floundering' due to internal dysfunction, poor strategic decisions, and a growing disconnect from mainstream American values. He highlights the controversial role of Nancy Pelosi in pushing Biden out of the 2020 race, criticizing her current attempts to reframe the narrative. LaRosa emphasizes the alarming lack of communication between Biden and his own top pollsters, calling it 'malpractice' and a betrayal of democratic process. He also lambasts Kamala Harris’s campaign strategy—especially her refusal to engage with the press early on—as a major factor in the party’s electoral struggles. Beyond leadership failures, LaRosa and Kilmeade discuss the Democratic Party’s cultural missteps, including its stance on transgender athletes, defunding the police, and perceived alignment with extremist ideologies, warning that these positions alienate moderate voters. The episode concludes with a call for fresh, authentic voices—like Rahm Emanuel, Andy Beshear, and Mark Cuban—to revitalize the party and reclaim its center-left identity. Key takeaways include: the Democratic Party must reconnect with middle-class, mainstream cultural values; leadership decisions must be transparent and inclusive, not insulated; candidates must be willing to answer tough questions with honesty, not evasion; and the party must avoid self-inflicted wounds through ideological extremism. LaRosa stresses that authenticity and common sense—rather than political calculation—are now the most valuable assets in winning elections. The overall sentiment is critical but constructive, urging reform rather than resignation.