David Plouffe

I just think there's no question that whether you're running for the Senate or House to say, listen, I think the Democratic leadership has also not done all it can to make this country better.

I'm frustrated.

So I'd like to see new leaders emerge.

By the way, Nancy Pelosi would be the first person always to tell candidates, you do whatever you need to do to win.

You know, my suspicion is that's what Chuck Schumer probably actually believes, whether he's saying it to candidates or not.

I don't know.

And even Hakeem.

It's tough to lead the opposition against Donald Trump.

We've seen that historically.

People aren't going to center their campaign on who the House speaker is.

It's more the spirit of, listen, I want fundamental change in Washington.

I want to stand up to Trump and MAGA.

I want to basically attack institutions and the status quo that aren't working for people.

I want to rethink how we build an economy, how we deal with AI, how we deal with corruption, all the important issues, healthcare.

But I also think my party has to change.

Like that candidate is going to be stronger.

Well, listen, at the end of the day, I assume if we win the House back, you know, the current leadership probably going to have the votes to win.

But I think you ought to let candidates who are running for office say whatever they believe.

The Democratic brand, I think we're like in the 20s right now.

I mean, it's a weight on candidates' shoulders.