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Cory Booker: “The Democratic Party Has Failed in My Generation” — Calls for a 'Competition of Ideas' and Focus on Affordability

08:34 AM, 11/26/2025

Sen. Cory Booker criticized his party, saying Democrats of his generation have "failed" and made "terrible mistakes." He urged a rigorous internal debate—a "competition of ideas"—to refocus on people and affordability. Booker warned that without stronger economic priorities and modern outreach on platforms like TikTok, intergenerational mobility may stall. He called on Democrats to meet voters where they are and prioritize policies that restore economic opportunity.

Senator Cory Booker (D–N.J.) offered a sharp critique of his own party in a recent conversation with opinion editor David Leonhardt, saying Democrats of his generation have "failed" and made "terrible mistakes." He urged a serious internal debate—a "competition of ideas"—to refocus the party on people and economic opportunity rather than partisan posturing.

Booker contrasted today's Democratic message with the earlier era he associates with his grandfather and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who he says offered a clear vision that working people would enjoy dignity at work, affordable housing and the chance to give their children a better life. He warned that without renewed priorities, intergenerational gains in economic mobility could stall.

He also criticized how modern Democrats approach media and outreach, arguing the party has underinvested in growing digital platforms such as TikTok and instead prioritized traditional cable appearances. "My fellow Democrats, you guys are running to go do MSNBC — and I love my MSNBC — but that only got 100,000 views. I can show you on my platforms that one video of mine can get more than the top-rated views on MSNBC," Booker said, underscoring the need to meet voters where they are online.

“My father would look at my brother and me growing up in a suburban home in New Jersey and say, ‘Boy, don’t you dare walk around this house like you hit a triple. You were born on third base.’ But that’s the dream for every generation. And the Democratic Party has failed in my generation.”

Booker emphasized affordability and economic policy as central tests for the party going forward. He argued that Democrats must develop policies that restore upward mobility and give younger Americans confidence that they can do better than their parents. As a New Jersey senator, Booker framed his criticisms as a call to action for fellow Democrats to rethink strategy, messaging and priorities if they hope to rebuild trust with voters.

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Cory Booker: “The Democratic Party Has Failed in My Generation” — Calls for a 'Competition of Ideas' and Focus on Affordability - CRBC News