Conservatives on social media are having a field day mocking the Democratic National Committee for featuring a handful of “beyond parody” moments during its leadership vote over the weekend. The party’s leadership vote, which saw Ken Martin, the Minnesota Democratic Party leader, elected as the new chair, has been marred by what critics say are out-of-touch speeches and comments from party leaders.
One of the main targets of criticism has been David Hogg, a left-wing activist and co-founder of March for Our Lives, who was elected as one of the party’s three co-chairs. Hogg has been an outspoken gun control advocate and has made headlines for his controversial views.
During the vote, Hogg declared that the party will put Republicans “on the defense” and reclaim lost political ground. He also vowed to show people that the Democratic Party is not just the “not-R” option, but that it is a party that “gives a damn” and delivers.
Another notable moment was when former DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison announced that the party’s elections must be gender-balanced, including when a non-binary candidate is in the running, which sparked condemnation from conservatives.
The party’s leadership forum at Georgetown University was also attended by all eight candidates, during which they declared that “racism and misogyny” compounded former Vice President Kamala Harris’ election loss. The exchange was met with ridicule from Republican lawmakers and pundits.
The event was also marked by outbursts of singing, with one candidate, Dr. Quintessa Hathaway, belting out a song about fighting on despite the government being “doing you wrong.” Former Chairman Harrison was also spotted singing on camera, delivering a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday.”
Additionally, the party’s members acknowledged that the U.S. was “built on indigenous lands” and saw the election of Ken Martin, who had previously slammed Trump as a “traitor” who should be prosecuted for treason, as a victory. Martin celebrated his win, vowing to combat Trump and the Republican Party.
The backlash on social media was immediate, with conservatives mocking the party’s leadership for their perceived out-of-touch views. The Democratic National Committee has yet to comment on the negative backlash.