1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Democrats cannot defeat Trumpism by criticizing Republicans alone; they must reinvent themselves as a broad, generational movement that restores ordinary Americans’ sense of power, purpose and agency. Voters distrust the current Democratic party they see as controlled by aging leaders, donors, consultants and entrenched interests. To rebuild that trust, Democrats should unite around practical populist goals, including lowering costs, limiting concentrated corporate power and making government more accountable. New leaders and grassroots campaigns can reconnect the party with citizens who feel ignored and powerless. Above all, Democrats need to offer a hopeful vision grounded in fairness, dignity, community and belonging, rather than defining themselves primarily through opposition to Trump.