The Lessons Democrats Haven't Learned About Trump

Matt Bernardini compares the few Democrats taking the fight to the US President with those still trying to cosy up to him

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks out in Manchester, New Hampshire, 27 April 2025. Photo: Reba Saldanha/Associated Press/Alamy

For political junkies on the left, 2025 is a time to see which Democratic candidates learned the correct lessons from 2024, and which ones think that being more racist, transphobic and anti-immigrant is actually the way to go.

Yes, the next presidential election may be a long way off — if it happens — but already several candidates are positioning themselves, and unfortunately many of them seem to have learned the wrong lessons from 2024.

In the middle of Bernie Sanders barnstorming the country on his anti-oligarchy tour, it’s perhaps ironic that it’s a billionaire Governor that seems to have the courage to fight Republicans. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, whose family owns the Hyatt hotel chain, came out recently and made a stir when he called for massive civil unrest against the current administration.

“It’s time to fight everywhere and all at once,” Pritzker said. “Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now.”