Democrats Split Over Strategy to Win Deals From Trump

Democratic lawmakers are divided on how to handle the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency following midterm gains. During the 'What's Next' conference in Denver, one faction of the party proposed leveraging the president's preference for dealmaking and personal vanity to advance their agenda. U.S. Senator Abdul El-Sayed proposed a universal healthcare plan branded as "TrumpCare," which would feature a gold-colored insurance card bearing the president's name and signature.

U.S. Senator James Talarico supported this collaborative approach, suggesting that Trump could achieve a historical legacy similar to Lyndon B. Johnson through bipartisan cooperation. While incoming House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries expressed openness to working with Republicans, he explicitly refused to collaborate with White House chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Conversely, a progressive faction including Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and Senator Bernie Sanders advocates for a hardball strategy. They argue the party should pass ambitious reconciliation bills and dare the president to veto them, thereby spotlighting the Democratic platform before the 2028 election.

President Trump stated he is willing to make deals on healthcare and drug prices, though he expects to veto initial bills he deems bad for the country. He also noted ongoing bipartisan efforts regarding a tax credit for the film and television industry.