A Democrat strategist has made headlines for expressing a chilling sentiment: that the only path to victory for his party may lie in the country plunging into economic despair. The unnamed strategist, speaking candidly to The Hill, declared that Democrats should “pray long and hard that the country is going to be in a f‑‑‑ing depression” if they want to overcome the political momentum of President Trump.

The admission reflects just how dire things have become for the Democratic Party in 2025. As Trump racks up victories—securing the border, passing the One Big Beautiful Bill, and neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities—Democrats find themselves increasingly sidelined. According to internal polling from a Democrat Super PAC, the party’s popularity is at a “historic low,” even compared to when Kamala Harris lost by a landslide in November.

Strategist Brad Bannon tried to strike a more measured tone, but his outlook wasn’t much brighter. “Sadly, Democrats are still stuck in the same mud that they were in six months ago,” he said, admitting they’re just as unpopular today as they were during Trump’s inauguration.

The polling data behind this defeatism paints a brutal picture. Voters were asked to describe the Democratic Party, and common responses included “woke,” “weak,” and “out of touch.” As strategist Rodell Mollineau put it, “It’s hard to message when you’re in the wilderness,” especially when voters feel the party no longer fights for their interests.

Adding to the party’s woes is a growing ideological split. The recent victory of radical socialist Zohran Mamdani in a New York Democratic primary has ignited infighting. Some strategists worry his win will deepen the disconnect between blue-collar voters and a progressive wing embracing openly socialist ideas. Mamdani, who advocates for rent freezes, state-run grocery stores, and even globalizing the “intifada,” is becoming a political flashpoint.

Veteran strategist James Carville sees danger in Mamdani’s rise, calling his win a “damaging event.” On his Politics War Room podcast, Carville warned that Democratic candidates across the country will be forced to answer for Mamdani’s rhetoric. “The microphone’s going to follow him around,” he said, predicting Republicans will hammer the issue relentlessly.

Carville isn’t alone in his concern. Co-host Al Hunt suggested Mamdani’s win is a “gift to Republicans,” to which Carville readily agreed. He believes many Democrat candidates will struggle to distance themselves from the socialist firebrand, particularly in swing districts.

The story reflects a deeper sense of demoralization in the Democratic ranks. They’re contending not only with Trump’s growing popularity, but with their own self-inflicted wounds. From culture war entanglements to economic missteps and now a messaging crisis, the party appears to be fraying from within.

This strategist’s shocking admission—that the only way forward might involve national suffering—highlights how desperate the party has become. Rather than offer voters a compelling vision, some Democrats seem to be hoping for calamity.

It’s a grim strategy—and one that could further alienate the very voters they hope to win back.