Battenfeld: Rudderless, clueless Democrats have no message, no unity

Rudderless and clueless Democrats are pointing fingers at each other after President Trump’s largely well-received address to the nation, with some in their own party criticizing them for “unhinged petulance.”

Sound familiar, Elizabeth Warren? Recognize yourself, Ayanna Pressley?

Just a few weeks into Trump’s term, Democrats have no message, no unity and little hope of winning back seats to regain control of Congress.

Whether it was Nancy Pelosi’s dazed look on the House floor or Warren laughing as Trump called her “Pocohantas,” it was not a pretty picture for Democrats as the president basked in applause from Republican lawmakers and millions watching on TV.

“A sad cavalcade of self-owns and unhinged petulance,” U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) wrote of the juvenile Democratic attempts to protest Trump’s speech. “It only makes Trump look more presidential and restrained.”

Democrats looked heartless and ridiculous refusing to applaud for the capture of a top terrorist and a number of American heroes introduced by Trump.

“We’re becoming the metaphorical car alarms that nobody pays attention to – and it may not be the winning message,” Fetterman added.

The comments came after several Democrats, including Rep. Pressley of Massachusetts, walked out during the speech. Some stayed but held protest signs or were glued to their cell phones or meekly laughed during the speech. Warren has now become a favorite Trump punching bag for pretending to be a Native American.

Even Democratic strategist David Axelrod criticized his own party, calling out Rep. Al Green for shouting and interrupting Trump’s speech and being escorted from the House chamber. Green was censured by the House for his actions, with a surprising number of Democrats — 10 – joining Republicans in formally punishing Green.

The 77-year-old Green’s actions angered some party leaders who called him “selfish” for his antics during the speech.

“A lot of people are like, why aren’t we on the same team?” one lawmaker told CNN.

“I think what Al Green did was despicable,” Axelrod said.

But it wasn’t just Green who acted like a buffoon. Many Democrats also refused to stand when Trump acknowledged a young cancer survivor whose dream is to be a police officer and teacher Marc Fogel, who was just released by Russia. It was not a good look.

Democrats are severely split as to how they should deal with Trump, with the majority of lawmakers like Warren resorting to bizarre rants over every move the president makes, while more moderate Democrats have taken on a more tempered tone.

But polls indicate a large majority of Americans, especially Republicans, liked Trump’s speech while his approval rating remains close to 50%. If Trump is smart and resists letting Elon Musk run roughshod by cutting Medicaid and Social Security, and Democrats don’t find a message and some new leaders, they will get blitzed in the mid-terms.

Massachusetts Democrats appear especially perturbed by Trump, choosing to elbow themselves over who should be the leader of the resistance.

“I could not in good conscience sit through this speech and give an audience to someone who operates with lawless disregard for Congress and the people of this nation,” Pressley said in a statement after her walkout. “Donald Trump has used his bully pulpit to spread lies, demonize vulnerable communities, and double down on his hurt, hate, and harm in his first 43 days in office.”

Pressley, however, did not have the guts to get thrown out like Green. Instead, she made it known that she walked out on social media.

Boston Rep. Ayanna Pressley speaks during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on sanctuary cities this week. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

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