Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has shocked his own party with a surprising new strategy to defeat Donald Trump: “Play dead” and let Republicans implode on their own. Could the architect of Bill Clinton’s presidential victories be offering Democrats their only path to political redemption?
At a glance:
• James Carville urges Democrats to make a “strategic political retreat” rather than continuing failed resistance tactics
• The Democratic strategist criticizes his party’s “auction paddles” and other antics during Trump’s recent congressional address
• Carville warns Democrats they’re breaking his “first commandment of politics: Thine shall not make an ass of thyself”
• He advises waiting until Trump’s approval ratings drop significantly before Democrats “go for the jugular”
• Carville acknowledges the Democrats lack clear leadership and need to develop stronger candidates for 2028
Democrats Need to ‘Play Dead’ and Let Republicans ‘Destroy Themselves’
Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville is calling for his party to make a dramatic shift in tactics against President Trump and the Republican Party. In a remarkable admission that current Democratic strategies have failed, Carville penned a guest essay for The New York Times urging fellow Democrats “to play dead.”
Carville, nicknamed the “Ragin’ Cajun” for his fiery political commentary, didn’t mince words about the current state of Democratic opposition. His blunt assessment comes as Republicans solidify their control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives.
Rather than continuing the resistance politics that defined the first Trump administration, Carville suggests a completely different approach. He advises Democrats to temporarily retreat and allow Republicans to falter under their own leadership mistakes. He said Democrats should not interfere or interrupt when their opponents are making potentially explosive errors.
Carville Slams Democrats for Breaking His ‘First Commandment’
In a scathing critique of his own party’s tactics, Carville told Fox News that Democrats violated his fundamental rule of politics during Trump’s congressional address. Their use of “auction paddles” and other theatrical displays during the speech demonstrated an inability to respond effectively to the political moment.
“My first commandment of politics is, ‘Thine shall not make an ass of thyself.’ And they didn’t follow the Carville first commandment,” the veteran strategist declared. His criticism extended to several Democratic lawmakers whose behavior he found particularly counterproductive.
“I mean, it’s an old military doctrine- when your opponent is destroying themselves, do not interfere. Don’t get in the way of it,” Carville explained to Fox News. This approach is a significant departure from the aggressive resistance strategies Democrats have employed since 2016.
A ‘Strategic Political Retreat’ and Looking to 2028
Carville’s blueprint for Democratic recovery involves patience and strategic planning rather than immediate confrontation. His suggested timeline is tied directly to Trump’s approval ratings, advising Democrats to wait until they drop into “the low 40s or high 30s” before going “for the jugular.”
“With no clear leader to voice our opposition and no control in any branch of government, it’s time for Democrats to embark on the most daring political maneuver in the history of our party: roll over and play dead,” Carville wrote.
Despite his critique of current Democratic leadership, Carville remains optimistic about the party’s future prospects. He pointed to what he called a “stunning field” of potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race, suggesting the party needs time to develop its next generation of leaders rather than continuing failed resistance tactics.
