In a revealing interview with POLITICO, Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has expressed a critical view of the Democratic Party’s approach in the 2024 elections, attributing their losses to the party's foreign policy positions and insufficient response to economic issues.

According to Khanna, the Democrats' alignment with Israel during the Gaza war significantly alienated young voters, particularly in crucial states like Wisconsin and Michigan. "I think the Gaza situation really hurt us with a lot of young people," Khanna explained, suggesting that the party’s stance likely cost them victories in these states.

Beyond foreign policy, Khanna criticized the Democratic Party's handling of domestic economic challenges, particularly inflation and supply chain disruptions. He believes the party was slow to acknowledge the severity of these issues, which impacted many Americans. "We were too late in recognizing how much people were hurting," he stated, pointing out that the persistent labeling of inflation as "transitory" reflected a disconnect from the urgency needed to address the problem.

The interview also touched on Elon Musk's recent political controversies and his estrangement from the Democratic Party. Despite Musk's past contributions to U.S. manufacturing advocacy and his business successes with companies like SpaceX, Khanna expressed disappointment in Musk's recent actions, including his comments following the assassination of a Minnesota state lawmaker. "I don't recognize what happened to him," Khanna lamented, referring to Musk's politicization of the tragic event.

Khanna, who served in the Obama administration and has known Musk for over a decade, still hopes that Musk will not continue supporting what he views as harmful, extremist agendas. He praised Musk for his opposition to policies from the Trump administration that could hinder innovation, such as restrictive tariffs and harsh measures against international students.

As the Democratic Party reflects on its 2024 electoral defeat, Khanna’s insights highlight the need for reassessment of its policy priorities and communication strategies. The party’s ability to reconnect with its base and address the pressing issues of war and economic stability may determine its future success.