Fireworks ‘suck,’ football echoes ‘slavery,’ and ‘cancel Thanksgiving’: Battleground Democrats face anti-Americana baggage

Published August 12, 2026 5:00am ET



Republicans are jumping for joy as old clips continue to provide new ammunition for attacking Democratic candidates ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Progressives continue to notch wins in 2026 primaries, including a growing number of avowed Democratic Socialists of America members, giving President Donald Trump and GOP leaders fresh targets as they seek to counter Democrats’ affordability-focused messaging by casting the party as increasingly radical. Senior political aides to the president had previously told the Washington Examiner that they planned to make “radical leftists” like Texas state Rep. James Talarico the face of the Democratic Party.

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