Democratic Self‑Critique Weakens Cohesion

The poll finds Democrats are more negative about their own congressional leaders than Republicans are about theirs (22% vs. 34% very favorable of their own party). Sustained, asymmetric internal negativity can increase primary volatility, depress coordinated messaging, and produce higher intraparty turnover or reform pressure even as the party remains the opposition in other venues. — If one party’s base systematically distrusts its own leaders, that changes electoral strategy, legislative deal‑making, and the risk calculus for coalition managers across 2026–2028.