As the Democrats’ response to President Trump's Tuesday congressional address has come into media focus, what does it say about the party's current political strategy?

From The Left: David A. Graham of The Atlantic (Left bias) claimed, “The party hasn’t shown much of an ability to unite around its best interests lately,” citing actions taken by party members present at Trump’s address as focal points. Graham mentioned Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin’s speech, some congressional members wearing pink, and signs that said “False,” “Musk Steals,” and “Save Medicaid” as lackluster protests that “felt like a metaphor for their broader messaging struggle.” Graham argued the party should boycott next year’s State of the Union address to send a “stronger and clearer message.”

From The Right: In an opinion for U.S. News & World Report (Lean Left), W. James Antle III (Lean Right) claimed the “Democrats have had no good answer” to Trump and that “their unfocused, directionless opposition to everything the president does ensures that their scattered messages” go unheard. Antle argued the Democrats are waiting for Trump to self-destruct and that it could eventually happen on government efficiency, foreign policy, or tariffs, but that it didn’t during his speech.

Other Coverage Notes: AllSides did not find media coverage that commentated positively on the Democrats’ Tuesday approach. In addition to U.S. News & World Report, USA Today (Lean Left) and The Hill (Center) also published opinions from authors on the right. Many commentators on the right mentioned the Democrats’ muted response to Trump’s gesture to childhood cancer survivor DJ Daniels, though AllSides did not find any discourse on it from the left.