It is Time to Stop Crying and Start Fighting: Vet Liberal Candidates For 2026/2028 Now

The 2024 election results have left many liberals feeling defeated, but the truth behind the losses isn't the power of conservative voters—it's the lack of liberal voter turnout. While conservatives may have celebrated their wins, the real story is not about overwhelming conservative support, but rather about liberals who chose not to show up.

The divide between liberals and conservatives in terms of voter behavior is stark. Conservatives tend to rally behind their candidate, even if they only agree on a single issue. Abortion, for example, remains a critical driver for conservative voters who prioritize this issue above all else. They might have concerns about other policies, but they still show up to vote, knowing that their core values will be protected. Many liberal voters, on the other hand, often hold their candidates to a more exhaustive standard. If a candidate doesn't meet every ideal—whether it's their stance on healthcare, environmental policies, or criminal justice reform—many choose to sit out. It's this tendency toward ideological purity that has contributed to election losses more than anything else.

This dynamic has played out time and again, and 2024 was no different. Liberals have historically struggled with voter consistency, particularly in midterm and off-year elections. The turnout among younger voters—who tend to lean more liberal—was also lower than expected. While young voters are passionate about issues like climate change, social justice, and healthcare, they often lack the same sense of urgency as older voters when it comes to participating in elections. Many feel disillusioned by the political process, believing that their vote won't make a significant difference unless the candidate fully aligns with their values. Unfortunately, this attitude has only served to hand victories to those who are less concerned about ideological purity and more focused on securing power.

Contrary to the claims made by Trump and others, issues like worldwide inflation were not under the control of the Biden administration, nor are they inherently their fault. Inflation has been a global problem, driven by supply chain issues, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical events beyond the control of any single government. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, for example, led to significant disruptions in energy and food supply chains, contributing to rising prices worldwide. Yet, these facts have not stopped misinformation from spreading. Conservative media outlets were quick to pin the blame on the Biden administration, creating a narrative that resonated with voters who were already feeling the economic pinch.

Economic anxiety played a significant role in the 2024 election. When families are struggling to put food on the table or pay their bills, complex explanations about global supply chains and geopolitical conflicts are unlikely to resonate. Instead, voters are drawn to candidates who promise immediate relief or who offer simple explanations for their struggles. In this environment, lofty promises about upholding democracy can start to feel less urgent compared to the immediate promise of change—even if that promise is from a flawed messenger. The conservative narrative, which often centered on blaming the current administration for economic hardships, found fertile ground among voters who were desperate for solutions.

The influence of conservative media cannot be underestimated either. The constant barrage of criticism directed at the Biden administration, combined with misinformation about issues like inflation and crime, helped shape public perception in ways that were detrimental to liberal candidates. Meanwhile, liberal media often struggled to present a unified message, sometimes focusing more on internal debates and criticisms rather than rallying support for the candidates on the ballot. This lack of cohesion within the liberal media landscape further contributed to voter apathy and disillusionment.

In the end, the real problem wasn't that conservatives turned out in unprecedented numbers, or that they managed to sway liberal voters to their side—it was that many liberals stayed home. We can no longer afford the luxury of waiting for a perfect candidate who matches our ideals on every issue. Elections are about making a choice between the options on the ballot, and not voting is, ultimately, a choice that plays directly into the hands of those who do show up, no matter what their motivations are. If liberals want to avoid repeating the disappointment of 2024, the focus must be on turnout, on showing up—even when the candidate isn't perfect, even when the conditions aren't ideal. Because when liberals don't vote, everyone loses.

The path forward must involve a concerted effort to increase voter turnout among liberals. This means addressing the barriers that prevent people from voting—whether they are logistical, such as difficulty accessing polling places, or psychological, such as feelings of disillusionment and apathy. It also means understanding that progress is often incremental. Change rarely happens all at once, and waiting for the perfect candidate or the perfect conditions is a strategy that has repeatedly failed. Instead, liberals must recognize the importance of showing up, of voting for the candidate who will move the needle in the right direction, even if only slightly. The stakes are too high to stay home.

Community organizing, voter education, and grassroots efforts are crucial components of this strategy. Liberal activists and organizations must focus on reaching out to disillusioned voters, particularly young people, and emphasizing the tangible impact that voting can have on their lives. Highlighting the successes of past liberal policies—such as expanded healthcare access, environmental protections, and economic support programs—can help remind voters of what is at stake and what can be achieved when they participate. Moreover, building a culture of consistent voting, where showing up at every election becomes the norm rather than the exception, is essential for long-term success.

The 2024 election was a wake-up call. It wasn't lost because conservatives were too strong; it was lost because too many liberals stayed on the sidelines. The lesson is clear: turnout is everything. If liberals want to see change, they have to be part of the process, even when it feels imperfect. Because in the end, the only way to build a better future is to show up and fight for it—one vote at a time.

The time to start preparing for future elections is now. Liberals need to begin vetting and promoting candidates for the 2026 midterms and the 2028 general election immediately. This means identifying candidates who can effectively communicate messages that resonate with everyday voters—issues like economic stability, healthcare access, education, and public safety. These are the topics that matter most to people in their daily lives, and successful candidates will be those who can speak directly to these concerns in a way that feels relevant and actionable.

It's not enough to wait until the election cycle is in full swing. Building momentum takes time, and developing a candidate's public presence and message is a long-term process. Liberals need to focus on finding candidates who can appeal broadly, while also energizing the base, and they need to start promoting these candidates in their communities now. Grassroots campaigns, town halls, community events, and social media outreach are all vital components of creating awareness and enthusiasm for these future leaders.

If liberals want to turn the tide in upcoming elections, they must be proactive, strategic, and unified in their efforts. The groundwork laid today will determine the success of tomorrow. By getting involved now—whether through community organizing, volunteering, or simply spreading the word—liberals can help ensure that the candidates on the ballot are those who will fight for the values and policies that matter most. The future is not decided on Election Day; it is decided in the years leading up to it. The time to act is now.