Democrats Are in Limbo Ahead of Trump's Return

Emotional breakdowns in private meetings over the election results. Hand-wringing over whether to attend the inauguration. Clashing over next steps. And a fatigued and frustrated base.

- John McCormick, Catherine Lucey and Siobhan Hughes

These are challenging days for Democrats ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House. Their party has yet to land on a clear message or a leading messenger, leaving the president-elect mostly unchallenged, even as Republicans exposed their own vulnerabilities and divisions when Trump nearly derailed a stopgap funding deal with last-minute demands.

The GOP-triggered crisis, resolved just in time to avert a government shutdown on Saturday, created an opportunity for Democrats, with some in the party closely watching House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.), an emerging voice who isn't yet well known nationally.

"House Democrats are prepared to stop far-right Republicans in their tracks and deliver for the people," Jeffries wrote in a Saturday email.

A largely muddled response to Trump stands in contrast with eight years ago, when his surprise victory mobilized Democrats to march and fueled massive fundraising, as lawmakers and governors jockeyed to be his most vocal critic. Many in the party now are taking a more cautious approach, acknowledging they will have to work with Trump in some areas.

"There is no leadership now at the highest level," said Tad Devine, a Democratic strategist.