National political reporter and author Salena Zito joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to discuss former President Obama’s recent comments on democracy, the impact of key state elections in Virginia and New Jersey, and what the results could signal for both parties heading into 2026 and beyond.
Zito, author of Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland, said Democrats have fundamentally misunderstood the electorate. “The only party that needs to be reflective right now is the Democratic Party,” she said. “Republicans are meeting the moment — Democrats are not.”
She pointed to tightening races in Virginia and New Jersey, where Republican candidates Jason Miyares and Winsome Sears have gained momentum despite operating in heavily Democratic territory. Zito credited stronger GOP voter engagement and campaign discipline, saying the party learned from close calls in prior election cycles.
In Virginia, she said Miyares’ lead over Democrat Jay Jones has widened following revelations of offensive text messages and ethical lapses, while the governor’s race between Republican Winsome Sears and Democrat Abigail Spanberger has narrowed sharply. “Six weeks ago, Spanberger looked unbeatable,” Zito noted. “Now it’s a toss-up — and that shows how quickly the political landscape can shift.”
Zito argued that cultural issues and voter frustration with political elites continue to drive realignment. “People are tired of leaders who sound like Barack Obama — detached, academic, and dismissive of everyday problems,” she said. “The Democrats’ top names — Pritzker, Newsom — are out of touch with the voters who actually decide elections.”
She added that Obama’s recent remarks about the limits of military power on domestic soil reveal a broader disconnect between the Democratic establishment and voters concerned about rising crime and disorder. “Obama still doesn’t understand that many of his own voters went for Trump — and they’re not coming back,” Zito said.
With both New Jersey and Virginia races unexpectedly competitive, Zito said the results could mark a turning point. “If Republicans can win in blue states, even narrowly, it will force Democrats to rethink who they’re really speaking to,” she said. “But right now, they don’t seem to get it.”