Former Democratic fundraiser urges party to blend MAGA tactics with Bernie ideas

Evan Barker, a former top fundraiser for the Democratic left who switched her vote to Donald Trump in 2024, discusses her book "Nothing Left" in a detailed interview. The work blends a behind-the-scenes look at donor dynamics with a thesis that Democrats should adopt the most compelling tactics from both MAGA and Bernie Sanders’ agenda. Barker recalls a fleeting period after the 2024 election when figures like Gavin Newsom interviewed Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk, indicating a momentary openness to dialogue.

She critiques the party’s reliance on identity politics, citing incidents involving Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Brent Welder campaign, and argues that centrist economic positions fail to attract working-class voters. Barker proposes a faction that is socially moderate but economically left, a blend she says does not currently exist. She also expresses support for some Trump policies, including border enforcement and anti-DEI stances, while questioning AOC’s electability on a national ticket.