News 253K views since yesterday

Democratic voters split over ICE and their presidential wish list

The Wall Street Journal's pre-election voter panel offers a different view of the midterms: disagreement inside the party that went on to win Congress.

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The Wall Street Journal Story of November 5, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of The Wall Street Journal's most watched videos since yesterday, with 252,708 views.

What Democrats Actually Think of Their Party

Asked whether they favor abolishing ICE, the Democratic voters on Eliza Collins's video call do not offer a united answer. Alabama participant JaVaughnae Malone puts her position plainly: "I'm about reform. People's safety matters, but reform."

The exchange is part of The Wall Street Journal's "What Democrats Actually Think of Their Party," published before the election results. It drew about 253,000 views since yesterday, as attention turned from the congressional outcome to what Democrats might do with their victories.

Rather than another results recap, Collins gathers a small group of voters from across the country to discuss their own party. Their opening one-word assessments range from "Weak" to "Great." Questions about the Democratic Socialists of America and immigration enforcement expose differences over the party's direction.

The presidential wish list is varied, too. Participants mention James Talarico, Jon Ossoff, Mark Kelly and Andy Beshear as people they would like to see run in 2028. These are voter preferences, not announcements of candidacies. California voter Lori Fulmer says, "I think we need to see some youth in our leadership." New Jersey's Sam Cain favors the Beshear suggestion on electability grounds.

South Carolina participant Bernice G. Scott brings the conversation back to party unity, warning that internal divisions help Republicans. Her prescription is shorter than any candidate list: "The word is focus."