Amid a pervasive debate within the Democratic Party, veteran strategist James Carville and Rep. Ro Khanna recently expressed significant concern over liberal Rep. Ilhan Omar's comments about white men.

In a recently aired podcast, both figures criticized Omar's remarks, fearing they could alienate a large voter segment, as Fox News reports.

During an episode of the Politics War Room, Khanna stressed the importance of Democrats consistently affirming that America is the greatest country, suggesting this should be a staple in every speech.

This idea stemmed from their ongoing concern about messages from the party's progressive wing potentially disconnecting from mainstream American sentiments.

Duo calls for Democratic Party message

Carville, known for his blunt critiques, specifically targeted Omar and the broader progressive faction of the Democratic Party.

He questioned the constructive value of Omar's historical claims from a 2018 interview where she suggested monitoring white men due to a perceived threat level. This, according to Carville, might be more damaging than beneficial for the Democratic Party's rapport with the electorate.

He openly criticized the progressive wing, querying the utility of their contributions to the party's goals.

"I am a liberal Democrat, but I don't like -- let's just say -- the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. My argument is that maybe these people are not worth the trouble. Maybe they should just go their way," Carville remarked on the podcast.

In reaction, Omar defended her stance, citing a report from the Anti-Defamation League, asserting that her comments were focused on the rising danger posed by white nationalism.

Party ranks represent diverse views

Additionally, Khanna, diverging from Omar's views, highlighted the positive contributions of white Americans to the nation's heritage of freedom.

He depicted America as a great, kind, and noble country, countering Omar's contentious statements about the demographic.

"Democrats need to start every speech by saying, ‘America is the greatest country in the world,’” Khanna stated, indicating a strategic pivot towards more inclusive and affirming communications from the party.

Concerned about the electoral ramifications, Carville also lambasted the strategy of distancing a substantial part of the electorate. He suggested that progressives should refrain from making divisive statements that do not resonate well with a significant portion of voters.

Omar and the broader discourse

Omar's original comments included a provocative suggestion about the societal fear driven by white men, which Carville and Khanna believe could severely hamper the Democratic Party's appeal to a wider audience.

Khanna's proposition for Democratic Party speeches aims to remedy this by starting with strong affirmations of America's greatness and its inclusive values, hoping to bridge divides within the party and the country.

The discourse reveals a deeper rift within the Democratic Party, reflecting a struggle between progressive ideals and a centrist appeal deemed necessary for electoral success.

This situation encapsulates a critical conversation about the direction and voice of the party as it approaches future elections.

As debates like this unfold, the Democratic Party continues to grapple with its identity, attempting to find a balance that respects diverse viewpoints while fostering a unified approach to politics in an increasingly divided America.