CNN's Jake Tapper recently questioned Democratic Senator Tim Kaine about his party's low approval ratings, citing a Quinnipiac poll showing only 31% of Americans view the Democratic Party favorably. Tapper pointedly asked why the party was "so staggeringly unpopular" with the public.

Kaine, representing Virginia, argued that his state's shift from reliably Republican to consistently supporting Democratic presidential candidates in recent elections demonstrates a successful model. He attributed this success to a focus on economic issues, emphasizing a "make, build, grow" philosophy centered on domestic production and agriculture. Kaine suggested that national Democrats could improve their standing by adopting a similar approach and highlighting their economic achievements.

He believes that the party's messaging often fails to resonate with voters primarily concerned about the economy. Because Democrats don't often campaign on economic platforms, Kaine argues, the public is left with questions about their stance. He advocated for a return to "bread and butter basics."

Tapper countered by noting that Virginia's current governor is Republican, Glenn Youngkin, who defeated a former Democratic governor. Kaine acknowledged Youngkin's victory but minimized it, pointing out the narrow margin and attributing it to a favorable political climate for Republicans that year. He expressed optimism about the upcoming gubernatorial election in Virginia, viewing it as an early indicator of a potential Democratic resurgence.

Beyond the discussion on the Democratic Party's image, Kaine has also been critical of some of President Trump's recent actions, particularly regarding federal employee buyout offers. He has accused Trump of lacking the authority to implement such offers and warned employees not to be "fooled."