Rachel Maddow welcomes ‘big fight’ between socialist and moderate Democrats after midterm wins

Rachel Maddow said she hopes moderate and socialist Democrats have a prolonged debate over the party’s direction, arguing that competition could strengthen it. Her comments followed Democratic gains in the midterms and calls by some newly elected senators to replace Chuck Schumer as Senate leader.

Maddow pointed to gains by both democratic socialist candidates and the conservative Blue Dog coalition, which she said had about a dozen new members. Whoopi Goldberg had urged Democrats to focus on plans for their first 100 days rather than leadership disputes. Strategist Doug Schoen argued the party’s victory reflected support for moderates and that voters want action on affordability.