The debate over what Democrats do now hinges on one question

Julian Zelizer : Democrats lost their Senate majority in the midterms, but are likely to bounce back.

He says they faced a series of headwinds in this election cycle, including inflation, a rhetorically inept president and an undistinguished nominee.

Democrats may need to adjust their tactics, but their basic strategic orientation remains sound, he says.

Zelizer says the party's problems are larger than the peculiar disadvantages they faced this election.

Julian Zelizer : In 2024 , two long-term trends in American voting behavior are highly unfavorable for Democrats — accelerated.

He says the rightward drift of working-class voters accelerated, and Democrats lost ground with nonwhite voters.

Zelizer says there are reasons for fearing that the Democrats ’ problems are deeper and more abiding than inflation or Biden ’s age.

Julian Zelizer : As American society grows more integrated, attendance declines at community institutions like the Black church grew harder to enforce.

He says a future GOP standard-bearer would have a good chance of building on Trump ’s gains, particularly if they retained his positioning and populist rhetoric.

Zelizer says Democrats ' eroding support from both working-class and nonwhite voters could render it uncompetitive in future presidential elections.