Dem congressman extends post-election party critique – tone deaf to voters, limiting free speech

Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton on Friday criticized his party for the second time since it lost badly in the Nov. 5 elections, this time saying members are not listening to voters and limiting free speech.

He was one of two Democrats earlier this month to raise concerns about allowing transgender athletes to play in women's sports, which is essentially against the party line, or at least contrary to the position of the party's most liberal wing. 

On Friday, The Washington Post posted an opinion essay in which Moulton says he's "done with Democratic purity tests" and that his party no longer champions free speech.

"Voters want elected officials to give voice to their concerns, not tell them what they should think," he wrote. "Until not so long ago, we were the party of free speech. We welcomed real, rigorous debate when orthodox conservatives in the Republican Party were afraid of change."

Moulton highlighted the party's previous stances and acceptance of things like gay marriage and abortion, but said now his party does not seem to make room for different view points. 

He cited the blow back he got for speaking up against transgender students in girls' sports.

On the issue of being tone deaf to voters, Moulton wrote: "When 94% of Americans said they worried about the border crisis, [President-elect Donald] Trump said he’d fix it. Trump, for all his bluster and lies, sees and understands real fears ... 

"The American people voted for Trump because he articulated a vision, however twisted and unconscionable, for solving their problems and addressing their fears."

Republicans were also successful in showing that Democrats had a hotline to Big Tech on which they were able to get some conservatives' arguments censored. 

Moulton says he does not intend to leave the party. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.