Enten pointed out that the share of Democrats identifying as liberal is up sharply from 30 percent in 1976 and 29 percent in 2001. “Look at where we are today,” Enten said, adding, “Three in five Democrats say they are liberal.”America has shifted fifteen points away from conservatism since 1996, according to Enten. Screengrab / CNN“In the 70s, 80s, even 90s, there were Democrats who liked to say, oh, no, no, we‘re conservative Democrats here. Democrats, Democrats, Democrats!” emphasized an animated Enten. Enten said that Democrats’ lead is a strong indicator that Democrats are primed to take over the House in the 2026 midterms.

Source: CNN January 13, 2026 19:01 UTC