She also pointed to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who launched a podcast in February on which he has drawn fire for hosting right-wing guests such as Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon.
In his first episode with Kirk, Newsom made headlines for saying it was unfair for transgender athletes to participate in women’s sports. In liberal strongholds like California, representatives need to use their power to stand up for issues that are hurting residents, Utne said.
“California has always been such a big economic leader and a leader in environmental rights and queer rights and all these other things,” Utne said. “We should be at the front.”
Angie Zhu, a sophomore at UC Berkeley, said most of the headlines she’s read center on what Republicans and Trump are doing.
Democrats need to stir up more publicity around what they are doing to fight back, she said. The Republican Party is better at maintaining an active social media presence, she said, adding that social media is the best way to engage young voters.
“For people who are not involved in politics, our sources are through what’s popping up on Instagram and TikTok,” Zhu said.
Max Suckley, a senior at UC Berkeley, said older politicians have been too complacent since Trump’s election. It feels like many Democratic leaders are giving up and waiting for the next election before they make a move, he said.
Suckley said he wants to see politicians stand alone and “do the right thing” regardless of political affiliation or possible cuts to federal funding. If representatives are unwilling to aggressively defend Californians, voters need to replace them, he said.
He said he’s tired of receiving text messages and emails from politicians who promise to fight on behalf of their constituents before turning around to approve Republican funding bills, referencing the Democratic Party fracture last month.
“I want to see action,” Suckley said. “Go vote against the bill. Go speak against it. Go filibuster for 25 hours and piss down your leg like Cory Booker. Go do something about it.”
To be clear, Booker did not relieve himself on the Senate floor.
