The Democratic Party has a branding problem, and it’s coming from inside the house.

A new CBS News/YouGov poll finds that “weak” is the word voters most associate with Democrats, while “extreme” tops the list for Republicans. But here’s the kicker: Democrats are far harsher critics of their own party than Republicans are of theirs.

Only 45% of Democrats describe their party as “strong,” compared to 80% of Republicans who say the same about the GOP. More Democrats actually call their own party “weak” than Republicans do theirs. The Republican base is unified and enthusiastic. The Democratic base is… not.

The most liberal Democrats are the most dissatisfied. Most lack confidence in congressional Democrats’ ability to effectively oppose Trump, and they’re less likely than moderates to call their party “effective” or “strong.” This tracks with recent CBS News polling showing few Democrats have “a lot” of confidence in their congressional representatives to actually fight back against the president.

None of this is new. Even back in 2022, when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress and the White House, voters still called them “weak” more than “strong” and didn’t see them as “effective.” The perception of Democrats as pushovers isn’t a function of being out of power—it’s baked into the brand.

Independents aren’t thrilled with either party, but their assessments tell a familiar story: Republicans get the edge on being “strong” and “effective,” while Democrats are seen as more “reasonable.” Great consolation prize for a party that keeps losing elections.

The poll, conducted February 3-5, 2026, surveyed 2,425 U.S. adults with a margin of error of 2.4 points.

So the Democratic Party is seen as the reasonable one that can’t get anything done, while Republicans are seen as extreme but powerful. Democrats might want to ask themselves which perception is actually hurting them more at the ballot box.