The Democrats are finally getting their lick back. Long criticized for being too passive in the face of Republican theatrics, a new wave of Democratic leaders is flipping the script—clapping back, naming names, and dragging with precision both online and in real time. Whether it's a viral takedown on X (formerly Twitter) or a mic-drop moment during a televised hearing, today's Democrats show they can do more than play defense—they've got jokes, bars, and receipts.

As we head into a high-stakes local and federal election season, Democrats are trading in their safe, buttoned-up image for something bolder and much more Black Twitter-friendly. It's a calculated pivot toward cultural fluency and digital dominance, where the art of the comeback isn't just for show—it's a tool for mobilizing voters, shutting down misinformation, and reclaiming the narrative. 

U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett has become emblematic of the Democratic Party's evolving communication strategy. She utilizes sharp wit and direct engagement to resonate with a diverse electorate, and her adept use of social media and pointed rhetoric exemplify this shift.​

In May 2024, during a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene disparaged Crockett's appearance, suggesting her "fake eyelashes" were hindering her reading. Crockett responded with a pointed retort, referencing Greene's "bleach blonde, bad-built, butch body." This exchange quickly went viral, leading Crockett to launch the "Crockett Clapback Collection," a merchandise line to support Democratic efforts to reclaim the House majority. ​

More recently, in March 2025, Crockett referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott as "Governor Hot Wheels" during a speech at a Human Rights Campaign event, criticizing his policies on migrant transfers. The comment sparked a backlash from Republicans, who accused her of mocking Abbott's disability. Crockett clarified that her remarks targeted Abbott's actions, not his physical condition. ​She also pointed out that the GOP have used the same moniker in the past as well. But, hypocrisy. 

These instances illustrate the shift in political discourse, blending cultural fluency with assertive communication. The aim is to energize the base and counter opposition narratives effectively. 

This turning point comes at a time when Democrats have followed the “they go low, we go high” spirit that former FLOTUS Michelle Obama famously quipped in response to right-wing nastiness during the Obama administration, and while that might’ve been favorable then, times have significantly changed. Americans’ civil liberties are at stake as Trump and his staffers continue to implement authoritarian and oligarchal orders that could ultimately lead to irreversible damage. We all know the Capital Hill doubles as a theatre. If we want to stand a chance at levying any real power against the harmful actions far-right conservatives are doing, it's time to put respectability politics aside and get a little more villainous before it’s too late.