Lindy Li, a major fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee, has decided to leave the party after intense backlash over her criticisms of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Key Facts:
– Li raised “tens of millions of dollars” for Democratic candidates and served on the DNC’s national fundraising committee.
– She publicly criticized Harris for entertaining future political ambitions despite recent Democratic setbacks, calling the party’s record “a stench of loser.”
– Li says she lost 40,000 followers and endured harsh insults, including slurs and calls for her deportation, after her remarks.
– She likened her departure from the Democratic Party to escaping a “cult” that does not tolerate dissent.
– Li revealed that people connected to Donald Trump’s team have reached out to her about switching sides.
The Rest of The Story:
Li, once a high-profile surrogate for Harris, first drew fire by supporting Pete Hegseth for defense secretary pick from the Trump camp.
Later, she told Fox News that Harris was “indulging in delusions” of a political comeback, and that her party’s repeated losses left behind a reputation of failure.
The ensuing backlash—complete with slurs and accusations of being a “communist spy”—shocked Li, who also spoke about her family’s tragic history under a hostile regime.
Feeling betrayed by the very people she had long supported, Li explained that her donors were furious and demanded accountability.
She concluded that leaving the party was her only option, insisting that Democrats, by driving away dissenters, were shrinking their tent and alienating significant financial support.
"In the cult, you can't ask questions. Leaving the Democratic Party or even questioning the Democratic Party is like leaving a cult…I don't want to be a part of this tent." – Kamala campaign advisor Lindy Li
Unquestioning conformity…or else.
pic.twitter.com/vJRQYLBwT2— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) December 22, 2024
Commentary:
Li’s decision makes sense. If a party silences any differing view and viciously attacks those who step out of line, it starts to resemble a cult.
When groupthink prevails over honest discourse, it’s only natural that thoughtful, outspoken individuals like Li will seek alternatives.
She is right to leave.
The Democrats’ intolerance toward even moderate criticism proves her point: if you don’t toe the official line, you risk getting canceled.
Expect more political donors and supporters to follow her lead as inflexible party loyalties erode.
The Bottom Line:
Lindy Li’s departure highlights the deep rifts in the Democratic Party.
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Her story suggests that if a party can’t tolerate challenges from within, it risks pushing out its strongest allies.