MSNBC host Joy Reid, once a staunch defender of Democratic Party leadership, delivered a scathing critique of the party’s resistance to generational change, marking a significant shift in her stance toward the Democratic establishment.
“[The] gerontocracy seems like it’s intractable,” Reid declared on her program, drawing parallels to Barack Obama’s decision to sidestep the Democratic National Committee during his presidency. “I recall when Barack Obama was elected, he kind of pushed aside the DNC and created his own organization because I think there is a frustration with the sort of creaky way the DNC operates.”
Reid’s criticism represents a stark departure from her previous positions. The MSNBC host, who regularly defended Democratic leadership during the Trump years and through the 2020 election cycle, now portrays the party as resistant to change and beholden to outdated methods.
“The Democratic Party is dominated by donors and consultants and people who are locked in the old ways of doing things,” Reid stated, particularly criticizing the party’s adherence to traditional media strategies while younger leaders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., excel in digital engagement.
The timing of Reid’s criticism coincides with Ocasio-Cortez’s December 2024 defeat by 74-year-old Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., for the ranking member position on the House Oversight Committee. The decision, backed by 84-year-old former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., exemplifies what Reid characterizes as the party’s resistance to fresh perspectives.
“Kamala Harris represented the generational change that base Democratic voters demanded, and yet when you go to the House and Senate, no generational change,” Reid observed, highlighting the contradiction between voter preferences and party leadership decisions.
The criticism extends beyond congressional leadership to potential presidential candidates. While Democratic governors like California’s Gavin Newsom dismiss age concerns as irrelevant, telling the New York Times that “It’s not a time of life, it’s a state of mind,” Reid’s commentary suggests growing frustration with this perspective among media figures traditionally aligned with party leadership.
Reid’s shift mirrors broader tensions within the Democratic Party following President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race due to age concerns and Vice President Harris’ subsequent defeat. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey has joined the chorus calling for younger leadership, specifically advocating for a Generation X nominee in future presidential races.
This public break between Reid and party leadership signals potential broader dissatisfaction among Democratic media allies, who are traditionally reluctant to criticize party strategy openly. Reid’s platform on MSNBC, with its significant influence among Democratic voters, could amplify calls for generational change within the party.
Meanwhile, Reid’s standing on MSNBC is going through changes. Recent reports suggest that both Joy Reid and Stephanie Ruhle have been proposed salary reductions to maintain their positions as anchors in the future.
As noted in the Ankler newsletter, the network has been in discussions with Reid and Ruhle regarding new contracts that involve lower salaries. This follows a previous report from the same outlet indicating that popular anchor Rachel Maddow accepted a $5 million cut from her estimated $30 million annual salary to stay with MSNBC.
Currently, Reid, who hosts “The ReidOut” at 8:00 pm, is reportedly earning $3 million a year according to the Washington Free Beacon, while Ruhle, who presents The 11th Hour at 11:00 pm on weekdays, is said to be making $2 million annually.
This situation arises during a ratings crisis for MSNBC, which has experienced several of its programs reaching unprecedented low viewership following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. Recently, “Alex Wagner Tonight,” “Inside with Jen Psaki,” and “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell” have all recorded their lowest ratings to date.
