"It looks weak": Some Democrats want their party to shut up and clap for Maduro's capture

Some Democrats are privately frustrated with their party's overwhelmingly negative response to President Trump's actions in Venezuela. These Democrats feel the party should acknowledge the potential positive outcome of Maduro's removal, even with concerns about the operation's legality. They worry that constant criticism of Trump, regardless of the situation, appears weak and undermines the party's credibility. Centrist Democrats believe this stance could alienate voters and misrepresent the party's long-held values on democracy. These Democrats point out that their party previously condemned Venezuela's fraudulent elections and supports democracy abroad. However, most Democrats are primarily angered by the administration's bypassing of Congress and its lack of transparency. House leaders have expressed strong disapproval, with some even considering impeachment proceedings. A planned caucus meeting is expected to address the situation, though significant dissent is not anticipated. These internal disagreements mirror the broader divisions the party has faced throughout Trump's presidency. The party's base often pushes for combative stances, while centrists caution against reflexive condemnation. The central tension lies in balancing the desire to oppose Trump with the need to appeal to a wider range of voters.