MSNBC anchor Joy Reid, who has in the past been a vocal supporter of the Democratic Party’s leadership, has recently offered a biting critique of the party’s reluctance to embrace generational change. This marks a considerable departure from her previous standpoint vis-à-vis the Democratic establishment.
Reid likened the party’s current state to the time when Barack Obama chose to bypass the Democratic National Committee during his tenure as president. “The gerontocracy appears immovable,” Reid observed, “I remember when Barack Obama was elected, he rather dismissed the DNC and set up his own organization because, I believe, there is a frustration with the somewhat antiquated way the DNC functions.”
This critique is a radical shift from Reid’s past positions. Throughout the Trump era and the 2020 election cycle, Reid was a consistent defender of Democratic leadership. She now paints the party as being resistant to change and attached to old-fashioned methods.
“The Democratic Party is controlled by donors and consultants and people who are wedded to the old ways of doing things,” Reid stated, specifically criticizing the party’s dependence on conventional media strategies while younger leaders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., are thriving in the realm of digital engagement.
Reid’s critique arrives as Ocasio-Cortez, in December 2024, lost to 74-year-old Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., for the ranking member position on the House Oversight Committee. This decision, supported by 84-year-old former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., exemplifies what Reid views as the party’s resistance to new ideas and leadership.
Reid noted the discrepancy between voter preferences and party leadership decisions, stating, “Kamala Harris represented the generational change that base Democratic voters demanded, and yet when you look at the House and Senate, there’s no generational change.”
Reid’s critique extends to potential presidential candidates as well. While Democratic governors like Gavin Newsom of California dismiss age concerns as insignificant, telling the New York Times that “It’s not a time of life, it’s a state of mind,” Reid’s comments suggest a growing dissatisfaction with this view among media figures traditionally allied with party leadership.
Her change in stance reflects wider tensions within the Democratic Party following President Biden’s decision to bow out of the 2024 race due to age concerns and the subsequent defeat of Vice President Harris. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey has joined the voices calling for younger leadership, specifically advocating for a Generation X nominee in future presidential races.
Reid’s public difference of opinion with party leadership could indicate a broader dissatisfaction among Democratic media allies, who are usually hesitant to openly criticize party strategy. Reid’s platform on MSNBC, which wields considerable influence among Democratic voters, could magnify calls for generational change within the party.
In a related development, Reid’s position at MSNBC is currently in flux. Recent reports suggest that both Joy Reid and Stephanie Ruhle may face salary reductions to keep their roles as anchors.
According to the Ankler newsletter, the network is negotiating new contracts with Reid and Ruhle that involve lower salaries. This follows a prior report from the same source revealing that popular anchor Rachel Maddow accepted a $5 million decrease from her estimated $30 million annual salary to stay with MSNBC.
At present, Reid, who hosts “The ReidOut” at 8:00 pm, reportedly makes $3 million annually according to the Washington Free Beacon, while Ruhle, who hosts The 11th Hour at 11:00 pm on weekdays, is believed to earn $2 million a year.
This situation unfolds amidst a ratings downturn for MSNBC, which has seen several of its programs hit record low viewership following Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 presidential election. Recently, “Alex Wagner Tonight,” “Inside with Jen Psaki,” and “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell” have all marked their lowest ratings to date.
