Key takeaways

• Democratic strategist Paul Begala warns Republicans that their attacks on protesters could cost them many House seats.
• Begala says each attack adds another 2–5 seats turning against the GOP in next year’s midterms.
• Begala draws on his experience with Democratic losses after internal fights in 2009.
• Rep. Nicole Malliotakis tried to link protesters with communists, fueling Begala’s warning of self-destruction.

Republican Attacks Threaten House Seats

On Sunday, Democratic consultant Paul Begala joined CNN to talk about the recent “No Kings” protests. He spoke beside Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of New York. Malliotakis tried to tie protesters to communists. Instead, her remarks pushed Begala to warn of big losses.

Begala said, “When you people attack those folks, all you’re doing is setting yourselves up for a landslide.” In fact, he went further. He said every harsh attack could cost the GOP between two and five House seats.

Begala’s Warning: House Seats at Risk

Begala’s core message was clear: keep attacking and watch seats slip away. He even joked, “Each of those attacks is another 2–5 seats in the House. Keep going! I should shut up.” However, he refused to stay silent. He called the attacks “self-destructive.”

Moreover, he pointed to 2009. That year, Democrats fought among themselves after winning big in 2008. Consequently, they lost key races in the following election. Begala knows how wrong moves can shake a party’s hold on power. He urged Republicans to learn from that mistake.

No Kings Protests Spark Debate

The No Kings protests revolve around citizens fed up with political elites. They chant against those they see as above the law. Some speakers called out both parties for ignoring voters. In many cities, protests stayed peaceful. Yet some GOP members painted all protesters as radicals.

Still, Begala argued that painting everyone with the same brush backfires. He said voters notice harsh rhetoric. When politicians attack peaceful marchers, moderate voters grow uneasy. Therefore, those voters may switch to the other side.

Malliotakis Pushes Communism Link

During the CNN segment, Malliotakis tried to link the protesters to communists. She said their slogans echoed radical left ideas. Begala cut in, warning that “each of those attacks” only fuels more losses.

Instead of hard labels, he advised Republicans to address the issues behind the protests. He said people want solutions on jobs, crime, and freedom. If the GOP ignores those demands, they risk handing Democrats a wave of new seats.

Begala’s 2009 Lesson

Begala served as an adviser to President Bill Clinton. He watched his party’s victories slip away after internal fights. In 2009, Democrats argued over health care and government size. They passed laws but lost public trust.

He recalls that the party lost dozens of seats in 2010. Many voters felt burned by endless partisan battles. Now, he sees history repeating. He fears the GOP will repeat the same errors, only in reverse.

Why Targeting Protesters Hurts

First, basic fairness matters to many voters. They do not like seeing peaceful citizens called names on TV. Second, folks on the fence notice unity or division. When a party looks divided or harsh, fence-sitters move on.

Furthermore, social media amplifies every attack. Video clips of politicians belittling protesters spread quickly. That means more people see those harsh words. As a result, the damage grows.

Republicans face an election where turnout will decide the winners. Midterms usually attract fewer voters than presidential years. Yet strong feelings can drive people to the polls. Begala fears that anger toward protesters will motivate more Democrats to vote.

Where the Debate Goes Next

Going forward, expect more back-and-forth. Some Republicans will keep labeling protesters as extremists. They will argue this helps rally the base. Others will take Begala’s advice. They will try to focus on policy and unity.

Meanwhile, Democrats will use these heated exchanges in ads. They will claim the GOP is out of touch or too harsh. Even if the initial attacks fire up some loyalists, they may scare off moderates.

In local races, this effect could be huge. Many districts rest on small margins. Shifts of just a few points can flip seats. Therefore, the warning about losing 2–5 seats is no small threat.

Lessons for Both Parties

Begala’s warning offers a lesson on political strategy. Parties must balance rallying the base with appealing to swing voters. Harsh attacks energize supporters but risk alienating undecided voters.

Moreover, parties should remember past mistakes. They should ask: how did voters react when we attacked each other? What did moderates think when we used harsh words? These questions matter as much as any policy debate.

In the end, elections turn on both big ideas and small margins. A few lost seats can shift power in Congress. That makes every strategy choice vital. Therefore, Republicans may pause before attacking more protesters.

FAQs

How many House seats did Begala say the GOP could lose?

He warned that each attack on protesters could cost the GOP between two and five seats.

What did Begala learn from 2009?

Begala recalled that harsh intra-party fights in 2009 led Democrats to lose many seats the next year.

Who is Nicole Malliotakis?

She is a Republican congresswoman from New York who appeared with Begala on CNN.

What are the No Kings protests about?

They are demonstrations where people criticize political elites they view as acting like monarchs.