For too long, many on the left have tried to make Bill Clinton and Barack Obama into heroes of the Democratic Party. But the truth is, their “Third Way” approach—centered on neo-liberal policies—has been a dismal failure. It’s time we face facts and stop romanticizing policies that hurt ordinary Americans while enriching the wealthy.

Clinton’s embrace of deregulation and free trade helped trigger the housing bubble. His policies encouraged risky lending and a housing frenzy that couldn’t last. The result? The 2008 financial crisis, millions losing their homes, and a recession that shattered the economy. Calling him a hero ignores the economic devastation his policies caused. It’s a lie to suggest he was anything more than a contributing factor to that disaster.

Obama’s tenure was similarly deceptive. He inherited a broken system and promised reform. Instead, he delivered a weak recovery—slow, sparse, and skewed toward the wealthy and corporations. His policies favored those who didn’t need help, while working-class families continued to struggle. His affordable care act was a step forward, but it left too many behind. His administration’s lack of bold action fueled frustration, helping push the nation toward the chaos of Trump’s rise.

To claim Obama was a hero comparable to the best leaders is simply dishonest. Compared to many Republicans—especially Trump—he was better. But that’s a baseline, not a badge of honor. Clinton’s policies, in particular, left trust in tatters. Even his wife, Hillary, who was qualified and experienced, couldn’t gain enough support because of the tarnished legacy of her husband’s presidency.

Biden and Harris brought hope, but their campaign was marred by a chaotic primary process that handed Trump an almost certain second term. We missed an opportunity to rally behind strong, bold leadership capable of reversing the damage. Instead, we settled, and now we face the consequences.

It’s time for the Democratic Party to get its act together. The era of pretending that Clinton and Obama’s policies represent progressive success is over. We need real change, real courage, and policies that serve working people—not just the wealthy or corporations. If we want to rebuild trust and energy, we have to acknowledge our mistakes and commit to doing better.