DNC Chairman Ken Martin speaks during a press conference for a DNC site tour at Ball Arena on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.
Hyoung Chang | Denver Post | getty images
The Democratic National Committee on Thursday released its long-awaited Autopsy In anticipation of its 2024 electoral wipeout, only party chair Ken Martin highlighted the incomplete report as an inadequate work product.
The report, released in its entirety with comments highlighting alleged shortcomings, left some sections, including the executive summary and conclusions, completely blank. A disclaimer at the top of each page reads: “This document reflects the views of the author, not the DNC.”
DNC Chairman Ken Martin wrote substack post With the report, where he addressed the growing disappointment over the party’s decision to shelve the report. He said he did so because the report “wasn’t ready for primetime. Not even close” and that its release would “distract attention.”
Martin apologized, saying his decision to stop the report was “causing an even bigger distraction”, and criticized the content of the report.
Martin wrote, “I am not proud of this product; it does not meet my standards, and it will not meet your standards. I do not endorse what is in this report, or what is left out of it.” “I could not in good faith put the DNC’s seal of approval on this. But transparency is paramount. So, today I am releasing the report as I received it – in full, unedited and condensed – with comments for claims that could not be verified.”
The report contained several sharp criticisms of the Democrats ahead of the 2024 election. But it also includes comments that the DNC says lack or contain inaccuracies in the source material.
A section of the autopsy reads, “The sad truth is that Democrats have lost ground at every level due to inconsistent messaging and improper planning, even as the policies the party advances continue to earn voters’ support at the ballot box.” “In the face of misinformation and disinformation, our candidates have proven unable to project strength, unity and leadership, and voters have turned away.”
The report also bans the use of the term “Bidennomics”, which links former “President (Joe) Biden – in name – with real economic concern” and focuses too heavily on macroeconomic factors, which are more important to voters, than microeconomics.