In a New York Times opinion column, Ben Rhodes argues the worst thing Democrats could do is trade their newfound populist energy for a familiar insider ethos, citing Yassamin Ansari's detention-center visits, Zohran Mamdani's affordability focus, and Gina Hinojosa's Texas win. He warns against reverting to business as usual, backs Chris Van Hollen for Senate leader, and urges visible governance, anti-corruption oversight, and populist legislation, including abolishing the filibuster.