Democrats in Congress continue to struggle for relevance as their latest attempts at protest are increasingly met with apathy—or outright ridicule. On Wednesday, the Democratic Doctors Caucus attempted to stage a press event outside Speaker Mike Johnson’s office to oppose President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, only to be completely overshadowed by something they apparently forgot to consider: tourists.
Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter, joined by fellow physician-lawmakers dressed in symbolic white coats, tried to deliver remarks condemning the bill’s healthcare provisions. But as Dexter began speaking, tourists flooded the hallway, walking directly in front of the podium and paying little attention. Her words were quickly drowned out. Journalists with recorders walked past without stopping. The message was lost in the din.
🚨 The Democratic Doctors Caucus press conference isn't going so well pic.twitter.com/XTunL597jI
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 2, 2025
“We are the Democratic Doctors Caucus,” Dexter said, as camera phones snapped photos of the Capitol decor rather than the lawmakers in front of them. “Let me be clear: the big ugly betrayal bill will hurt people,” she added, attempting to portray the bill as a gut-punch to the healthcare system. But the optics told a different story—Democrats talking to no one.
Formed in March, the caucus includes six House members who are practicing or former physicians: Reps. Ami Bera (CA), Herb Conaway Jr. (NJ), Maxine Dexter (OR), Kelly Morrison (MN), Raul Ruiz (CA), and Kim Schrier (WA). Despite their credentials, the event seemed more performative than persuasive—another example of what critics are calling “failure theater.”
This is just the latest in a string of underwhelming efforts. In April, Sen. Cory Booker’s 25-hour speech on the Senate floor drew little attention or policy impact. That same month, Booker joined House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a sit-in protest on the Capitol steps that passed largely unnoticed.
The Democratic Doctors Caucus pic.twitter.com/fzchRrgAKn
— Neil Stevens 🇺🇸 (@presjpolk) July 2, 2025
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s public remarks have taken on a markedly somber tone, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez continues to sound alarm bells about impending doom under a potential second Trump administration—rhetoric that now falls largely on deaf ears.
Adding to the missteps, Dexter herself has drawn scrutiny for previous behavior, including using profanity at a February rally and traveling to El Salvador in April to support an alleged MS-13 gang member—all while staying in a luxury hotel.