Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha offered a compelling argument on CNN's "Laura Coates Live": President Trump's popularity stems from his adoption of common-sense policies, policies that the Democratic Party seemingly abandoned. Rocha's comments came in response to a caller's question about Trump's enduring appeal despite the controversies surrounding him.

Rocha, who joined the Democratic Party in 1989, expressed his initial motivations for joining: fighting NAFTA, reducing government waste, and prioritizing domestic spending over foreign wars. Ironically, these are the same themes that have become hallmarks of Trump's platform, leading Rocha to lament that Trump has effectively "stolen" the Democrats' traditional messaging.

This shift, according to Rocha, has left the Democrats struggling to connect with working-class Americans who resonate with Trump's rhetoric on issues like national security and economic stability. This disconnect, he argues, is a key factor in Trump's electoral success, even in the face of significant controversy.

Former Trump campaign advisor Bryan Lanza, also present on the program, challenged the notion of Trump being a "scary" figure. He countered that the true fear lies in an unchecked bureaucracy and argued that Trump represents a departure from this perceived threat. Lanza suggested that a growing number of Americans feel comfortable with the direction of the country under Trump's leadership.

The exchange between Rocha and Lanza highlighted the starkly different perspectives on Trump's presidency and its impact on the American political landscape. Rocha's candid assessment of his own party's shortcomings provided a unique insight into the ongoing debate surrounding Trump's popularity and the Democrats' struggle to regain their footing.