Read the DNC’s 2024 Autopsy Obtained by CNN

May 21, 2026

CNN has obtained and published a controversial internal Democratic Party report analyzing why Democrats lost the 2024 presidential election, which was commissioned by DNC Chair Ken Martin and written by strategist Paul Rivera. The DNC initially withheld the report but released it after CNN revealed knowledge of its contents, publishing their version with critical annotations in red highlighting problems with Rivera's analysis. Martin publicly criticized the report as substandard, stating it lacked source material and failed to meet his expectations for honesty and transparency, though he apologized for creating a distraction by not releasing it sooner.

Who is affected

Democratic National Committee (DNC)
DNC Chair Ken Martin
Democratic strategist Paul Rivera
The Democratic Party broadly
Campaign and party officials (three dozen interviewed)
CNN as the publishing organization

What action is being taken

CNN is publishing the report
The DNC is releasing the report in its entirety, unedited and unabridged
Martin is issuing a public statement and apology
The DNC has terminated Rivera's association with the committee

Why it matters

This matters because the report represents an official internal assessment of why Democrats lost a presidential election, which is critical for the party's strategic planning and future electoral success. The controversy surrounding the report's quality and initial suppression raises questions about transparency and accountability within the Democratic Party leadership. The public release, despite acknowledged deficiencies, affects the party's credibility and could influence how Democrats approach future campaigns and messaging.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint