Doc Rivers coaching the Milwaukee Bucks in Phoenix
Doc Rivers at a press conference in Las Vegas
Doc Rivers speaks before the Clippers game
Doc Rivers during the game against Denver
Doc Rivers reacts during NBA Playoffs game
Doc Rivers intense during playoff game
Doc Rivers walking off the court after the game

Doc Rivers coaching the Milwaukee Bucks in Phoenix

NBA coach Doc Rivers has urged the Democratic Party to take responsibility for their strategies post-Trump's election. He stressed the importance of political leaders actively engaging with their constituents rather than blaming voter demographics for the Party's electoral challenges and low approval ratings. The Party has seen record low approval ratings in recent months, sparking internal conflict regarding the best political strategies moving forward.

Doc Rivers at a press conference in Las Vegas

Rivers stated, "Trump won -- what do we have to do differently? You have to take ownership of things. We do it in sports all the time." He added, "It's so strange -- we're blaming the people who voted for Trump for why he won. It makes no sense to me. It’s backwards."

Doc Rivers speaks before the Clippers game

Rivers noted that the Democratic coalition’s diversity makes mobilization harder than that of the Republican base. He emphasized the importance of tailored strategies to reach different voter groups.

Doc Rivers during the game against Denver

Rivers said, "We didn't get enough people out to vote. We have to figure out, first, start with ourselves, how can we ignite ourselves, our side, to vote more, because we have more people to vote. We have to make them excited, we have to connect to them. We’re not connecting."

Doc Rivers reacts during NBA Playoffs game

Rivers also noted low voter turnout among Black men despite some support for former Vice President Kamala Harris. He cited a sense of disenfranchisement and urged Democrats to take collective responsibility.

Doc Rivers intense during playoff game

Rivers said, "We complain about Black men. You know, the majority of Black men did vote for Kamala, as it turns out. It is just that it wasn't a big majority. It wasn't enough people. Why is that? There is a feel of hopelessness in our community."

Doc Rivers walking off the court after the game

Rivers added, "I think a lot of Black men are saying now it doesn't matter, either side, we're not being helped, we're still being incarcerated. We still are struggling. We need leaders who are willing to stand up and fight for the people."

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.