The recent New York Times piece depicting Republicans as “apex predators” and Democrats as sluggish, slower creatures such as “tortoises” has stirred up quite the frenzy amongst Democrats. This characterization, as you might expect, was not well received by every Democrat, including Congresswoman Schultz, who was quick to express her disdain over the seemingly unflattering comparison. But let’s not forget, these animalistic comparisons were not conjured up by reporters eager to paint political landscapes like a wildlife documentary. Rather, they were derived from focus groups composed of voters who were asked to identify each party with an animal.

Now, one might argue that there’s humor in how Democrats are grappling with their identity crisis. On the one hand, they bashfully dismiss the animal comparisons; on the other hand, they fume over sentiment that suggests they’re out of touch with working-class America. Perhaps it’s time for a reality check. Democrats beholding their party as a champion of the common folk seem blissfully unaware of how they are perceived as elitists out of sync with everyday Americans. It’s as if they’ve attended one too many high-society soirees and believe working-class voters are merely a sea of unrefined minds in desperate need of enlightenment.

This brings us to their latest endeavor, a $20 million plan aimed at better communicating with American men. Reportedly, this brave new initiative includes avoiding “moralizing tones” and investing in video game ads. How delightful. Democrats are, apparently, quick to rocket past introspection, opting instead for a glossy marketing makeover. Why pause to genuinely engage with voters when there’s a shiny, albeit expensive, band-aid to be slapped over the problem? Here’s a pro tip for Democrats: the typical American male doesn’t appreciate being patronized or talked to like he’s an imbecile.

One can’t help but chuckle at this faux humility. Democrats seem to think if they can just adjust their syntax, young men will fall in line, skipping along to their utopian melodies. Wake up! Without addressing the substantive issues in their policies—or improving their tone—they’re still nothing more than the moralizing party voters have grown weary of. If Democrats spent less time cooking up $20 million studies and more time listening, maybe they’d have a shot at regaining lost trust.

Meanwhile, Republican voices echo a simple truth: voters are tired of being told what to do by a political party that, at times, seems to hold them in contempt. It boils down to respecting the intelligence of the electorate and offering solutions that resonate with their daily challenges and aspirations. As it stands, until Democrats blast out of their echo chambers and abandon their high horses, they’ll continue to resemble the very sloths they so despise, while Republicans, or apex predators, if you will, seize the moment.