A resurfaced video from 2018 has reignited controversy around Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), with criticism coming not from Republicans—but from within her own party.

In the clip, Omar suggested that white men pose a greater threat to Americans than other groups and questioned why they aren’t more closely scrutinized. Her comments have since drawn pushback from both longtime Democratic strategist James Carville and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Calif.).

Appearing on the Politics War Room podcast, Khanna said Democrats need to reframe their message in a more optimistic, patriotic tone—something he believes has been lacking. “We should start every speech with, ‘America is the greatest country in the world,’” Khanna said, arguing that Democrats can still stand for progress while showing love for the country’s values and potential.

Carville, a key figure in President Bill Clinton’s campaign, took a sharper tone, saying that progressive figures like Omar are doing more harm than good to the Democratic Party. He expressed frustration with the party’s far-left wing, suggesting that they’ve lost touch with many voters. “Why would you want to alienate a third of the electorate?” Carville asked, referencing Omar’s past remarks. “What’s the point of saying something like that?”

He went on to say that while he considers himself a liberal Democrat, the messaging from the progressive camp often hurts the party’s broader appeal.

The comments in question came from a 2018 interview where Omar said white men are responsible for a significant number of violent deaths in the U.S., and that if fear is driving public safety policies, then white men should be subject to profiling. She cited rising white nationalism as a growing threat at the time.

Carville questioned the value of such rhetoric, arguing that inflammatory statements risk pushing voters away, especially those who might otherwise be open to Democratic ideas.

Khanna echoed that sentiment, emphasizing his deep appreciation for the U.S. and the opportunities it gave to his immigrant family. “My disagreement isn’t just political—it’s personal,” he said. “This is a remarkable, compassionate, and fair country. I don’t believe you could have my story in any other nation.”

He added that Democrats should embrace messages of unity and inclusion, calling America “the most inclusive and least prejudiced country in the world”—while acknowledging that there’s still room for improvement.

Omar, for her part, stood by her original comments. In a statement to Fox News Digital, she clarified that her 2018 remarks were referencing data from the Anti-Defamation League, which reported that white supremacists were responsible for 78% of extremist-related killings in the U.S. at the time.

However, she reignited controversy by later making a pointed and controversial comment about Israel and Gaza, accusing critics of “endorsing genocide” and urging them to “look up the real definition of genocidal.”

As debate continues within the Democratic Party, it’s clear that questions about tone, patriotism, and how best to connect with voters are front and center—especially as the 2024 election cycle heats up.