Democratic strategists concede party brand is 'in the toilet' - and that's being 'generous'

The Democratic Party brand is "in the toilet," according to party strategists Monday. 

The New York Times held a "written online conversation," hosted by contributing Times opinion writer Frank Bruni, with progressive campaign consultant Anat Shenker-Osorio, Democratic communications strategist Lis Smith and former Ohio representative Tim Ryan to discuss the remains of the party after brutal losses in November.

"The Democratic brand is in the toilet," Smith said. "Many of the Democrats who succeeded this cycle ...