Democrats Should Embrace Image As Party Of The Working Class
A lot of people hate the Democratic party. Many support it, too. But those that hate it, really despise it. That’s why Donald Trump’s base was so immovably strong: because such a large section of the country can’t see themselves supporting any other party.
It’s time for Democrats to change that, or at least try. They have to find a way to present themselves as a party that can legitimately help people. An important step in this goal, I believe, is finding roots as a working class party, reaching out to new voters and appealing to common interests. That can result in wins that push the United States in a better and more progressive direction.
We should acknowledge that in a just electoral system (with more proportional representation in Congress and no electoral college), the Democrats might beat this version of the Republican party in every national election. But that’s not the reality that we live in, so it’s important that Democrats approach this political climate with pragmatism.
Put simply: Democrats need to win votes. It is possible to do this without resorting to stagnant centrism and racial dogwhistles. It is also possible to win votes without overlooking and even abandoning the groups that are the most likely to support Democrats, like Black women and LGBTQ people.