BLUF: Democrats struggle with working-class voters, particularly voters of color, due to a condescending and scoldy attitude. They should focus on concrete issues rather than sounding too far to the left. Republicans, on the other hand, have lost white-collar professionals by embracing the craziness and chaos of the Trumpist style and legislating against abortion. They need a moderate and competent approach to win back these voters.
The class inversion in American politics, where Republicans struggle with college graduates and Democrats struggle with the working class, is a recurring theme. To address this issue, some Times Opinion writers, including Michelle Cottle, Carlos Lozada, Lydia Polgreen, and Ross Douthat, discuss the challenges each party faces and suggest ways to improve their appeal to different voter groups.
Democrats have been almost shut out of statewide office in many states, especially due to their weakness with working-class voters. They have also lost ground with working-class voters of color in recent years. Michelle suggests that Democrats need to avoid sounding condescending and scoldy when talking to working-class voters. Instead, they should focus on concrete issues and avoid leaning too far to the left.
Carlos points out that it is shortsighted to address Latino voters solely on immigration and the border and Black voters solely on policing reform or racial discrimination. Narrow appeals are seen as dismissive and pandering. Democrats should approach large and varied voting groups with more inclusive messages.
Lydia adds that Democrats have become the party of officious technocracy, which makes their proposals sound ridiculous. She gives an example of Kamala Harris’s student loan forgiveness plan, which had multiple requirements that seemed overly complicated. Democrats should focus on simple and bold ways to improve people’s lives, rather than sounding like a technocratic bureaucracy.
The discussion further focuses on how Democrats misrepresent how science works by insisting on following the science on every issue without considering new data. Science is an evolving method of inquiry, not a dogmatic set of ready-made solutions. Ross suggests that Democrats should talk about working people’s material interests in language that doesn’t rely on progressive-activist terminology. He believes that addressing key issues like public order and security is crucial for Democrats, separating themselves from activists who tend to tolerate disorder.
Republicans, on the other hand, used to win over white-collar professionals but have lost them in recent years. The Trumpist style and the ability to legislate against abortion have contributed to this. Ross suggests that Brian Kemp’s success in Georgia provides a model for Republicans to embrace pro-life legislation without suffering dramatic losses. However, this approach requires reasonability, outreach to suburbanites, and a moderate demeanor, which a potential Trump 2024 candidacy may not offer.
The conversation also explores the idea that taking a principled stand on moral questions like abortion can be brave, even if it has electoral consequences. Drawing lessons from Bill Clinton’s success, which involved undercutting critiques of liberal overreach, Republicans could learn to triangulate their positions more effectively.
Republicans have been successful at spinning issues as existential crises to energize their voters. However, this strategy unsettles moderate swing voters, particularly college graduates. Carlos suggests that the G.O.P. could benefit from the soft bigotry of low expectations. If they present a Republican candidate who combines populist policies with a more sober governing style, they may appeal to college graduates who are turned off by Trumpism but still wary of the activist left.
While Carlos remains optimistic about this approach, Michelle argues that a nerdier and wonkier style, which Ron DeSantis embodies, may be less appealing to MAGA supporters. The conversation concludes with a plug for the “Matter of Opinion” podcast, which discusses America’s role in the world and Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S.
In summary, Democrats need to address their condescending and scoldy attitude towards working-class voters and focus on concrete issues rather than veering too far to the left. Republicans should move away from the chaos of the Trumpist style and find a more moderate and competent approach to win back white-collar professionals.