How the Democratic Party Can Win Back Working-Class Voters
December 4, 2024 | David Leonhardt with Madeleine Brand | How the Democrats Have Lost the Working Class – Summary Prepared by JUDJ Team
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, David Leonhardt, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Ours Was the Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream, shared his thoughts on the Democratic Party’s messaging challenges and its declining appeal among working-class voters. Renowned for his insightful political commentary in The New York Times, Leonhardt provided a candid analysis of how Democrats have struggled to connect with this crucial voter base. His conversation offered a roadmap for revitalizing the party’s strategy by focusing on economic populism and aligning its cultural messaging with public sentiment.
Economic Successes Aren’t Enough
Leonhardt began by highlighting a paradox: despite enacting several pro-working-class policies, the Biden administration and the Democratic Party as a whole have struggled to translate these achievements into voter loyalty. Initiatives like infrastructure investment, expanded broadband access, and green energy subsidies were designed to benefit rural and working-class communities. However, many voters remain unaware of how these policies directly impact their lives.
According to Leonhardt, a significant part of the problem lies in communication. The Democrats have failed to craft a compelling narrative around their economic successes. Instead of emphasizing how these policies improve day-to-day life for working Americans, the party has often focused on technical policy details that fail to resonate emotionally with voters.
Cultural Disconnect: A Messaging Minefield
While economic policies are central to winning over working-class voters, Leonhardt emphasized the role of cultural issues in driving political realignment. Democrats have often found themselves out of step with public opinion on topics like immigration, crime, and education. For instance, the Biden administration’s approach to border policy has faced backlash from working-class communities who feel the strain on local resources. Similarly, school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected low-income families, leading to a sense of abandonment among key Democratic constituencies.
Leonhardt argued that Democrats have fallen into a trap of framing disagreements on these issues as rooted in ignorance or bigotry. This approach not only alienates potential voters but also ignores legitimate concerns that deserve thoughtful solutions. He suggested that the party must listen more closely to the values and priorities of working-class Americans, rather than dismissing them as out of touch.
Learning from Winning Strategies
Leonhardt pointed to successful Democratic candidates as examples of how the party can reconnect with working-class voters. Figures like Gretchen Whitmer in Michigan, Raphael Warnock in Georgia, and Ruben Gallego in Arizona have struck a balance between progressive economic policies and cultural moderation. These candidates championed issues like corporate accountability, job creation, and healthcare while distancing themselves from more polarizing cultural debates.
In particular, Leonhardt noted that these candidates emphasized patriotism, local concerns, and practical solutions. By focusing on bread-and-butter issues and avoiding divisive rhetoric, they demonstrated how Democrats can win in competitive districts and states.
The Path Forward: A Populist Vision
To regain its footing with working-class voters, Leonhardt urged the Democratic Party to adopt a more populist economic message while recalibrating its approach to cultural issues. This doesn’t mean abandoning progressive values but rather prioritizing policies and messaging that resonate with the lived experiences of voters.
For example, Democrats could focus on tackling corporate greed, raising the minimum wage, and investing in job training programs—all policies with broad public support. On cultural issues, Leonhardt suggested a tone of respect and pragmatism, avoiding the perception of elitism that has alienated many voters in recent years.
Conclusion
David Leonhardt’s insights reveal a clear path for the Democratic Party to strengthen its connection with working-class Americans. By amplifying its economic populism, refining its cultural messaging, and learning from its most successful candidates, the party can rebuild trust and reestablish itself as a force for everyday Americans. As Leonhardt aptly noted, winning elections requires not just the right policies but also the ability to make voters feel heard, respected, and represented.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.