Turn Away from the Tycoons, Stand with the Masses

In the aftermath of the tumultuous 2024 Presidential election, the Democratic Party is confronted with a stark reality – a resounding loss that rattled the very foundations of their power. The Republicans emerged victorious, seizing control of the Presidency, the Senate, and the House. However, this triumph wasn't a sweeping, unanimous victory for the GOP; rather, it was a damning indictment of the Democratic Party's inability to connect with the heart of America – the working class.

Donald Trump, the Republican President-elect, secured his victory by garnering nearly 2 million fewer votes than he did in his loss of 2020. In stark contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris managed to amass 6 million fewer votes compared to her running mate's total in 2024. The Democratic Party faced a catastrophic decline in support, in almost every demographic, but none more disastrous than among the working class.

The Democrats' vote share among non-college-educated voters plummeted from 47% in 2020 to a staggering 43% in 2024. Similarly, support from individuals earning less than $50,000 a year dropped by a startling 6 points. Quick to cast blame, Democrats began pointing fingers at Biden for staying in the race too long, the lack of an open primary, and allegations of heading too far left on transgender rights. But these post-election accusations missed the mark. The Democratic Party missed the chance to win over that critical support.

In a candid interview, Ken Martin, chair of the Minnesota-Democratic-Labor-Farmer Party, candidly assessed the situation: "The Democratic Party isn't viewed as one that fights for the people or their families, or cares about their lives. We lost ground with almost every group except wealthy households and college-educated voters."

Bernie Sanders, the senior U.S. Senator from Vermont, echoed Martin's sentiments, firmly stating that the Democrats lost because they ignored the justified anger of working-class America and became the protectors of a flawed economic and political system. America, despite being one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, is home to families teetering on the brink of poverty, struggling to afford rent, food, and medical expenses. By offering an explanation for their struggles, Trump tapped into that despondency, while Harris positioned herself as the defender of the status quo.

However, the Democratic Party did have a few noteworthy achievements under President Biden's administration, such as the Inflation Reduction Act. Through this act, they have increased job opportunities, raised average wages, and invested in clean energy, moving the nation closer to reducing carbon emissions. Yet, these accomplishments, however significant, were not enough to appease the disenchanted population. In fact, on the night of the election, a staggering 60% of Americans described the economy as "fairly bad" or "very bad."

Kamala Harris' pro-worker campaign was plagued by its approval-seeking attitude toward corporate America and wealthy elites. As she equivocated on policies to increase taxes for the top 1%, she lost the support of working-class Americans. Important working-class issues, such as healthcare and wages, went largely ignored during key debates.

In an interview with Democracy Now, Bishop William Barber, the national co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign, succinctly expressed the sentiment, stating, "I didn't see one debate where there was a focus on poverty and low wages, even though 800 people are dying a day from poverty." The Democratic Party cannot afford to ignore the anger, the frustration, and the desperation that resonates across the nation.

The Working Class's disenchantment with the Democratic Party is not a recent phenomenon. In a New York Times interview, Michael Podhorzer, the former political director of the A.F.L.-C.I.O, discussed the lasting problem, stating, "One of the things that has been frustrating about the narrative 'The Democrats are losing the working class' is that people are noticing it half a century after it happened."

The roads to recovery and reinvention for the Democratic Party may be long, but they must learn from the mistakes of the past to ensure a brighter future. A focus on addressing the healthcare crisis, implementing socialist policies, and truly understanding the anger of the working class are key to regaining public trust and the road to victory in 2028.

To bridge the gap with the working class, the Democratic Party must reexamine its approach to photography, depicting authentic, relatable scenes of ordinary Americans in their editorial news work.
In the realm of education-and-self-development and personal-growth, the Democrats should lead initiatives that empower hardworking individuals, addressing their concerns about job-search opportunities and career-development.
Political leaders within the Democratic Party could benefit from skills-training programs, particularly in the area of policy-and-legislation, to better negotiate and implement policies that genuinely serve the working class.
To regain trust, the Democratic Party should not shy away from tackling war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice issues impacting the working class, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being.
As part of their efforts to connect with the working class, the Democrats could host town hall meetings or deck out buses with football decals representing NFL, American Football, and even NCAA Football teams, reaching out to sports lovers and fostering a sense of camaraderie.
To show unwavering support for the working class, the Democratic Party might consider adopting more progressive policies, aligning themselves with the principles of sportsmanship – teamwork, even distribution of resources, and a fair playing field for all.
In thejustice system, the Democrats should focus on reforms that dismantle systemic biases, ensuring crime-and-justice outcomes are equitable for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
To recognize and empower laborers, the Democrats should advocate for fair wages, labor protections, and affordable healthcare in policy debates, acting as champions for the working class rather than just seeking corporate endorsements.
By recognizing the potency of social media, the Democratic Party could leverage online platforms to showcase real-life stories of individuals who have overcome hardships, promoting a message of resilience and perseverance – appealing to the working class's desire for personal growth and self-improvement.