The political winds of change are blowing for both major parties (Part 2/2)
Image: History.com
A major political shift is underway in Washington and across the US – beyond new leadership changes at the White House and on Capitol Hill.
Today is the finale of a two-part series focused on how both major political parties have changed in recent years. The Democratic Party, fresh off a disappointing 2024 election performance, is up next.
The Democratic Party’s base of support
Democrats hold a clear advantage among several major demographic groups, according to exit polls from the 2024 election. These include women, people of color (outside of Latino men), urban voters, and people with college degrees.
However, Democrats appear to be losing ground across the board. Data from this month’s election shows President-elect Trump gained ground in nearly every key demographic compared to his previous run – including gender, education, urban vs. rural, and age (except those aged 65+).
Democrats’ policy positions
In recent decades, Democrats have gradually redefined their political message to appeal to white-collar, highly-educated, affluent Americans occupying larger, metropolitan areas – rather than placing an emphasis on working-class voters.
These “professional-class” Americans tend to be socially progressive and concerned with issues like environmental protection, social inequality, and/or international affairs – as opposed to issues that are more likely to affect the working class (like inflation, immigration, and crime).
- Generally speaking, Democrats today are in favor of raising taxes on higher-income households while lowering rates for the middle class; expanding reproductive rights and access to abortion nationally; and widely believe America should play a leading role in international issues.
Looking ahead… Starting in January, Democrats will be the opposition party in Washington, with the GOP controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress. They’re expected to oppose many Republican policies with the help of the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold (the chamber will be 53-47 in the GOP’s favor).
đź“Š Flash poll: In general, do you prefer the Democratic Party of today, or the Democrats of previous decades?
See a 360° view of what pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some analysts argue the Democrats’ defeat is the culmination of years' worth of misinterpretations and misunderstandings about their victories that led them to make too many assumptions about what voters truly wanted and cared about.
- Others contend that Democrats' way forward is to show they truly care about making Americans' lives better, and to shift their strategy to giving people a reason to vote that focuses on “why” as opposed to “why not”
- “The Democrats weren’t stupid or crazy — just wrong.” –Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post
- “I’m the Governor of Kentucky. Here’s How Democrats Can Win Again.” –Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D)
- “Learn from Trump’s victory. The American Dream depends on it.” –The Houston Chronicle Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that relying on support from big philanthropic foundations damaged Democrats’ messaging on key issues like inflation and immigration, preventing them from connecting with voters.
- Others contend that Democrats have lost the working class, who have gravitated towards economic populism that the current Democratic Party has little means of connecting with.
- “Big Foundations Helped Democrats Lose the Election.” –Ira Stoll, Wall Street Journal
- “Dems ignore working class, how to make government work again and other commentary.” –New York Post Editorial Board
- “Clarence Page: How Democrats let a rising generation of supporters slip away.” –Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune
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