The Good Fight David Leonhardt on Why the Left isn’t Reaching the Working Class
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Jun 4, 2025 
David Leonhardt, the Editorial Director for New York Times Opinion, dives into the left's waning appeal to the working class. He discusses the Democratic Party's disconnect with voters and contrasts it with the successful strategies of Denmark's Social Democrats. Leonhardt emphasizes the cultural factors influencing voter behavior, critiques polarized political discourse, and examines the challenges posed by right-wing populism. His insights urge a need for the left to adapt to changing dynamics and reconnect meaningfully with working-class concerns.
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Left's Shift Away From Working Class
- The left has been losing working class support since the 1960s, accelerated by cultural and economic shifts.
- Higher-educated and affluent voters increasingly lean Democrat, while less-educated and lower-income voters lean Republican in the U.S.
Cultural Issues in Voting
- Voting behavior includes social and cultural issues, not just economic interests.
- Working class voters may reject the Democratic Party due to perceived cultural disconnect, not just economic policy.
Winning with Balanced Messaging
- Candidates winning tough races mix economic populism with moderate cultural positions.
- They avoid alienating working class voters by addressing border security and cultural conservatism.
