Why the era of the ‘Emerging Democratic Majority’ is collapsing
Nov 17, 2023
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John Judis and Ruy Teixeira discuss their new book that explores the impact of a 'shadow party' on Democrats, pushing them towards radical cultural positions and away from core economic issues. They delve into hindrances to the Democratic Party's potential, the impact of dismissing conservative viewpoints, perceptions of immigration in terms of race, the effects of the neoliberal project on the working class, challenges around abortion rights, and Joe Biden's presidency.
The influence of cultural radicalism within the Democratic Party, driven by a shadow party, has alienated working-class voters on key issues like race, immigration, transgender rights, and climate change.
Democrats should aim for a more moderate approach on cultural issues to appeal to a wider range of voters and avoid further alienation of the working class.
The Democratic Party needs to prioritize liberal economics and break away from Wall Street and Silicon Valley to address the concerns of working-class Americans and build a broad, inclusive coalition.
Deep dives
The emerging Democratic majority and the rise of Obama
The podcast explores the book 'The Emerging Democratic Majority' written by John Judas and Rui Tashira, which predicted the rise of a diverse left-of-center coalition that would ensure Democratic dominance. It discusses how Barack Obama's election in 2008 seemed to validate their theory, but also explores how Donald Trump's surprising victory in 2016 challenged their predictions. It highlights the influence of Wall Street and Silicon Valley economic policies within the Democratic Party and the impact of cultural radicalism on key issues such as race, immigration, transgender rights, and climate change. It argues that Democrats should focus on a more centrist approach to win over working-class voters.
The influence of the shadow party and its impact on Democratic politics
The podcast discusses the role of the shadow party, including nonprofits, advocacy groups, media companies, foundations, and academic institutions, in shaping the Democratic Party's priorities and values. It argues that the cultural radicalism of the modern progressive movement, fueled by the shadow party, has alienated working-class voters, particularly on issues related to race, immigration, transgender rights, and climate change. It suggests that Democrats should aim for moderation and a middle ground approach on these issues to appeal to a wider range of voters.
The need for a focus on liberal economics and countervailing power
The podcast emphasizes the importance of the Democratic Party adopting a focus on liberal economics to address the needs and concerns of working-class Americans. It suggests that Democrats should break away from the influence of Wall Street and Silicon Valley, which have dominated their economic policies, and instead prioritize countervailing power by empowering labor unions and other organizations that can counterbalance corporate interests. It argues that a moderate and conciliatory stance on cultural issues, such as race, immigration, and gender, paired with a focus on economic populism, can help Democrats build a broad and inclusive coalition.
The challenges for Democrats in implementing a new strategy
The podcast acknowledges the challenges that Democrats face in implementing a new strategy that focuses on liberal economics and moderation on cultural issues. It discusses the resistance from influential interest groups, the influence of donor networks, and the ongoing divisions within the party. It also explores the potential for future leaders within the Democratic Party who may embody this new approach, highlighting figures such as Sherrod Brown as examples. However, it notes that the current political landscape is complex, and achieving a shift in the party's approach will require careful political maneuvering and a long-term commitment to addressing the concerns of working-class Americans.
The impact of the Trump era and the future of Democratic politics
The podcast examines the impact of the Trump era on Democratic politics, including the anti-Trump coalition that emerged and its focus on defeating Trump rather than addressing long-term issues facing the party. It discusses the need for Democrats to look beyond the Trump era and develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses both economic concerns and cultural issues. It emphasizes the importance of building a durable majority and countervailing power within the party to enact meaningful change and effectively address the needs of the American people.
John Judis and Ruy Teixeira, co-authors of “The Emerging Democratic Majority,” are back with a new book that argues that the Democrats are imperiled by a “shadow party” that is forcing them into “radical” positions on cultural issues and diverting them away from their core economic issues.
Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. John Judis is editor at large at Talking Points Memo and co-author of "Where Have All the Democrats Gone?" Ruy Teixeira is a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and co-author of "Where Have All the Democrats Gone?" Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio.
