The Realignment 564 | Steve Teles: What Democrats Can Learn from the GOP's Trump-Era Upheaval
Jul 31, 2025
In this discussion, political scientist Steve Teles from the Niskanen Center shares insights on the Democratic Party's evolution during the Trump era. He explores how Democratic factions, like reformers and 'Common Sense Democrats,' compare to the GOP's reform conservatism. Topics include the challenges of innovation after electoral losses, New York's dynamic primary elections, and the importance of authentic political messaging. Teles emphasizes the need for new ideas to reconnect with voters and why challenging party norms is essential for real change.
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Reform Conservatives' Targeted Approach
- Reform conservatives aimed to rethink GOP policies to better align with their changing voter base, especially working class concerns.
- They focused on creating a policy toolbox for new candidates rather than building a broader movement.
GOP's Shifting Class Dynamics
- Republican Party's class dynamics shifted with more "bad actuarial risks" in their base, causing internal policy tension.
- Reform conservatives sought to redefine social conservative positions on economic issues, focusing on families over capital tax cuts.
Abundance vs Common Sense Dems
- Democratic "abundance" is a broad ideological movement, contrasting with "Common Sense Democrats" who focus on electability.
- Common Sense Democrats prioritize winning in swing areas with attention to cultural issues like crime and immigration.
