How Mexico’s Post-Neoliberal Policies Offer a Blueprint for U.S. Democrats (with Kurt Hackbarth)
Jan 21, 2025
auto_awesome
Journalist Kurt Hackbarth, a contributor to Jacobin Magazine and co-founder of MexElects, discusses the significant electoral success of Mexico’s Morena party. He highlights how their middle-out policies, like minimum wage hikes and robust social safety nets, have reduced poverty and defied neoliberal norms. Hackbarth delves into Morena's innovative communication strategies via social media and the importance of maintaining grassroots connections, offering valuable lessons for U.S. Democrats looking to reshape their approach.
Morena's middle-out economic policies, including significant wage increases and social safety programs, have effectively reduced poverty and challenged neoliberalism.
The party's innovative communication strategies, particularly through social media, highlight the importance of engaging with diverse voters and connecting with the base.
Deep dives
Impact of Economic Theories on Inequality
Decades of reliance on trickle-down economics have led to rising inequality and political instability, failing to promote sustainable growth. In contrast, middle-out economics suggests that the middle class is the true driver of economic prosperity, emphasizing the need to prioritize their welfare. This perspective challenges conventional beliefs and highlights alternatives that focus on the needs of the broader population rather than just the wealthy. By reshaping economic policies to support the middle class, societies can foster growth and stability effectively.
Lessons from Mexico's Morena Party
The progressive Morena Party in Mexico has achieved significant electoral success by prioritizing the welfare of the poor and lower middle class, contrasting sharply with previous neoliberal policies. Their comprehensive reforms, including substantial minimum wage increases and labor rights enhancements, have led to millions being lifted out of poverty. By implementing a series of social programs, such as pension reforms and aid to vulnerable groups, Morena's policies have outperformed expectations despite global economic pressures. This approach offers a critical case study for progressive movements worldwide seeking to achieve tangible outcomes for working-class citizens.
The Role of Media in Political Messaging
In a media landscape dominated by corporate interests, the Mexican government has notably leveraged social media to communicate directly with the public. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's daily press conferences served as a platform to engage directly with citizens and critique corporate media narratives. This engagement effectively bypassed traditional media and established a connection with the populace, making political discourse accessible and relatable. Such strategies demonstrate the importance of innovative communication methods in the face of media opposition.
Progressive Policies and Electoral Success
Morena's success in winning over diverse voter demographics illustrates the importance of delivering substantive policies that meet the needs of the population. By maintaining a focus on working-class issues while also appealing to middle and upper-middle-class voters, they demonstrated that inclusive progressive policies can garner broad support. The contrast with U.S. Democrats highlights the necessity of staying true to a party's base and effective communication regarding the benefits of proposed policies. This creates a cohesive coalition that can overcome political divisions and lead to electoral victories.
This week, Paul and Goldy sit down with journalist Kurt Hackbarth to discuss the recent electoral success of Mexico's Morena party and their progressive economic agenda. The conversation explores how Morena’s focus on middle-out policies, such as significant minimum wage increases and sweeping social safety net programs and reforms, has lifted millions out of poverty and challenged decades of neoliberal orthodoxy. Hackbarth also highlights the effective communication strategies employed by Morena's leaders, particularly their innovative use of social media, and the importance of staying connected to the base while appealing to a broad spectrum of voters, offering insights into what U.S. Democrats can learn from Mexico's left-leaning Morena party.
Kurt Hackbarth is a writer, playwright, and freelance journalist who contributes to Jacobin Magazine and co-founded the independent media project “MexElects.” His writing often explores the complexities of global affairs and the impact of neoliberalism on society.