The Argument

Matthew Yglesias on What Went Wrong with Modern Liberalism?

13 snips
Jan 12, 2026
Matthew Yglesias, a national political writer focused on liberal politics, discusses the pitfalls of modern liberalism. He critiques the shift from individual judgment to group identity, arguing it undermines core liberal values. Yglesias tackles how statistical discrimination harms individuals and the issues with prioritizing group representation over effective policy. He also explores the impact of these identity-driven ideas on political discourse and urges the left to reassess strategies to regain a balanced approach.
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INSIGHT

Group Thinking Undermined Liberalism

  • Matthew Yglesias argues identity-focused politics shifted liberals from judging individuals to judging groups.
  • That shift undermines liberalism's core claim that people should not be reduced to group averages.
ANECDOTE

Minneapolis Case Illustrates Group Blame

  • Yglesias uses the Minneapolis welfare fraud case to show how group blame appears in practice.
  • He contrasts that with the liberal moral stance that individuals should be judged for their own acts.
ADVICE

Reaffirm Individual Primacy

  • Rebuild liberalism by reaffirming the primacy of the individual in both principle and practice.
  • Treating people as individuals protects pluralism and reduces harmful stereotyping.
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