In a turn of events that has left many scratching their heads, Donald Trump has won the 2024 presidential election. The reasons behind this outcome are manifold, but at the heart of it lies a profound disillusionment with what I call "fake progressivism."
Back in 2016, the air was electric with the promise of real progressivism. Bernie Sanders championed ideas like "Medicare for All" and built a broad coalition grounded in the struggles of the working class. His rhetoric wasn't about dividing us along lines of race and gender; it was about uniting us in our common fight for economic justice and fairness.
But since then, the progressive movement has lost its way. The rise of movements like Me Too, the protests following George Floyd's death, and the Black Lives Matter movement have shifted the focus. While these causes are undeniably important, the way they have been co-opted and weaponized has led to a toxic form of progressivism centered around the idea of "equity."
Equity, unlike equality, seeks to ensure equal outcomes rather than equal opportunities. This sounds noble on the surface, but in practice, it has led to policies that ultimately harm those they intend to help. Take, for example, the San Francisco school districts' decision to remove higher-level math classes in the name of equity. The intention was to level the playing field, but the reality is that it robs motivated and talented students—many of whom come from working-class and minority backgrounds—of the chance to excel and reach their full potential.
Then there's the baffling obsession with renaming schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of focusing on the urgent need to reopen schools and address the glaring educational disparities exacerbated by the pandemic, progressive leaders were caught up in symbolic gestures. Renaming schools became a priority over the tangible, pressing needs of students, particularly those from disadvantaged communities who suffered the most from school closures.
This brand of progressivism, which prioritizes performative acts over substantive change, has left many feeling alienated. It's no wonder that working-class voters, who once saw hope in progressive promises, have turned away. They feel betrayed by a movement that claims to represent them but instead gets lost in identity politics and symbolic gestures.
Moreover, this "fake progressivism" often overlaps with NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard), disguised as efforts to "preserve neighborhood character" or "prevent gentrification." While these causes may sound virtuous, the result is a severe housing shortage that disproportionately affects low-income families and communities of color. By blocking new housing developments, blue states are not only driving up housing costs but also risking a loss of electoral college votes as people migrate to more affordable states.
The Democrats' embrace of these "woke" politics has also undermined the fundamental political concept of "building a big tent." Historically, successful political movements have thrived by bringing together a diverse coalition of voters with a range of views and interests. But the relentless focus on identity politics and equity has shrunk the Democrats' tent, alienating many who once felt at home under its canopy.
As the progressive movement became more insular, focusing on narrower and narrower issues, many voters felt pushed out. Working-class voters, moderate Democrats, and even some liberals found themselves unwelcome in a party increasingly defined by rigid ideological purity tests. These voters didn't disappear; many of them found a new home in the Trump tent, which, ironically, became the bigger tent by appealing to a broader base disillusioned with the Democrats' drift.
The alienation didn't stop there. The recent Palestine protests have also driven a wedge between progressives and a significant portion of the electorate. While advocating for human rights and justice is crucial, the polarized and often aggressive nature of these protests has alienated moderate voters who feel that the movement is out of touch with their values and concerns.
Similarly, issues surrounding transgender rights, such as bathroom access and participation in women's sports, have sparked intense debates. Many Americans, while supportive of transgender rights in principle, are uncomfortable with policies that they feel compromise privacy and fairness. The progressive push for these changes, without broad public consensus, has further alienated voters who might otherwise support the movement's economic and social justice goals.
In essence, the progressive movement's shift towards equity and symbolic actions has led to unintended consequences that have eroded its base of support. The working class, who were supposed to be the primary beneficiaries of progressive policies, have instead found themselves left behind. This disillusionment created an opening for Trump to capitalize on, presenting himself as a champion of the "forgotten" American.
As we reflect on this election, it's crucial to recognize that genuine progressivism must return to its roots—fighting for tangible, impactful changes that improve the lives of all Americans, especially the working class. Only then can it regain the trust and support it once had and truly make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.