The Democrats have increasingly alienated the working class over decades, primarily due to their support for trade and globalization, which resulted in widespread job losses. While some attribute the party's struggles to cultural issues or the rise of Trump, the Times indicates that economic factors predating recent events are central to this disconnect. The challenge remains for Democrats to regain this support, with debates over moving left or centering on moderation. An approach known as pragmatic populism may merge progressive and moderate strategies, focusing on unity and effective economic solutions without divisive language.
The Democrats' estrangement from the working class was decades in the making due to their embrace of trade and globalization, which led to factory closures and job losses.
One AFL-CIO official expressed frustration that the narrative of Democrats losing the working class is recognized only after half a century of disconnection.
Pragmatic populism could combine the ideas of progressives with the appeal of moderates, providing sweeping economic solutions without polarizing rhetoric.
Instead of divisive terms, pragmatic populism would emphasize unity and cooperation in addressing economic anxieties of American families.
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