It’s clear that President-elect Donald Trump’s victory cannot be explained by a single factor. This isn’t a case where the results would have shifted if President Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris had made different decisions.
In fact, even if both Biden and Harris had followed the ideal course of action, Trump likely would have still won. The Democratic Party’s losses point to a deeper issue that goes beyond any single candidate’s actions.
I switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party in 2016, and over the years, I’ve often felt that it was the GOP that left me, rather than the other way around. Yet, in the years that followed, I’ve often noticed that Democrats tend to approach elections with a vision of how the world should be, rather than meeting voters where they are.
Most voters relate to everyday life more than progressive ideals
Most of the electorate doesn’t live in the world of big city, progressive politics. The majority of voters relate more to the world of WWE than to the Democratic Party. Parents are more likely to watch “Bluey” than to tune in to cable news, and more young people watch Mr. Beast videos than political ads. To connect with voters, it’s crucial to meet them where they are.
The voters Democrats lost this cycle are more likely to be found at a Morgan Wallen or Luke Combs concert than at a political rally. They’re the ones listening to Joe Rogan instead of “Pod Save America.” They’re watching “Yellowstone,” not “Succession.” Their primary concerns are picking up their kids from school on time, not fighting for the “soul of our nation.”
It’s important to understand the lives these voters lead, their daily routines and priorities. Imagine the typical day of a parent: waking up at 6 a.m., getting the kids ready, rushing them out the door, and dropping them off at carpool by 7:30 a.m.
Then comes work, grocery shopping, a visit to Michaels for a school project, lunch, planning for the holidays or a birthday, setting up a playdate, and finally, picking the kids up from school. Afterward, it’s a whirlwind of homework, dinner, playtime, clean-up, and bedtime.
Now, picture being lectured during this hectic routine that “democracy is on the line” and that you should vote Democrat. How does that message resonate with a parent already overwhelmed by the demands of the day? When people say Democrats are out of touch, this is what they mean. It’s not just about policy; it’s about understanding and connecting with their lived experiences.
How many Democrats working on the 2024 election cycle ventured outside their comfort zones? How many attended a country music concert or a WWE event? How many are familiar with Mr. Beast or the show “Bluey”? How many understand the experience of raising kids in the age of social media?
Elections boil down to two things: getting your supporters to vote and persuading those who disagree with you to change their minds, at least this time. The only way to do that effectively is to step outside your own bubble and see the world from others’ perspectives.
To change someone’s mind, it’s essential not to judge, blame, or attack them. You cannot present yourself as superior to those you wish to persuade. Some Democrats will read this and reject every word, insisting that the real problem lies with the voters, the media, or misinformation.
They may argue that their policies are right and that the American people voted against their best interests. However, the reality is that even if all of that is true, it doesn’t matter. Democratic leaders need to understand that being relatable is far more powerful than being right.
