A Democratic strategist has declared identity politics effectively dead within the party following the unsuccessful presidential and vice-presidential campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris. The strategist argues that focusing primarily on identity-based appeals failed to resonate broadly enough with the American electorate.
The argument centers on the idea that while identity is undeniably important, a campaign strategy that prioritizes it above all else is ultimately limiting. Clinton’s campaign, while historic, struggled to connect with working-class voters who felt overlooked. Similarly, Harris, despite being the first female Vice President, faced challenges in galvanizing a diverse coalition.
The strategist suggests that successful campaigns in the future will need to move beyond simple identity appeals and focus on issues that impact all Americans, regardless of their background. Economic concerns, healthcare, and education are cited as examples of areas where candidates can find common ground and build broad-based support.
This shift doesn’t mean ignoring identity altogether. Rather, it means integrating it into a broader narrative that addresses the needs and aspirations of all voters. The strategist contends that the party needs to re-evaluate its approach and prioritize policies that benefit all Americans, focusing on shared values and goals rather than divisive identity markers. This change of focus is seen as essential for Democrats to regain lost ground and win future elections.
