Concerns are rising within the Democratic Party regarding its perceived disconnect from the working class. Several strategists and prominent figures have voiced anxieties about the party's increasing focus on affluent, college-educated voters, potentially alienating a significant portion of the electorate.
An anonymous progressive strategist, interviewed by The Hill, criticized the party for seemingly abandoning its populist roots, suggesting this shift occurred during the Obama administration. This strategist argued that the pursuit of Silicon Valley funding and an appeal to college-educated individuals contributed to the perception of populism as "icky and uneducated." This, they claimed, fostered a sense of condescension towards the working class.
Following the 2024 election, prominent figures like Senator Bernie Sanders echoed these concerns. Sanders asserted that the Democratic Party's neglect of working-class issues resulted in a reciprocal abandonment by those voters, impacting white, Latino, and Black workers alike.
Former Obama advisor David Axelrod also expressed worry about the dwindling working-class support for Democrats, noting a significant decline in the 2024 election. He pointed out that the party's primary success was among those earning over $100,000 annually, a demographic insufficient for winning national elections. Axelrod cautioned against a perceived "missionary" approach to voters, suggesting it implied an unintentional disdain. He characterized the party as increasingly becoming associated with suburban, college-educated individuals, potentially triggering a backlash.
Democratic strategist James Carville, in a New York Times op-ed, acknowledged the party's shortcomings on economic issues. He conceded that Trump successfully resonated with middle-class and low-income voters through his economic message, a narrative Democrats have demonstrably lost.
