Democrats have a race problem. It's not what they think.


Democrats are approaching panic. Frustrated by congressional wrangling and sagging presidential approval, the party is looking to reverse a trend that points toward heavy losses in 2022 and perhaps 2024, when former President Donald Trump seems likely to mount another bid for the White House.
Political analyst David Shor has an answer. Along with other "popularists," he argues Democrats should emphasize the best-polling parts of their agenda — like expanded healthcare benefits — and downplay culture war flashpoints.
These arguments have gotten a lot of attention in the media, where profiles of genius strategists are a popular genre. But they're viewed with suspicion by progressive activists, who see them as catering to mostly older, white, suburban swing constituencies at the expense of Democrats' core constituencies, including minorities and young voters.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
As a matter of strategy, this objection makes little sense. Politics is about winning votes you don't already have, not just holding onto those you do. As Shor points out, that's particularly important to realize in the U.S. electoral system. Democrats run up huge majorities in the most densely settled areas but struggle in the less urbanized states they need for success in the Electoral College and Senate. That may not be fair according to strict majoritarian logic, but it's the reality. If Democrats want to win, there's little alternative to "pandering" to marginal voters.
But that doesn't mean abandoning minorities to the domination of rural whites. Contrary to the stereotypes popular on both right and left, minority voters hold relatively centrist views on culture war issues like immigration, police reform, and gender roles. That's part of the reason Democrats lost ground with these groups in the 2020 election.
The real outliers on these issues are college-educated professionals, a group composed disproportionately of whites. In fact, fewer than half of Democratic voters describe their views as "liberal" or "very liberal," with the plurality calling themselves "moderate." President Biden was nominated because he appealed to these voters — especially African Americans — more than progressive favorites like Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) or Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
If Biden wants to salvage his presidency, and Democrats want a strong strategy in 2022 and beyond, they should remember who their friends are.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Samuel Goldman is a national correspondent at TheWeek.com. He is also an associate professor of political science at George Washington University, where he is executive director of the John L. Loeb, Jr. Institute for Religious Freedom and director of the Politics & Values Program. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard and was a postdoctoral fellow in Religion, Ethics, & Politics at Princeton University. His books include God's Country: Christian Zionism in America (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018) and After Nationalism (University of Pennsylvania Press, 2021). In addition to academic research, Goldman's writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications.
-
'Russia's position is fragile'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
The noise of Bitcoin mining is driving Americans crazy
Under the Radar Constant hum of fans that cool data-centre computers is turning residents against Trump's pro-cryptocurrency agenda
-
May 30 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Friday's political cartoons include the Gipper's message to Russia, the U.S. Constitution, TACOS ruining Trump's parade, and grift at the White House.
-
Democrats are on the hunt for their own Joe Rogan
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Party leaders and mega-donors want to counter MAGA's online momentum by recreating a digital right-wing ecosystem for the left
-
Democrats grapple with Biden cover-up fallout ahead of 2028
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Even before his cancer diagnosis, Dems have been grappling with whether the White House's alleged effort to hide Biden's failing health is worth relitigating
-
Trump DOJ charging House Democrat in ICE fracas
speed read Rep. LaMonica McIver is being charged with assault over a clash outside an immigration detention facility in Newark
-
Is Trump trying to take over Congress?
Talking Points Separation of powers at stake in Library of Congress fight
-
Democrats: How to rebuild a damaged brand
Feature Trump's approval rating is sinking, but so is the Democratic brand
-
'Two dolls': Can Trump sell Americans on austerity?
Feature Trump's tariffs may be threatening holiday shelves but they've handed Democrats a 'huge gift'
-
'You might be surprised by how much you find yourself cheering for them'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Kamala Harris steps back on center stage
IN THE SPOTLIGHT In her first major speech since Donald Trump took office, the former presidential candidate took solid aim at this administration as speculation grows about her future