In the wake of devastating setbacks in the 2024 elections, Democrats are deemphasizing identity politics and are instead prioritizing economic issues. Democrats are now embracing an “abundance movement” and claiming they are the party to deliver abundance to working families. The latest iteration of this new strategy was expressed by Democratic activist and pundit Donna Brazile in her recent commentary published by The Hill, “Democrats’ path to victory in 2025 and beyond.”
In an attempt to project an even more explicit show of solidarity with working families, the concept of “abundance” has been augmented with its fraternal twin, “affordability.” As Brazile recounts, in two races for governor that will be decided this November, the Democrat candidates “seek to lower the costs of health care, housing, energy, and groceries.” Brazile writes:
“Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Virginia, is campaigning on her Affordable Virginia Plan. Similarly, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic candidate for governor in New Jersey, is campaigning on her Affordability Agenda.”
This is a rational pivot for the Democrats, and it could work. As standard bearers for the left, Democrats have a natural rhetorical advantage. Leftist messaging relies on nurturing resentment and exploiting envy, while consistently promising to redistribute wealth from rich individuals and corporations to the less fortunate. That’s an easier message to sell to the average voter trying to afford rent than the right-wing answer, which is to create equal opportunity through meritocracy, private property incentives, and deregulated competition. Now that the Democrats are moving away from nurturing resentment between identity groups and instead trying to restore a pure economic basis for resentment, they can promise abundance and affordability to everyone. It’s a smart move.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member