Working-class voters were looking for financial relief from Donald Trump. Inflation and economic issues were significant concerns for those supporting him in 2024.
These voters have directly experienced the erosion of the American dream. Historically, more than 90% of Americans had better circumstances than their parents. Yet, for those born around 1980, that number has dropped to only half.
So, what’s the driving factor? A major reason is that employers have taken a large portion of the productivity gains that workers contributed. Wages used to rise alongside productivity, and if this continues, workers’ wages could be around 43% higher than they currently are.
This isn’t something you hear from Trump, though. Instead, he often points fingers at foreign trade, claiming tariffs will help bring back blue-collar jobs. The reality, however, is that tariffs take time to create real change, as building new factories isn’t an overnight process. And, it may never happen.
At the same time, these tariffs risk dismantling the only genuine benefits brought about by globalization—like the affordability of everyday items. Moreover, the Trump administration also seems preoccupied with stabilizing Veterans Affairs and Medicaid.
In the end, these issues aren’t necessarily the fault of your average folks, like Joe and Jane. However, the left isn’t free from blame, either, as they focus heavily on the erosion of democratic norms under Trump. Many who voted for Kamala Harris prioritized protecting democracy, unlike some of Trump’s supporters.
The left is also concerned about job security and the firing of government employees, which diminishes stability for professionals.
Thirty years back, full-time sales representatives at Macy’s enjoyed benefits. Nowadays, many workers, even those with less education, constantly fret about making ends meet in jobs that often lack health insurance.
This situation leads to many working varying hours just to survive. A construction worker, age 38, recently illustrated this struggle, expressing how financial pressures hinder personal relationships. “My ex-fiancée said, ‘You’re never around,’” he recounted, admitting he was focused on building a better future.
Individuals with university degrees might overlook these worries of workers without degrees. Historically, the left advocated for solid job security and universal benefits designed to strengthen the middle class. Issues seemed to shift in the 1970s toward environmentalism and other social justice topics.
As political focus shifted, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease about what really matters. Sure, a progressive agenda prioritizes climate change, racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigration. But for blue-collar Americans who support Trump? They face dismissive attitudes.
However, those concerned for marginalized communities, ignoring class disparities, might find themselves aligning with leaders who tap into their frustrations. In both Europe and the U.S., many people are driven towards far-right ideologies, holding onto their precarious situations.
We should acknowledge that Democrats have generally done more for workers than Republicans have. The introduction of Obamacare is one illustration of this trend.
Ironically, the Trump administration has slashed funding for programs that support middle-class stability, resulting in long wait times for crucial resources.
Perhaps the left should concentrate less on defending democracy and more on addressing economic issues. Over the last 40 years, disenfranchised Americans have felt let down by democratic institutions.
If Democrats merely serve the status quo, there’s little chance they’ll win over non-college-educated voters, particularly since almost two-thirds of Americans lack college degrees. Without their support, a victory is unlikely.
The core question for Republican leaders is this: Do you represent an environment filled with disruption and instability? Is the current state of affairs truly beneficial? If a more stable political and business climate is desired, a focus on securing a better future for non-college-educated Americans is essential.
On the flip side, Democrats need to ask whether they wish to win elections. Achieving this requires policies that ensure economic stability while also respecting those without college degrees. Otherwise, the current situation may very well persist.
And, that’s where the real alliance lies amidst the confusion.
Joan C. Williams is the director of the Equality Action Center at UC Law San Francisco and the author of “Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Regain Them.”
