The 2024 Political Flip-Flop: How the Working-Class Party Lost the Working Class
Welcome to 2024, where the political landscape has done a complete 180. The Democrats, once the go-to party for working-class Americans and unions, have watched big pieces of their voting base drift over to a Republican Party led by—wait for it—a billionaire. Yes, you read that right. The party of big business and high-rise offices now has a growing coalition of working-class voters who believe this billionaire and his crew understand their struggles better than anyone else. And that’s just the beginning.
Democrats: From Working-Class Heroes to “Elitist” Party?
For a long time, the Democratic Party stood with working-class voters, advocating for everything from higher wages to healthcare. And for decades, it worked—labor unions and blue-collar folks rallied behind the Dems, trusting they had their backs. Fast forward to now, and it feels like the Democrats have leaned a little too hard into progressive issues, while missing some bread-and-butter concerns their base really cares about, like job stability and affordable housing.
While the Democratic Party has been championing big-picture issues like climate change action, healthcare reform, and educational initiatives, these can sometimes feel too abstract to voters who are simply worried about making ends meet each month. For a lot of working-class people, the priority isn’t always about long-term policy goals but rather immediate concerns like rent stability, affordable groceries, and accessible healthcare. They need to see concrete benefits now, not just hear about ideals that may take years to implement.
Recent election data showed that Democrats won the college-educated vote by a large margin, underscoring the party’s appeal to those with advanced degrees. However, what the party may be overlooking is that only about 30% of Americans hold a college degree, and even fewer go on to earn advanced degrees. That leaves a large portion of the population—many of whom work in trades, service jobs, and other essential fields—feeling overlooked and undervalued. These voters may share concerns about healthcare and education, these big ideas can sometimes feel a bit too theoretical to people who just want to know that their rent won’t go up again next month. So, a lot of voters are left asking: is anyone in Washington really speaking our language?
If Democrats want to win back these voters, they need to connect policy goals to practical outcomes for the average American, focusing less on broad ideals and more on solutions that matter to people now.
The Republican Appeal: Billionaire at the Helm, Working Class in the Base
On the flip side, Republicans have managed to pull off what once seemed unthinkable: they’ve got a significant share of working-class voters lining up to vote for them. And yes, it’s true—this is the same party led by a billionaire who was a millionaire by the time he was 8 years old. Yet somehow, his image resonates as a voice for the everyday American. So why would a guy with yachts, stock portfolios, and properties around the globe be seen as the voice of the people?
For many, it comes down to frustration with a system that doesn’t seem to care about them. A lot of these voters are fed up with what they perceive as the Democratic focus on “elites,” big-city priorities, and language that feels disconnected from their lives. I’ll be honest, I grew up in an upper-middle-class environment, so I understand that sometimes the concerns I was raised with—like getting into a good college or landing a stable job with benefits—don’t necessarily align with the daily realities of the working class. It’s easier to care about climate change policies and healthcare reform when you’re not worried about your rent going up next month or figuring out how to cover medical bills without insurance.
Republicans, on the other hand, are leaning into messaging that feels more relatable to many working-class folks. By positioning themselves as fighters against “the establishment” and champions of “real American” values, they’re connecting with people who feel ignored by coastal, urban elites. The message is simple, direct, and focused on defending what they call the “heartland” values, even if the policies on the table don’t always align with those ideals. It’s this tone that hits home for a lot of voters who feel they’ve been left behind.
Ironically, the message is coming from some of the wealthiest figures in politics, but it’s resonating because it feels like a rebellion against the usual political narratives. For a lot of people, it’s less about whether their chosen leaders live like them and more about whether they’re speaking to their frustrations and concerns. The party may be led by a billionaire, but if he’s willing to shake up the system and “stick it to the elites,” that message can feel like a lifeline to those who feel like no one else is listening.
Voting Against Self-Interest: The Strange Dilemma of 2024
Here’s where things get even more complex. Many working-class voters—people who genuinely benefit from programs like Title I funding for low-income schools, the Affordable Care Act, and housing assistance—are now voting for a party that hasn’t historically backed these kinds of safety nets. Why? A lot of it comes down to disillusionment. After years of hearing the same promises that never materialize, these voters see both parties as full of talk and light on action. For them, voting Republican, even if it means voting against the party that created the very programs they rely on, feels like a way to shake things up. They’re done waiting for real change and would rather "stick it to the establishment" than get behind more policies they fear will only look good on paper.
The Latino vote is another layer to this puzzle. Despite rhetoric that directly calls out immigrants from Latin American countries—Trump’s speeches on deporting Mexicans come to mind—a significant portion of the Latino vote went to him. It’s a paradox that underscores the disconnection between policy talk and what resonates on the ground. Like many other working-class groups, Latino voters often feel caught between two political worlds. Some may align with Republican stances on issues like economic opportunity or conservative social values, while others see it as a way to challenge a system they feel doesn’t represent them.
As a Black woman and the child of immigrants, it’s tough to watch. Coming from an immigrant community, I know firsthand that many of us have family, friends, or neighbors who could be impacted by policies like mass deportations. Voting for someone who openly supports extreme immigration measures isn’t just political—it’s personal. It’s choosing leaders who might see our loved ones as numbers to be “dealt with,” instead of people with families, stories, and communities. The same folks who rely on programs to get by could be putting those very support structures at risk. And yet, despite the risks, they’re voting for candidates who openly discuss slashing these safety nets.
It’s a paradox, really. Here we have millions of people who could benefit from Democratic policies choosing to vote for leaders who talk about shrinking, defunding, or outright dismantling these programs. It’s the classic “voting against your own interests” scenario, but this time, it’s driven by real pain, years of broken promises, and a lack of visible progress. Many feel they’ve been let down, so they’re ready to turn the tables, even if it means putting those very systems at risk. For these voters, it’s not necessarily about policy—it’s about defiance. They’ve been told voting Democrat will make things better, but now they’re asking, where’s the proof?
Look at places like Missouri, where my husband is from and where we lived when I had my first child. This is a state that implemented one of the strictest abortion bans in the country after Roe v. Wade was overturned—a decision enabled by Trump-appointed justices. Yet, just recently, Missouri voters turned around and voted to codify abortion rights in their state constitution—a step that my current state, Pennsylvania, hasn’t yet taken. So, a state that went from one of the harshest bans to making reproductive rights a constitutional guarantee still turned out in massive numbers for Trump.
These choices might seem inconsistent from the outside, but for many voters, it’s less about policy positions and more about rebelling against what they see as an out-of-touch establishment. And here’s where the paradox really shines: these voters, who could benefit from Democratic policies on healthcare, education, and housing, are drawn to the anti-establishment message—even if it comes from a billionaire who’s promised to cut those very programs. It’s not just about platform details; it’s about feeling seen and heard in a broken system. For many, feeling represented seems to matter more than what’s written in a policy paper.
Understanding Modern Populism: Why ‘Anti-Establishment’ Appeals to Many
Before diving into this section, it’s important to clarify what populism is and how it influences elections. Populism is a political strategy designed to resonate with the "ordinary people" by pitting them against the "corrupt elite," which often includes politicians, wealthy corporations, and media figures. The idea is simple yet powerful: divide society into two opposing camps, the “pure” common people versus the self-serving, out-of-touch elite. Populist leaders claim they alone represent the genuine will of the people, promising to deliver policies that directly address the needs and frustrations of everyday citizens.
What’s striking, though, is how some self-declared populist leaders are deeply embedded in the very establishment they criticize. For instance, Donald Trump has a long track record of leveraging political influence to benefit his own corporations, such as using tax loopholes or avoiding taxes by declaring significant losses. He’s faced criticism for his business practices, from Trump University, which led to lawsuits over fraudulent claims, to his handling of Atlantic City casinos, which ended in bankruptcy and cost contractors and employees millions. These examples reveal the irony in populist rhetoric: while portraying himself as a champion for the working class, Trump has repeatedly taken advantage of financial systems for personal gain.
Modern populism often intertwines with nationalism, anti-establishment sentiments, and a rejection of globalization or "elitist" agendas. Leaders like Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen in France, and Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil exemplify right-wing populism, while figures such as Bernie Sanders and Spain’s Podemos party represent left-wing populist ideals. While populism can empower neglected voices and re-engage voters who feel marginalized, critics argue it can also foster societal division by fueling mistrust of institutions and encouraging polarization.
The Populist Appeal: Culture Over Policy
My sister and I were talking about this recently. Growing up in a small town in Texas—the South, but not quite the deep South—gave us a unique perspective on the cultural divide shaping American politics. In those communities, LGBTQ+ issues, especially around gender identity, feel like distant, even abstract, topics. Most people we know have never met someone who is trans, and few have had close relationships with anyone openly gay. So, when buzzwords around these issues circulate, many people think, "That’s not coming to my community." Their understanding is shaped by what they see in the media, rather than personal interactions, and it often feels disconnected from their daily lives.
For a lot of working-class voters, this shift isn’t just about economic plans; it’s as much about cultural identity and values. As the Democratic Party has increasingly centered its message around LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, and racial justice, many voters feel a disconnect between these progressive goals and their day-to-day concerns. Meanwhile, Republicans are leaning heavily into themes of traditional values, national pride, and “fighting for the little guy”—even if the message lacks specifics. But that doesn’t seem to matter; for many voters, that message resonates because it feels like someone finally sees their perspective.
Populism in 2024 has become less about detailed policies and more about creating a sense of belonging. The GOP’s populist tone has built a space for people who feel alienated by progressive movements to rally around shared cultural values. Whether it’s protecting gun rights, preserving religious freedom, or embracing what they see as “real America,” working-class voters feel validated and heard. There’s a powerful sense of solidarity, a belief that a party finally sees and defends them, even if it doesn’t always result in economic benefits.
This pull toward cultural identity is profound. It’s about more than laws or economic plans; it’s about tapping into a sense of heritage, pride, and a lifestyle that feels increasingly overlooked. Even when economic support or tangible policy improvements are lacking, many voters find comfort in being part of something larger—a movement that understands their values and stands against an elitist, urban-centered culture that doesn’t reflect their lives. In positioning itself as a defender of “the American way,” the GOP has managed to draw people in, offering not just policies but a sense of recognition and belonging. For many working-class voters, this alignment with their cultural values feels just as important as policies, creating a connection that runs deep.
The Role of Media, Misinformation, and the Influence of “Hot Takes”
And we can’t talk about 2024 without mentioning the media circus. Social media and 24/7 news coverage are making sure that every political sound bite gets replayed until we all lose track of what’s real and what’s hype. Between the echo chambers of social platforms and sensationalist news, a lot of voters feel more confused than ever. In fact, misinformation about things like healthcare, social programs, and the economy has made it tough for many to really understand what’s at stake, leaving them swayed more by how they feel than by what’s true.
In a 2020 defamation lawsuit involving Tucker Carlson, a judge ruled that Carlson’s show on Fox News is understood by his audience as opinion-based and not factual reporting. In the case brought by former model Karen McDougal, who sued Carlson for alleging extortion without factual evidence, U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil concluded that Carlson’s statements were "exaggeration" or "non-literal commentary." She emphasized that his audience would not reasonably expect strict factual accuracy from his show, as it was designed to be "rhetorical hyperbole" typical of opinion shows in American political commentary. This decision allowed Fox News to avoid liability, as the court held that Carlson’s statements fell under First Amendment protections for free speech in the context of opinion-based entertainment rather than fact.
This case highlights how some commentators can shape public opinion by resonating with viewers' emotions and values rather than adhering to objective facts. Carlson’s show has been noted for aligning with conservative ideologies that speak to viewers' concerns about "American values" and national identity, which can influence perceptions, even if the information isn’t entirely accurate. Social media amplifies this effect, as algorithms often reinforce biases by showing content that aligns with users’ interests and beliefs. This creates echo chambers where opinions circulate as apparent truths, encouraging rapid sharing of memes or soundbites without vetting for accuracy, which can inadvertently perpetuate misinformation and, at times, even subtly promote discriminatory viewpoints.
As people increasingly consume information in short, high-impact formats, such as seven-second clips, they may not question the underlying accuracy or intent of content, making it easier for such messaging to take hold. This underscores the need for media literacy and awareness, especially when navigating social media, where targeted ads and curated feeds can deepen exposure to particular ideologies.
Disconnected by Words: How Progressive Rhetoric is Alienating Core Democratic Voters
Many voters who traditionally supported Democrats are feeling disconnected from what they see as increasingly "performative" progressive language in the party’s messaging. While they may agree with core Democratic policies—supporting workers’ rights, affordable healthcare, and social programs—they feel alienated by a focus on language that can seem more academic than practical. Terms like "Latinx" or "BIPOC," for example, are intended to be inclusive, but they don't always resonate with the very communities they aim to represent. Surveys show that many Hispanic and Latino voters don’t identify with the term "Latinx" and often find it confusing or even off-putting.
This kind of language can feel like it’s aimed at a specific, highly educated audience rather than working people, and it’s creating a disconnect between the party and its base. When the average reading level of Americans is around sixth grade, using complex or unfamiliar terms risks alienating even the most loyal voters. As a result, many feel as though the party’s messaging is not speaking to them, even if they fundamentally agree with its policies.
So, while these voters largely support the party’s core policies, the language Democrats use to talk about them can feel out of touch—more like it’s from a different world, focused on progressive ideals but detached from their daily lives. This divide highlights a major communication gap where Democratic leaders struggle to convey policy benefits in ways that resonate with everyday Americans, leaving some feeling unheard despite a shared vision.
Multiracial Working-Class Voters: A Surprising Shift in Allegiances
One of the biggest surprises this election cycle was the shift among Latino voters, especially in the working class, away from traditional voting patterns. Despite a Republican platform focused on mass deportations—a stance that might appear to target immigrant populations directly—many Latino voters have shown increased support for the GOP, drawn by conservative messages on cultural values and national identity.
Latino voters, especially those who identify as conservative or right-leaning, have expressed increasing concerns about immigration control, resonating with GOP rhetoric around "border security" and public safety. This perspective has been especially prominent among multiracial middle-class voters, who feel the Democratic Party no longer prioritizes the everyday concerns of working Americans. Latino Republicans and right-leaning independents, in particular, feel disconnected from progressive platforms and see the GOP as representing their values on issues like religious freedom and job security. However, the GOP’s overall popularity remains limited among Latino voters broadly, as many are still wary of the party’s immigration policies, particularly on mass deportations and border militarization.
Similarly, among Black male voters, support for the GOP has seen a small but notable increase. In the 2020 election, 19% of Black men voted for Donald Trump—a rise from previous years. This growing diversity within Republican support highlights how cultural identity and values-based issues are resonating across racial and economic lines, even when they might seem counter to these communities' direct interests. For many in the multiracial working class, the GOP’s messaging taps into a broader sense of belonging and security, which, in an era of rapid change and uncertainty, can be incredibly compelling.
In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Black male support for Donald Trump was around 13%, and Latino male support was approximately 32% according to exit polls. By 2020, Trump's support among Black men increased to about 18%, while his support from Latino men rose to 36%. These increases highlight a shift in support for Trump among these demographics from 2016 to 2020.
This trend indicates that although the majority of Black and Latino men voted for Democratic candidates, a notable portion leaned towards Trump, particularly in the 2020 election, marking a slight yet significant change in these voting patterns across the two elections.
So, What’s Next?
All this leaves us in an interesting spot. On one side, the Democrats may need to re-evaluate how they connect with their base if they want working-class voters to trust them again. They’ll need to get back to the basic economic issues their base cares about and find a way to address their day-to-day struggles more directly. Meanwhile, Republicans have to figure out how to meet the expectations of a voting bloc that, in theory, wants more economic support than the party typically delivers.
With this great flip-flop in full swing, both parties are facing pressure to change their tactics, and maybe even their values, to win over a very confused electorate. The 2024 landscape is showing us that voters want more than the same-old promises—they want action, plain and simple.
Sources for the Tucker Carlson Lawsuit: Business Insider Nederland Courthouse News
Sources for Voting Percentages: Pew Research Center Roper Center
Sources for Trump’s Business Practices: Center for American Progress Center for American Progress Center for American Progress
