Democrats Need To Drop the Elitism if We Want To Win Again | Opinion

Now that the 2024 election is over, it’s time for Democrats to get over our feelings and face the truth about why Donald Trump won. We often get in our own way, paralyzed by emotional hypersensitivity and an obsession with political correctness, making it impossible for us to take bold, decisive action. We typically have too many cooks in the kitchen trying to boil the contents of too many pots with one flame.
We need to stop overthinking and start making plans for achievable actions. While many voters have clearly found solace in the unwavering decisiveness of Trump, too many Democrats prefer to circle the wagons, mired in endless discussions and focus groups. This isn’t merely an observation; it’s a rallying cry for a generation that has become too comfortable in its privilege.
For decades, the upper-middle-class elite of the Democratic Party has cultivated a mentality that diminishes the value of hard work and practical skill. Those who made their way in life without advanced degrees feel sidelined and disrespected. Many of us can’t even afford to live in “blue” cities, counties, or states because those are reserved for the more distinguished Democrats who give lip service to the ideals of equity but don’t really know what it’s like to live a life of insecurity or struggle. If the party hopes to regain the trust and support of the average American, we’re going to have to confront these uncomfortable realities and produce leaders who embody strength, relatability, and action. The time for talk is over; it’s time to get out of the ivory think-tanks and dig deep to find solid ground.
Americans have always been drawn to leaders who exhibit unwavering strength and decisiveness. But lately, Democrats have found ourselves ensnared in a web of analysis and introspection. While Kamala Harris and Tim Walz were certainly qualified for the job, their refusal to openly stand up to a bully sent a strong message to Americans: I’m either too afraid or too good to fight back.
Like it or not, taking the higher road and avoiding conflict sometimes just isn’t the best course of action. When faced with a bully like Trump, you never throw the first punch, but you make damn sure you throw the last one—at least, that’s how some of us were raised. Why didn’t Harris call him out? If Trump was so “manly” to make remarks when she was out of range, why not tell him to be a “real man” and say all of it to her face in a second debate? Most bullies don’t really have courage, they just have a captive audience.
As long as Democrats remain caught up in their emotional and intellectual debates, we lose any connection with voters who yearn for security now. We need someone who takes on the burden of doing what needs to be done in the moment instead of hypothesizing the top strategies to accomplish something at another time. Our leaders need to recognize that the ability to engage in meaningful action is just as important as intellectual prowess. We have to step up, confront our fears, and demonstrate the courage to take decisive action when it matters most.
A particularly significant barrier to Democrats’ success is the pervasive elitism that alienates working-class Americans. Upper-middle-class professionals, especially those with advanced degrees, have created a culture that prioritizes academic credentials over practical experience. This hierarchy perpetuates the false notion that professionals with a degree are inherently superior, while those without formal education can be dismissed as “poor,” dispensable, or less valuable. Many individuals without degrees possess rich life experiences and practical knowledge, yet are often spoken to as if they lack understanding simply because they don’t have the right vocabulary, academic background, or pedigree. This condescension doesn’t go unnoticed.
Working-class voters are tired of being treated as if they are ill-educated or uninformed. Many just choose a different career path or lifestyle. They are usually aware of the happenings in the world. They just don’t choose to spend their days puffing out their chests and pretending their philosophies are the only possible path to economic salvation. For too long, the DNC has catered to an elite audience. We have often alienated those outside the upper-middle-class bubble, contributing to a growing chasm between social classes.
The reality is that voters are searching for leaders who embody their experiences and understand their struggles. We want to feel seen and validated, not dismissed as out of touch or uninformed. It’s no secret Trump has failed multiple businesses. He is also known to not be the most eloquent speaker. But his image as the everyday “fighting man” who at least tries, fails, and tries again, is one that Americans have depended on to keep themselves going in a world that often tells us to give up and accept defeat. When Democratic leaders fail to connect on a personal level, they inadvertently reinforce the stereotype that they are elitists who cannot relate to the average American’s daily challenges. By connecting the classes, we can bridge the gap between elite discourse and the lived realities of the people it seeks to serve.
Democrats stand at a critical crossroads. We need to quickly transform both our leadership style and our approach to connect with the American public. If we want to dismantle our image as detached elitists, we’re going to have to prove that we are capable of meeting challenges. We’re going to have to do some tough things and make some tough decisions. We’re going to have to do more than just talk about the fight ahead.
We’re going to have to stop treating health care access, affordable housing, and taxing the rich as mere theory or political talking points and start rolling out plans district by district, state by state, until they become federal policy. We’re going to have to confront our elitist tendencies and recognize the intrinsic value of all professions and the rich experiences of those without formal degrees. And we’re going to have to show what we’re made of as the strong, reliable, and authentic leaders voters crave.
I believe we can still rebuild trust with Americans. I believe we can still reinforce our commitment to representing the needs and values of all citizens. We just have to get out of our emotional, hypersensitive, politically correct way and focus on the labor of changing our public image. Unless we’re too afraid, too good, or just too damn late.
Tera Johnson-Swartz is an award-winning writer from suburban Denver, whose work bridges academic insight and real-world experience, emphasizing cultural awareness, leadership, and social justice.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.