Intersectionality and Campaign Messaging

I read this tweet this morning, which had me thinking about the NY primary election returns from yesterday (for state offices) as well as the 2018 General Election and beyond:

In order for progressive candidates to be successful, it is imperative for those on the Left to 1) possess a thorough understanding of intersectionality and 2) be forceful advocates of policies that increase effective liberty for those belonging to populations that have been marginalized based on race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and other identity characteristics.  It is only by recognizing the interplay of class with “identity politics” and their affiliated constructs can policymakers (actual or prospective) have a firm handle on how our society actually operates…and how social inequalities can best be eradicated.

That was part of the issue with Bernie Sanders in the 2016 cycle.  There was a widespread belief, particularly in Democratic circles, that the Senator was overly-focused on seeing the world through the class prism.  Frankly, his campaign messaging did little to allay concerns that he didn’t “get” issues of particular concern to women or Black and Brown voters.  This was one of the major reasons why he was unable to assemble a broad (shall we call it a Rainbow?) coalition that would have been large enough to capture the nomination.

Cynthia Nixon’s loss last night had far more to do about the limitations of her candidacy (and the electoral strength of Governor Andrew Cuomo) than on any supposed voter refutation of progressive principles (a line being attempted by some journalists and other observers).  Several Democratic State Senate challengers – progressives one and all, including Julia Salazar (a democratic socialist) defeated multiple hide-bound incumbents.  Many of these successful candidates did a particularly stellar job of framing the debate as one of Outsiders seeking to open up the political process and take power from the hands of an entrenched (“old-boy network”) elite.  In short, the winning narratives included economic considerations…but they extended beyond pocketbook issues to talk about societal and structural change.

Medicare for All? Sure.  $15 minimum wage? Absolutely.  But rolling out a laundry list of good public policy solutions is not enough.  Identity politics are reality politics…and unless Left candidates address the realities of a wide array of Americans, they will find themselves debating the historical merits of the Revolutionary Youth Movement as opposed to the Progressive Labor faction instead of, you know, enacting polices that help the underclass.

In Solidarity.