By John Q. Hosedrinker 
While Donald Trump won the 2016 election by appealing to working-class voters, often through anger and scapegoating, Bernie Sanders also resonates with these voters, especially those feeling disenfranchised by the political system. Both candidates have used anger and a focus on economic hardship to connect with voters, but Trump’s clear villains and narrative of fighting against “elites” proved more effective. This was further amplified by Biden’s failure to offer a compelling narrative or take decisive action on economic issues, allowing Trump to capitalize on the frustration of working-class Americans and paint himself as their champion against a broken system.
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The Democrats need to take back the working-class story from Donald Trump. It’s a story that was Bernie Sanders’s long before Trump ever stepped onto the political scene. Trump’s message is built on rage and fear, playing on the working class’s anxieties about their place in a changing world. He uses scapegoats like immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community to fuel this anger, ultimately diverting attention away from the real culprit: the wealthy elite. Bernie’s message is different. It’s a message of solidarity and unity, focusing on the systemic issues that have led to the decline of the working class and advocating for policies that would benefit everyone, not just the wealthy.
The Democrats have a lot of work to do to regain the trust of the working class. They need to move away from the “Third Way” politics of the Clintons and embrace a more progressive platform that resonates with the needs and aspirations of everyday Americans. Trump’s policies are harmful, and the Democrats should be loudly and clearly pointing out the ways his policies are making life worse for everyone except the wealthiest few.
It’s crucial to remember that the working class is diverse, and any attempt to win their support must acknowledge that. The Democrats cannot afford to only focus on white working-class voters while neglecting Black and Brown working-class communities. It’s time for the Democratic Party to stop catering to the wealthy and powerful and start listening to the voices of the working class. They need to embrace Bernie’s ideas and policies, and stop allowing Republicans to dictate the terms of the debate.
The Democrats have a real opportunity to win back the working class and create a more just and equitable society for all. They just need to have the courage to stand up for what’s right and fight for the people who have been forgotten and left behind. The working class needs a champion, and it’s time for the Democrats to step up and be that champion.