Thomas Frank Dissects Democrats’ Populism Decline, Trump’s Faux Appeal

WASHINGTON (TND) — In a captivating discussion on the historical trajectory of the Democratic Party, historian and author Thomas Frank critiques how the party has shifted away from its populist roots, focusing more on the interests of the professional class. Frank joined journalist Nathan Robinson to delve into these issues in a recent podcast episode, highlighting the evolution of the party, the rise of President Donald Trump‘s faux-populism, and the challenges that lie ahead for authentic left-wing populism.

The conversation opened with Frank reflecting on the Democratic Party’s transformation over the decades. ‘The contradictions of the Democratic Party coalition seem unusually sharp,’ he noted, alluding to how the party has positioned itself as ‘the party of the people’ while prioritizing the needs of the educated elite. ‘They combine self-righteousness and class privilege in a way that Americans find stomach-turning,’ he argued. ‘But every two years, they simply assume that being non-Republican is sufficient to rally the voters.’

Frank’s observations stem from the realization that Democratic leaders, including Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, have increasingly catered to what he terms the ‘learning class’ rather than working-class Americans. He recalled how after every electoral defeat, pundits would advise the party to abandon the New Deal ethos, ultimately leading to the emergence of neoliberalism as the guiding philosophy of modern Democrats. ‘The Democrats talked about it publicly, gave speeches, wrote books… they turned their back on what they used to be,’ he asserted.

The discussion then turned to Trump, whom Frank notes has effectively capitalized on the Democratic Party’s shift. ‘Trump’s victory was partly caused by the failures of the Democratic establishment,’ he said. ‘It’s not a conspiracy, but it reflected a long process of neglect toward traditional working-class voters.’ Frank criticized how Trump resorted to populist rhetoric that resonated deeply as Democrats abandoned that language. ‘When Democrats fail to stand up for ordinary people,’ he argued, ‘someone like Trump will seize that language and use it against them.’

The conversation also explored the way forward for genuine left-wing populism. Frank maintained that it is essential for Democrats to reintegrate working-class issues into their platform if they hope to regain trust. ‘Only a resolute determination by the Democratic Party to rededicate itself to the majoritarian vision of old… can change the course,’ he remarked, advocating for universal healthcare, higher minimum wages, and robust financial regulation as part of this shift.

Moreover, the conversation highlighted the alarming trend of increasing voter disenchantment with the Democratic Party. Frank pointed out a notable change in his own suburban Kansas City neighborhood, which has shifted from a Republican stronghold to a Democratic precinct. ‘It is astonishing, but that’s who the Democrats wanted to be all these years… What power can convince them that this is a mistake?’ he questioned. ‘They are so insulated within their own worldview that interpreting the electoral outcomes as a clear signal of their failures is outside their thinking.’

Frank concluded by lamenting the current political landscape, emphasizing the urgent need for an authentic left-wing movement that prioritizes inclusivity and economic populism over elite interests. With the democratic process under increasing threat from right-wing populism and authoritarianism, he reaffirmed the necessity for a grounded and accessible political discourse that truly represents the people’s needs.