Working Class Voters One Year Later: Was It Economic Policy Or the Culture War?

Shifting Terrain had its finger on the pulse of working class voters in 2024, but a lot of people were shocked by the outcome of the presidential election. A lot of analysis has gone into what exactly moved millions of voters to the right. Was it proposed economic policies or emphasis on the culture wars?

Instead of clear answers, even more questions emerged: Will the Democrats forever have a toxic brand? Can the Republicans keep up their glaring contradictions? Is there a trustworthy politician who actually cares about working class people?

Our guests have a definitive take on what went down. And what this means for the future of politics.

Jared Abbott, Director of the Center for Working-Class Politics, has extensive data about working class voters in the Rust Belt, with both insight into the motivation behind their votes and clear directives for future candidates. Professor René Rojas’ co-authored paper “The Latino Rebuke” challenges the typical story about Latino working class voters' surprising right-ward trajectory, and why this move is distinct from their white neighbors. And we’ll also hear from Drew, a union electrician from Ohio, whose co-workers have gotten quiet since Trump was elected. 

Jared Abbott: Center for Working-Class Politics

René Rojas: The Latino Rebuke