In fact, Democratic support has eroded among not just white working-class voters but working-class voters of all races.
"It turns out that Biden's policies and major legislative accomplishments are far more popular with progressive activists and college-educated cosmopolitans than with working-class voters," writes Marshall, founder and president of the Progressive Policy Institute.
"Democrats have been pitching their political message to the wrong audience — in effect, preaching mainly to the choir — and need to adjust their aim."
So, what do working-class voters want?
Stronger unions aren't a priority for them, no matter what Biden and other Democrats say. And "college loan forgiveness — misfires badly with these voters, even though many of them report some college," Marshall writes.
Polls show "Working-class voters trust Republicans more to manage a growing economy, promote entrepreneurship, keep the debt and deficits under control and handle crime, immigration and national security. The GOP also has the edge on some important cultural or values dimensions: protecting personal freedom, strengthening private enterprise and respecting hard work and individual initiative."
Democrats need these voters, argues Marshall.
"Since 2016, Democrats have been assiduously wooing young activists and college-educated professionals. The result is a smaller, more left-leaning coalition. To prevail against Trump and right-wing populism, they're going to need a bigger party."
Read the op-ed at TheHill.com.
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