By Quardricos Driskell, Columnist
In the wake of the 2024 presidential election results, which mark the beginning of another Donald Trump presidency, the Democratic Party and, more specifically, a loyal demographic of the party – Black America and other racialized communities stand at a critical crossroads. The return of Trump to the White House is poised to bring policy shifts that could reverse progress on issues central to the Democratic platform—civil rights, healthcare access, economic equity, and social justice. Black America, which has historically been at the forefront of these struggles, must now brace for potential rollbacks in voting rights protections, criminal justice reform, and other social safety nets. Trump’s decisive victories across seven swing states compel Democrats to confront a pressing question: How can the party regain the trust of working-class and Latino voters who have increasingly turned away?
The Democratic Brand Problem
For the Democratic Party, this is a pivotal moment—one that demands deep introspection and a comprehensive reevaluation of its strategy. The party must avoid a shift to the center-right, which would effectively transform it into a replica of the Republican Party of the 1990s and early 2000s. Instead, Democrats must refocus on issues that tangibly impact the lives of everyday Americans. The path forward lies in building a multiracial, multiclass coalition transcending the tired conservative-versus-progressive binary. This coalition should center on a diverse electorate’s shared struggles and aspirations, recognizing that economic justice, racial equity, and social progress are interconnected goals.
Yes, many factors contributed to Vice President Harris’s loss. However, as Rev. William Barber has demonstrated in North Carolina, progress is possible when leaders refuse to frame racism and sexism as issues affecting only Black Americans. Barber has consistently highlighted how these injustices have also been weaponized throughout U.S. history to undermine the economic interests of working-class White Americans. As a driving force behind the transformative “Moral Mondays” movement, he played a pivotal role in galvanizing a racially diverse coalition that reshaped North Carolina’s political landscape. This grassroots effort not only unseated a Republican governor but also established North Carolina as a critical swing state. While Harris fell short in North Carolina, Democrats achieved significant victories, reclaiming the governor’s mansion and the attorney general’s office. Additionally, the GOP now faces the likely loss of its veto-proof majority in the state legislature, signaling a seismic shift in the state’s balance of power. This approach nationally can potentially unite communities across racial and class divides, galvanizing a movement rooted in shared humanity and collective progress. The Democratic Party’s success hinges on its ability to articulate and act on this visionthat speaks to all Americans’ hearts and lives.
The tension between macroeconomic and microeconomic priorities exposes a significant blind spot in Democratic messaging. Macroeconomic goals—such as economic growth, market stability, and job creation—tend to dominate the narrative, often framed around the needs of the “middle class.” Meanwhile, microeconomic issues—impacting the immediate, daily realities of individuals and families, like poverty and low wages—are frequently overlooked, neglecting to directly address the microeconomic realities faced by millions living in poverty. This reluctance to explicitly address poverty perpetuates its invisibility in the national dialogue. For the Democratic Party to champion equity and inclusion, it must prioritize the everyday struggles of those most in need. Ignoring these realities is not just a political misstep—it’s a moral failure.
Voter Apathy and the Democratic Disconnect
The average person gets turned off by politics (from both parties) because they think politics is a game for the rich and that most things will change. According to one study, 30 million poor and low-wage workers refrained from voting, citing that no one addressed their concerns or spoke to their realities. This silence was further echoed in the 2024 presidential and vice-presidential debates, where no single candidate was questioned about policies directly tackling the issues of poverty and low wages that claim lives daily. Questions about raising the minimum wage—stagnant for 15 years—remained conspicuously absent, highlighting a critical gap in the national dialogue about economic justice. Interestingly, this pattern of voter disengagement mirrors global trends, where governing parties in urban areas saw significant turnout drops, highlighting a growing sense of political disillusionment.
Strategic Actions for the Next Four Years
- Policy Defense, Accountability, and Advocacy: Black political leaders, grassroots organizations, and community advocates must unite to protect the hard-won progress in healthcare, affordable housing, and education. This involves forging stronger alliances with civil rights groups and partnering with lawmakers who can serve as a crucial shield against regressive policies. More importantly, it requires holding state and federal politics accountable to ensure these critical issues remain a priority.
- Economic Empowerment: Tackling systemic economic disparities is essential for the long-term well-being of Black communities. Prioritizing the development of sustainable economic frameworks—such as supporting Black-owned businesses, implementing workforce training programs, and fostering cooperative economic models—can empower communities to thrive. These strategies build financial resilience and serve as a buffer against potential economic challenges or policy shifts that may arise under a Trump administration.
- Strengthening Coalitions: Unity within the Democratic Party and across diverse groups is critical. Black America’s challenges intersect with those faced by Latino, Asian American, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities. Using Rev. Barber’s grassroots organizing model, forging strong coalitions can amplify collective voices and build a powerful, united resistance.
Implications for Future Generations
The next four years will shape the opportunities and challenges faced by future generations. Climate change, technological innovation, and global economic competition will demand prepared, forward-thinking leaders. The Democratic Party must resist Trump-era policies and lay the groundwork for a transformative vision that resonates with all Americans. While Trump’s return to the presidency is undoubtedly daunting, it is not insurmountable. Black America’s resilience, forged through generations of struggle, is a testament to its enduring strength. By doubling down on strategic action, fostering unity, and empowering future leaders, the Democratic Party and Black communities can weather the coming storm and build a more equitable and just future for all. The path forward demands courage, vision, and determination. The stakes could not be higher, nor could the potential for transformative changes.
Professor Quardricos Bernard Driskell is a federal healthcare lobbyist and an adjunct professor of legislative politics, where he teaches race, religion, and politics at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Follow him on Twitter @q_driskell4
I don’t know what the solution is at this point. I think things have to get really bad during the next four years before some people wake up and decide that the direction that we’re going in does not benefit them. These are the people who did not vote, are clueless or remain apathetic. Many of them are black. I do know that trouble does not last always. The fight for change remains at the local governmental level in the interim. This is the time for the church to remain on the forefront with other rights organizations to seek improvements and continue to spread the word of the gospel.