Republicans are the ones playing identity politics

And they have for a long time. Since 1968, Republicans have strategically employed identity politics, yet they’ve managed to convince many voters, the mainstream media, and even some Democrats that it’s actually the Democrats engaging in this tactic. This approach began with the Southern Strategy, evolved through movements like the Moral Majority and Tea Party, and has culminated in MAGA. Over the past 50+ years, their core strategy has been to appeal to a predominantly white voter base, packaging messages of “whiteness” under themes like values, patriotism, and tradition.

Since 1968, white Americans have made up about 70% of the voting electorate, with roughly 70% of them voting Republican. This means nearly 50% of the electorate aligns with the GOP, providing a substantial foundation. This demographic advantage also grants Republicans disproportionate power within the political system. For example, states with smaller populations but with a significant white majority, like Idaho, the Dakotas, and Wyoming, have two senators each, enabling Republicans to maintain influence by catering to this white majority. Through gerrymandering and control of state legislatures, especially in purple states like Wisconsin and Michigan, they further entrench their power.

In the 1970s and 1980s, their rhetoric relied on subtle dog whistles. By the 1990s, it became more overt, and by the 2000s, especially following the election of a Black president, their messaging was increasingly blatant. Over time, Republicans have doubled down on this strategy, anchoring their power in racial identity politics while deflecting criticism by accusing Democrats of doing it. While Democrats may occasionally control the presidency or Congress, the GOP’s calculated appeal to whiteness ensures their base remains steadfast and their influence persists. That is how we end up with someone like Trump.

Identity politics

Why is it that Democrats are often accused of playing identity politics, but I rarely hear them actually discussing those issues. Instead it’s the media and Republicans who bring up topics like transgender, DEI, or “wokeness”? Yet somehow, Democrats are labeled as the ones pushing identity politics.

But they aren't garbage?

The fake outrage about Biden's garbage comments

The Harris campaign needs to do a montage of all the times Trump made negative comments about Democractic voters.

Real Clear Politics

I’ve noticed that RCP seems slow to post (or wont post at all) polls that show Harris in a favorable light, but they’re quick to put up anything that favors Trump, even if the poll is from a less reputable source. For instance, I don’t see those CNN polls from today on their site, but plenty of obscure polls are up there. It feels like they’re shaping a narrative with their aggregate.

The SCOTUS Virginia decision is actually helpful for Democrats

Here me out. Virginia is supposedly a safe Harris state but polls are closer there than expected. The decision feels like it will draw fresh attention to the Supreme Court and highlighting concerns around its integrity. It could energize Virginia’s Democratic base, a state often considered safe but where there seems like there is some voter apathy. This decision may spur Democrats to the polls, reducing the chances of an unexpected win for Trump.

Biden calling trump supporters garbage

So, Republicans can throw all kinds of vile and offensive names at Democrats and liberals, but the moment a Democrat says anything about Republicans, it turns into a whole lot of pearl-clutching.

Is Trump going to Blue States to win the popular vote?

Wonder if he thinks he has the electoral college in the bag and wants to win the popular vote, so that is why he is going to solidly blue states to cut down the margins.

Georgia polling

RCP average had the Republican winning in the last two big elections there and we know how that turned out.

https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/senate/general/2022/georgia/walker-vs-warnock

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/president/Georgia.html

Polls

Why does it seem like polls showing Trump in the lead get more media attention than those showing Harris ahead? And even when Harris is leading, the coverage always includes a "she's ahead, but..." kind of disclaimer.