Progressive populism is about putting people over profit and breaking the stranglehold of corporate elites on our democracy. It’s not about left vs. right—it’s about the many vs. the few. We fight for higher wages, housing justice, and real democracy, not performative politics. We reject division and build coalitions across race and class because the system is rigged against all of us. The establishment wants us fighting each other. We say: fight them instead.
I get why some progressives are uneasy about populism—too often, it’s been hijacked to punch down instead of up. But real progressive populism isn’t about vague anger or scapegoating. It’s about taking power from corporate elites, landlords, and war profiteers and giving it back to the people. That means fighting for economic justice and social equity, rejecting division, and building a movement that serves all of us—not just the ones the establishment finds convenient.
What About Right-Wing Populists?
Strategic alignment with right-wing populists is not about compromising on justice—it’s about forcing real change at the top. If they’re serious about fighting corporate greed, endless wars, and rigged systems, we can work together on shared goals. But let’s be clear: there is no alignment with racism, nationalism, or scapegoating.
- The fight must be bottom vs. top, not left vs. right.
- If they defend billionaires while claiming to be anti-elite, call it out.
- If they demand solidarity on economic issues but refuse to fight for marginalized communities, they aren’t serious about justice.
- If they reject social justice while claiming to fight for economic justice, they aren’t actually challenging the system—just shifting who gets exploited.
Progressives shouldn’t fear tactical collaboration on economic justice, as long as we hold firm on our values. We don’t compromise on human rights, we don’t excuse bigotry, and we don’t trade justice for short-term wins.
How do we hold our own populist movements accountable?
A progressive populist movement must build in safeguards against the pitfalls of power-hoarding, charismatic leaders without accountability, opaque decision-making, and ideological purity tests.
How do we message to right-wing populists without validating reactionary elements?
Emphasizing economic populism, anti-corruption, and anti-war positions can be effective, but the movement must make it clear that social justice is not an optional add-on, but fundamental to dismantling elite control.
Populism can be powerful, but it’s only worth building if it’s rooted in justice—not just anger. The question is: will we build it the right way?