The tension between the progressive left and the populist right comes down to fundamental differences in values, strategy, and trust. While some on the progressive left see the benefits of uniting with right-wing populists on economic or anti-establishment issues, others recognize that the right often brings elements like xenophobia, reactionary social policies, or conspiracy theories that can undermine progressive goals.
The best approach depends on the goals of the movement:
1. Issue-Based Alliances: Rather than full-on unity, progressives could work with populist right groups on specific shared goals, like anti-corporate policies, anti-war efforts, or trade policies, while maintaining clear boundaries on social issues.
2. Strategic Engagement: If reaching out to the populist right, the progressive left must establish strong principles and non-negotiables to prevent their movement from being diluted or co-opted by reactionary elements.
3. Build Independent Power: Instead of relying on alliances with an unreliable right-wing populism, the left could focus on strengthening working-class solidarity, labor movements, and grassroots activism that unites people across political identities on class interests rather than culture war divisions.
4. Discrediting Right-Wing Populismâs Toxic Elements: A key strategy is separating genuine economic grievances from the reactionary framing that right-wing populists often use. This means calling out racism, authoritarianism, and misinformation while addressing the material concerns that drive people toward those movements.
5. Coalition Building with the Unaffiliated: Many people donât fit neatly into the progressive left or populist right. Focusing on persuadable working-class voters, disaffected independents, and those disengaged from politics might be a better strategy than trying to convert an entrenched right-wing base.
Whatâs your takeâdo you think cooperation is possible, or is the risk too great?
Maybe it should be brought up. It would be a good starting point to open eyes to the fact we are fighting the same fight, just attacking the same problems in different ways.
I donât have much confidence in this simply because there is more to all of this than âthe Leftâ and âthe Right,â and their supposed chiseled in stone differences. Some differences can be put aside, others not so much. For example, I am a modern Marxist (in the style of Richard Wolff) while Cenk is a âLittle Capitalistâ (my term for a Capitalist whose business ownership and number of employees is very limited). Since I do not accept the existence of the Emplyer Class at all, this is a big but not insurmountable difference between Cenk and I. I can still respect him an work with him. I could even be friends with him.
But between a person who supports authoritarian fascism and just simply, HATE? No. I donât feel they are trustworthy as compatriots. You are correct to note that class division is more important than âculture warâ divisions. Unfortunately, many on the (far) right really do prefer authoritarian regimentation.
I completely agree with you⊠That said⊠How do you go about spreading your message? Some kind of communication must be had to spread it or dare I say even educate those with other ideologies to see things your way if only to get enough changed minds for a vote to go your way no?
This is such a great post! I can understand why some feel like itâs necessary to reach out to the Right, so to speak; it can come across as counterintuitive when doing so makes them essentially turn their backs on the Left. While that may not be the intention, itâs probably time to listen if everyone keeps telling you the same thing. Donât get me wrong, I think it is essential to stand up for the rights of all people (even the bigots), but I donât want to share a Southern Comfort and Cola with one. Regarding the government and media, the Left needs to get their house in order before relying on the Right to become trusted allies. After watching the beginning part of the main show yesterday, I was disheartened and disappointed. The infighting has to stop! I think the Democrats are doing nothing because they believe Trump and Co. will become so unpopular theyâll win by landslides like last time. This makes it all the more critical for Progressive Media to get over their shit and work together to help get us out of this mess. This is best done slowly at first by getting a handful together (who are not so heated) and growing from there. Unfortunately, I think Cenk and Ana have shown us numerous times that they are not up for this necessary step. Perhaps looking elsewhere to start a Progressive Media Alliance would help get our house in order so we can work with the Right but not have to depend on them.
I remember a TV show called Dallas back in the 80s. I wasnât old enough to watch it, I was born in â81. But I remember watching re-runs and thereâs a scene where Jock Ewing (owner of Ewing Oil) has an argument with his son Bobby, who Jock just made President of Ewing Oil. Bobby calls Jock out for spending company money without Bobbyâs permission. He tells his father that he was given the power to run the company and had to be consulted before any money is spent. This is Jockâs reply:
"SoI gave you power eh? Well let me tell you somethinâ boy if I did give you power youâve got nothinâ! Nobody gives you power. Real power is something you take!"
I donât think weâre going to take power in elections. I think we have to take power by strategically boycotting people and organizations who support the conservatives. Yes I know it will cause unemployment but dammit money is the only power in this world and the sooner we grow up and realize that the better off we are.
This is an example of uniting on issues. The Post, Shapiro? I NEVER thought Iâd see the day⊠Even Adam said he canât believe heâs agreeing with Shapiro!!!
Can economic solidarity between the progressive left and populist right be sustained without addressing the deep ideological divides on social and cultural issues, or do these divisions inevitably undermine any potential alliance?
To what extent should the progressive left engage with right-wing populists on shared economic grievances, and how can they do so without legitimizing or amplifying reactionary narratives and policies?
3 .Is focusing on persuadable independents and disengaged voters a more effective long-term strategy for progressives than attempting issue-based alliances with the populist right, or does that risk missing opportunities for meaningful political gains?
Unless I am very much mistaken (and I donât think that I am) the âpopulist rightâ is being manipulated because of their (understandable) fear of poverty - that they wonât be able to feed their kids, get medical care for their families and so on. At the same time, they see some of the power and gilded âstuffâ that the wealthy own as well as the power of the wealthy classes (as opposed to their own powerlessness) and they want some of that too. Not just the toys and the travel and the good food but also medical care and comfortable homes and empowerment and so forth. All out of their hands.
But they are naive, I think, and in desperation and habit are convinced to blame âothersâ for their problems instead of the Employer Class (and soon to be acknowledged Technocratic Class) whom they should blame. Somehow, (I leave that to you to figure out - but it is kind of obvious) they have been convinced that âopportunityâ is there for those who âmeritâ it and they donât ask who that is. They donât ask, "why, if I am working to produce stuff or support a business, I am not one of those who deserves recompense equal to those who simply loaned funds or âinvestedâ funds but do absolutely nothing else to support the business?
So after all of this (and catching myself before I go off too far on a side-track), I think what we need is to educate - and I mean that as âguide towards understanding rather than memorizationâ - everyone on at least the most basic principles of class discontinuity, injustice, unfairness, non-compassion, that is Capitalism and the ineffective incompleteness of the standard ideal of Capitalist meritocracy. Only without the words âCapitalistâ or âSocialistâ or âCommunistâ as all of these are not at all understood even by those educated in those fields which usually employ those words.
Your analysis of the manipulation of the populist right due to economic fear and systemic inequality is insightful and in my opinion spot on. Fear of poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and powerlessness are indeed powerful motivators, and when misdirected, they can be exploited by those in power to maintain the status quo. Especially in âred statesâ where the majority of public assistance go. The way in which people have been convinced to blame âothersâ instead of the employer, investor class and the mismanagement of our taxes by government is a deliberate strategyâone that has been used throughout history to divide and control to distract.
The challenge of educating people on these issues, especially in a political climate where those in power seek to undermine public education, is a serious one. If traditional educational institutions are being dismantled or co-opted, alternative methods must step in. Here are some approaches:
1. Grassroots Community Education â Hosting local discussion groups, book clubs, and public forums where people can engage with these ideas in an accessible, relatable way.
2. Online Platforms & Social Media â Utilizing blogs, videos, podcasts, and social media campaigns to reach a wider audience. Platforms like Substack, YouTube, and TikTok can be effective in breaking down complex economic concepts in a way that resonates with everyday people.
3. Mutual Aid Networks & Worker Co-ops â I highly believe education happens through life experience. Encouraging participation in mutual aid projects and cooperative businesses helps people see firsthand how alternative economic models work.
4. Labor Organizing & Unions â Connecting with unions and labor movements can be a powerful way to introduce these ideas to workers directly affected by economic injustice.
5. Cultural and Artistic Expression â As you mentioned, using art, storytelling, and media to illustrate these ideas can make them more accessible and emotionally compelling.
6. Direct Political Engagement â While systemic change is slow, supporting policies that strengthen education, workersâ rights, and economic justice is essential. Educating people about local politics and encouraging community involvement can have long-term impacts. I hear the bombardment of calls to DC has had a huge impact so maybe more of that?
Itâs important that these conversations avoid jargon that alienates people. Instead of abstract ideological terms like as you said focusing on lived experiences, fairness, and tangible examples can make these ideas more accessible.
Are there any specific areas where youâd focus your efforts more?
Sure! Patricia C Vener-Saavedra | Substack is me. Iâm still figuring it out. For instance what I can do via phone vs browser window. Chat vs Notes vs Posts vs something like a magazine which I did make and now canât figure out where it is on the dashboard⊠LOL
