Could Identity Politics Help Democrats Engage Men?, A DebateCould Identity Politics Help Democrats Engage Men?, A Debate

After losing the presidential election and both houses of Congress in November 2024, the Democratic Party is engaging in self-reflection, with some suggesting that the party failed to focus sufficiently on one key demographic group: men. Should Democrats lean into identity politics in future elections to help attract more male voters? Supporters of this strategy argue that finding better ways to reach men and elevating the discussion with economic and social policies, such as protecting working-class jobs, would resonate with them and could help Democrats connect with a large demographic group that feels left behind. Opponents of this strategy argue that focusing on gender or other group characteristics is always a bad idea, dividing voters instead of uniting them, and that Democrats should instead focus on universal principles and policies that address the broader electorate. Could identity politics help Democrats engage men?