This is a very interesting podcast on the Democrats' effort (SAM) to win back young men, with some good analysis. The Intercept produced this podcast featuring David Sirota, Jessica Washington, and Ilyse Hogue:
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David Sirota makes the point that Democrats should be identifying and speaking out against the real villains in society, villains who hijack our economy to work for themselves, instead of working for everyone. Think of the tech billionaires and their expanding empires, the hedge funds and giant builders who control the housing market, and the for-profit healthcare and insurance monopolies.
In the 2024 November election, young men moved from Democrats to Republicans across all demographics. The podcast addresses the $20 million SAM (Speaking with American Men) project. Please listen all the way through to the end, to hear a clear explanation of what that project entails.
Can we stop the trend of young men leaving the Democrats?
The research so far, from Ilyse Hogue with the SAM project, and from Harvard’s John Della Volpe, Director of Polling at the Kennedy School Institute of Politics, shows that a lack of economic opportunity is an underlying issue. Young men feel alienated and are struggling with their roles. But that is partly rooted in a lack of economic opportunities that prior generations had. It’s hard to envision a path in life when things seem out of reach. And young men want to know who to blame for their situation.
Can Democrats regain the image and spirit of FDR who called out the bankers and monopolists and fought for working people and unions? While at the same time fighting for our democracy and civil rights?
Can we be seen as the party of opportunity for all, again? Including young men? The answer is yes ... if we have policies to really create a fair economy and can effectively communicate with young men.
