The current political landscape is defined by the diploma divide, where individuals with a four-year college degree lean towards liberal ideologies and Democratic voting patterns, while those without a degree tend to support conservative views and the Republican party. This divide is seen as a more straightforward way to analyze political shifts compared to traditional concepts like social class. However, solely focusing on education overlooks the complex interplay between work, economic interests, and ideology inherent in discussions of social class.

The emphasis on winning the college-educated vote has been a cornerstone of the Democratic party’s strategy for decades, with efforts to increase college attendance leading to unintended consequences such as a saturated labor market for degree holders and widening economic disparities between degree-holders and non-degree holders. This approach has also alienated working-class voters who feel neglected by the party’s focus on educated elites.

Moreover, the Democratic party’s failure to address the concerns of the broader working class, including both white and minority voters, has led to growing disaffection among these groups. As the wage premium for college-educated workers diminishes, the party’s reliance on an educated base may prove unsustainable in the long run.

To regain support and effectively address the needs of the working class, progressives must develop a comprehensive program that acknowledges and responds to class grievances directly. By shifting focus from education to broader economic issues, Democrats can work towards rebuilding a diverse and inclusive electoral coalition that reflects the interests of all Americans, regardless of educational background.