Now that the 2024 election is over, it’s time for Democrats let’s get past our feelings and face the truth about why Donald Trump won. We often get in our own way, paralyzed by emotional hypersensitivity and an obsession with political correctness, making it impossible to take bold, decisive action. We usually have too many cooks in the kitchen trying to boil the contents of too many pots with one flame.

We need to stop overthinking and start making plans for actionable actions. While many voters clearly found comfort in Trump’s unwavering resolve, too many Democrats prefer to circle the wagons, mired in endless debates and focus groups. This is not just an observation; it’s a rallying cry for a generation that has grown too comfortable in its privilege.

For decades, the upper middle class elite a Democratic Party it has cultivated a mindset that devalues ​​hard work and practical skill. Those who have made their way in life without advanced degrees feel marginalized and disrespected. Many of us can’t even afford to live in “blue” cities, counties, or states because they are reserved for more distinguished Democrats who serve ideals of fairness but don’t really know what it’s like to live a life. life of insecurity or struggle. If the party hopes to regain the trust and support of the average American, we will have to face these uncomfortable realities and produce leaders who embody power, relationship, and action. The time for talking is over; it’s time to get out of the ivory tower and dig deep to find solid ground.

Americans have always been drawn to leaders who display strength and unwavering determination. But lately, the Democrats have found us caught in a web of analysis and introspection. while Kamala Harris and Tim Walz were certainly qualified for the job, their refusal to openly stand up to a bully sent a strong message to Americans: I’m either too afraid or too good to fight back.

Like it or not, taking the high road and avoiding conflict is sometimes not the best course of action. When you’re up against a bully like Trump, you never throw the first punch, but you make damn sure you throw the last punch – at least, that’s how some of us were raised. Why didn’t Harris call him? If Trump was so “manly” as to make remarks when he was out of range, why not tell him to be a “real man” and tell him all to his face in a second debate? Most bullies don’t really have guts, they just have a captive audience.

As long as Democrats remain caught up in their emotional and intellectual debates, we lose touch with the voters who now yearn for security. We need someone who takes on the burden of doing what needs to be done in the moment, instead of hypothesizing top strategies to accomplish something at another time. Our leaders must recognize that the ability to engage in meaningful action is as important as intellectual prowess. We need to step up, face our fears and show the courage to take decisive action when it matters most.

A particularly significant barrier to Democratic success is the pervasive elitism that alienates working-class Americans. Upper-middle-class professionals, especially those with advanced degrees, have created a culture that prioritizes academic credentials over practical experience. This hierarchy perpetuates the false notion that professionals with a degree are inherently superior, while those without formal education can be dismissed as “poor,” dispensable, or less valuable. Many individuals without degrees possess rich life experiences and practical knowledge, but are often spoken to as if they lack understanding simply because they do not have the right vocabulary, academic training, or pedigree. This condescension does not go unnoticed.

Working class voters are tired of being treated as if they are ill-educated or uninformed. Many just choose a different career or a different lifestyle. They are usually aware of the happenings in the world. They simply do not choose to spend their days puffing out their chests and pretending that their philosophies are the only possible path to economic salvation. too much time DNC addressed an elite audience. We have often alienated those outside the upper middle class bubble, contributing to a widening chasm between the social classes.

The reality is that voters are looking for leaders who embody their experiences and understand their struggles. We want to feel seen and validated, not dismissed as out of touch or uninformed. It’s no secret that Trump has failed in several businesses. He is also known to not be the most eloquent of speakers. But his image of the everyday “fighting man” who at least tries, fails and tries again is one Americans have come to depend on to sustain themselves in a world that often tells us to give up and accept defeat. When Democratic leaders fail to connect on a personal level, they inadvertently reinforce the stereotype that they are elitists who cannot relate to the everyday challenges of the average American. By connecting the classrooms, we can bridge the gap between elite discourse and the lived realities of the people they seek to serve.

Democrats are at a critical crossroads. We must rapidly transform both our leadership style and our approach to connecting with the American public. If we want to shake off our image as aloof elitists, we will have to prove that we are up to the challenge. We will have to do some hard things and make some hard decisions. We will have to do more than talk about the fight ahead.

We’re going to have to stop treating access to health care, affordable housing, and taxing the rich as mere theories or political talking points and start rolling out district-by-district, state-by-state plans until they become federal policy. We will have to confront elitist tendencies and recognize the intrinsic value of all professions and the rich experiences of those without formal degrees. And we will have to show what we are made of as the strong, trustworthy and authentic leaders that voters crave.

I think we can still rebuild trust with the Americans. I believe we can still strengthen our commitment to represent the needs and values ​​of all citizens. We just need to get out of our emotional, hypersensitive, politically correct ways and focus on the work of changing our public image. If we are not too afraid, too good or just too late.

Tera Johnson-Swartz is an award-winning writer from suburban Denver whose work bridges academic knowledge and real-world experience with an emphasis on cultural awareness, leadership, and social justice.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer.