In the aftermath of the 2025 election, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture. With political divisions deepening, the party should reconsider using an approach similar to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders in order to engage with voters across America in rural areas.
Sanders, with his decades-long commitment to direct outreach through town halls and listening sessions and unwavering advocacy for working-class communities, offers an essential roadmap for Democrats striving to reconnect with voters they've overlooked for too long.
Sanders’ strategy has always hinged on authenticity and consistency, traits that resonate across political boundaries. Unlike many politicians who adapt their positions according to the shifting sands of public opinion or donor interests, Sanders has maintained a steadfast commitment to principles that directly speak to working-class anxieties: economic fairness, universal health care and educational opportunity. His refusal to compromise on these values — even in the face of considerable political opposition — has earned him respect among voters who might otherwise reject traditional Democratic candidates.
The Democratic Party’s failure to consistently engage rural, working-class and historically conservative areas has contributed to a political vacuum eagerly exploited by populist figures like Donald Trump. This neglect isn't merely an oversight, it’s a fundamental strategic mistake. By assuming these regions are unwinnable and thus ignoring their unique economic struggles and cultural concerns, Democrats have inadvertently strengthened their political opponents, who actively court these disaffected voters with rhetoric that acknowledges their frustrations — even if their policy prescriptions remain hollow or misleading.
Sanders has consistently demonstrated a different approach. Throughout his career, Sanders has traveled through traditionally Republican strongholds, hosting town halls and listening sessions where he confronts challenging questions head-on. Rather than retreating to comfortable urban centers or affluent suburbs, Sanders deliberately engages with communities skeptical of Democratic policies.
His genuine willingness to hear grievances, discuss solutions candidly and present a vision that includes — not excludes — these voters sets him apart. It’s precisely this direct, sincere engagement that builds trust and credibility, even among voters who might never have considered themselves aligned with Sanders’ broader political views.
To regain political momentum post-2025, Democrats must embrace Sanders’s method of active, genuine engagement rather than retreating further into ideological echo chambers. They must not only acknowledge but also seriously address the economic anxieties and frustrations that drive voters away from traditional party politics. For instance, Democrats’ neglect of key Midwestern states in recent elections – particularly their failure to purposefully engage with working-class voters — has consistently proven costly. In places like Saginaw, Michigan, Democrats missed the mark by focusing predominantly on issues like abortion rights, which voters felt had already been addressed at the state level. Local Democratic leaders noted that voters were primarily concerned with basic economic struggles, such as rising grocery costs and financial insecurity.
Policies championed by Sanders — such as Medicare for All, a livable minimum wage, affordable housing and aggressive economic policies aimed at reducing inequality — will provide meaningful pathways for Democrats to demonstrate their commitment to working-class prosperity.
However, the party’s outreach must go beyond policy proposals. Sanders’ appeal lies equally in his authenticity. Democrats must communicate clearly, without condescension and engage respectfully with voters who have legitimate grievances about the economic system and feel forgotten by political elites. Sanders’s consistent message that working-class struggles transcend partisan divides and deserve genuine attention offers a vital lesson.
Critics argue that Sanders’ progressive stances alienate centrist voters and could never resonate deeply in conservative-leaning communities. Yet this critique misunderstands Sanders’ true appeal. His strength lies less in ideological purity and more in the transparent conviction with which he delivers his message. Sanders’ proven ability to attract voters who fundamentally disagree with him on certain issues underscores the potential power of straightforward, uncompromising advocacy grounded in sincerity and respect.
In addition, adopting Sanders’ approach represents a critical defense against authoritarian populism. Trump's brand of politics thrives in environments where voters feel disregarded by mainstream parties and institutions. By refusing to engage meaningfully with rural and conservative voters during campaigning, Democrats inadvertently contribute to the disillusionment that populists exploit. Sanders’ method, grounded in proactive outreach, sincere conversation and practical policy solutions, provides a blueprint for breaking this cycle.
Ultimately, the Democratic Party stands at a crossroads, facing a future shaped by its willingness, or unwillingness, to learn from Sanders. A serious commitment to engaging voters in red states and rural areas, supported by genuine advocacy for working-class concerns, could significantly alter the party’s trajectory, making it more competitive and resonant with voters nationwide. By embracing this strategy, Democrats won't merely improve their electoral prospects — they'll revitalize democracy itself, fostering political participation among millions who currently feel ignored and disenfranchised. Following Sanders’ example of courageous, sincere engagement is not just strategically wise. It is an ethical imperative.
Owen Puckett is an Opinion Editor and a member of the Editorial Board. He is a senior studying political science. Do you agree Bernie Sanders is able to restore connections with voters? Send all comments to opinion@dailycardinal.com
