Introduction
Numerous
changes have taken place in the politics of the United States since the
beginning of the 21st century. These changes have come about because
of the manner through which political leaders have handled a diversity of
situations. The first significant change of the century was seen through the
way that moderate Democrats were essentially sidelined by the decisions that
were made by President George W. Bush in his invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq
during his war on terror.[1]
While many moderate Democrats voted for the wars, the consequences of these
conflicts was that there was a radical shift to the left within the Democratic
Party. This is especially the case when one considers that the support that
these individuals provided the Bush administration in a diversity of matters,
including the war on terror, had backfired spectacularly and instead, there was
a sense of war-weariness within the American public.[2]
This situation can be considered the beginning of the American electorate
shifting to the left, and would eventually result in the election of President
Barack Obama. The significance of this shift to the left is that there has been
an increase in demands from the electorate for the government to get more
involved in not only the securing of the welfare of individuals, but also in
the regulation of corporate entities, as well as an increase in taxes on the
rich. The American electorate is moving to the left, and it is only a matter of
time before the Democratic Party becomes dominant based on its policies on such
issues as taxes, as well as the demographic changes that will likely increase the
African American and Latino vote in its favor.
American Political Shift to the Left
Shifts
taking place in the demographic makeup of the United States have become one of
the main predictors of the United States’ shifting to the left.[3]
The increase in the population of minorities in society has the potential of
creating an environment where the dominance of the white community over the
politics and social aspects of society is brought to an end; being replaced by
a social hierarchy where the minority not only becomes dominant, but also
shifts to the left. This is especially the case when one considers the a
majority of minority groups have, since the 1930s, supported the Democratic
Party, and the party leaning to the left based on a diversity of social issues
that affect minority communities, could guarantee their continued support.[4]
The past two decades have seen a considerable growth in the minority
population, with the result being that by 2012, for the first time in American history,
the number of minority births surpassed that of white births.[5]
The partisan polarization of American politics has come about mainly because of
the integration of more liberal ideas into society to such an extent that an
expanded role of government has become the norm. Thus, individuals in society
have increasingly come to look at issues based on the positions of the
leadership of the parties that they support. Furthermore, the values and
beliefs of American people, even the most conservative, are shifting to the
left, as seen through the widespread support for government interventions in
such issues as welfare and in recent cases, the support that has been given to
the stimulus checks as a means of enabling the population to sustain itself
during the covid-19 pandemic.
The
beginning of the American shift to the left started with the election of
President Obama in 2008.[6]
This came about mainly because of the disappointment of the population with
their economic prospects as well as the considerable failures of the government
establishment at that time. A consequence was that a coalition of
college-educated voters, young people, and minorities ended up working hand in
hand towards the election of Obama and the defeat of firstly, John McCain, and
later, Mitt Romney. The elections of 2008 and 2012 essentially saw the greatest
voter turnout ever, prior to the 2020 elections, which was significant because
it showed a genuine interest within the population for effective change within
their society.[7] The
get out the vote campaign that was promoted by the Obama campaign ensured that
there was a scenario within which more people than ever before at the time were
encouraged to vote. Furthermore, it ensured that there was the promotion of a
scenario where the various groups in society that felt disenfranchised by the
conservative establishment were able to make their voices heard through their
vote. This saw a sharp move towards the left as there was a feeling of the need
for there to be effective changes to government policies that rather than
focusing on international affairs, would focus more on domestic ones that
allowed individuals to have better lives than ever before. Moreover, some of
the policy proposals that Obama promoted were in line with those of society, as
seen through the positive response that was given to his proposal for a
universal healthcare program. The high costs of healthcare had created an
environment within which access to it had significantly reduced within the
population, with a large number of individuals not having insurance or ending
up in a lot of debt as they struggled to pay their healthcare bills.
However,
it is noteworthy to consider that affluent societies such as the United States
tend to shift to the left, especially when it comes to cultural issues. While
many observers in the modern world are of the belief that the United States is
in a culture war with neither the liberals nor the conservatives gaining the
upper hand, it is pertinent to note that society has actually been moving to
the left over the last fifty years.[8]
This is especially the case when one considers that the country has moved more
towards the promotion of personal freedom, as seen through the way that the
conception of such issues as gender roles, sexual orientation, family, gender
presentation, and drugs, among others, have changed significantly. Thus, both
Democrats and Republicans have moved to the left on numerous issues, including
abortion, where public opinion continues to move to the left as more
individuals in society have come to have access to medical abortions that ever
before. Even in those states that have remained conservative concerning
abortions, there is an increase in the number of challenges against their
stances, as seen through the way that there is easier access to abortion pills
such as misoprostol and mifepristone. The easier access to these pills by women
who desire to have an abortion has ensured that the restrictions on surgical
abortions in conservative states are offset and instead, women can do as they
wish with their bodies. This shows a shift towards the left as numerous
individuals in society resist the more conservative laws in place and instead
advocate for more individual freedoms.
The
turn of the American public, as well as the Democratic Party, towards the left,
is based on the triumph of liberalism. Previously, the Democratic Party was dominated
by politicians who were essentially centrists, such as southerners like Al Gore
from Tennessee, who backed the defense buildup of President Reagan, as well as
Senator Sam Nunn from Georgia, who was among those who stymied the attempts by
President Clinton to allow gays to join the military.[9]
Moreover, the leadership of the Democratic Party in the late 20th
century and the early 21st century relied on such institutions and
influential magazines such as the Democratic Leadership Council, The New Republic, and the Washington Monthly, as a means of determining
their policy positions such as the proposal for means-testing Social Security,
their attack on affirmative action, and their opposition towards raising the
minimum wage.[10]
The significance of these actions shows the manner through which the Democrats
in the beginning of the 21st century were more willing to uphold
some of the most conservative values of society. It provides an insight into
the way that there was a determination among its leadership to ensure that
there was the promotion of a centrist policy aimed at seeking to advance the
interests of the party while at the same time retaining their conservative
constituency. Therefore, it was considered essential to ensure that there was
the promotion of a policy that maintained the status quo rather than seeking to
change it.
The
Democratic Party in the late 20th century was more akin to the
Republican Party in the 21st century. This is especially considering
that most centrist Democrats believed that despite the faults of Reagan, he was
actually right about a number of issues. Among these was the idea that the
Soviet Union was evil and therefore had to be combated at all costs.
Furthermore, there was the belief that excessive government regulation had
worked against economic growth. This was in addition to the belief that that
the justice system was too lenient on crime and therefore hand to get tough on
it. The significance of this scenario can be seen in the manner through which the
Democratic Party has changed in the contemporary world because it has shifted
significantly to the left. The leadership of the party, despite attempts at
making sure that they maintained their centrist credentials, has ended up
having to embrace the shifting perceptions of Americans, as they have turned to
the left. In this way, as the society has become more liberal and turned to the
left, the Democratic establishment has also been forced to change strategy and
embrace the change that society is experiencing. Thus, despite the attempts by
the second Bush administration towards pushing the country in a more
conservative direction, the attempt seems to have backfired because society was
ready to experience the changes that were considered too liberal in the late
1990s, including the acceptance of gay marriage and abortions. In this way, the
American turn to the left has affected party politics in the country because
not only the Democratic leadership, but also the Republican leadership, have
also followed suit and moved to the left.
Tax Increases in the Future
The
shift to the left by the American electorate has the potential of leading to an
increase in government expenditure. This is because of the considerable demands
that the public will have on government, especially when considering welfare
programs.[11]
As the wealth gap increases in society, there is the potential of a scenario
developing where there will be the need to ensure that there is the promotion
of more welfare programs aimed at securing the poorer members of society
against economic hardships. There is the potential of the non-interest spending
of the federal government increasing by a significant percentage by 2050, which
is important because it shows the manner through which there will be the need
to facilitate social programs. A system of entitlement will have become the
norm because there will be the promotion of a system in society where there is
greater equality for all individuals within it. In this way, there will be
efforts aimed at promoting greater efficiency in bringing about a more
sustainable welfare system that allows for the poorer members of society to
benefit considerably from the generosity of the government. However, there is
also the potential of fiscal imbalances developing, which could end up creating
an environment within which it is extremely difficult for the government to
service its debt while at the same time maintaining its welfare programs
without an increase in taxes. Therefore, in order to ensure that the benefits
promised by the left are fulfilled, there will be the need to ensure that there
is an expansion of revenue streams; meaning that taxes will have to be
increased significantly to allow for the attainment of revenues needed to be
used within the entitlement system.
Taxes
are going to be higher in future as a means of funding government. There is the
need to consider that the government will need more tax revenues because of the
growth in its expenditures in social programs.[12]
This has the potential of increasing government debt significantly to such an
extent that it will eventually be extremely difficult for it to function
without an increase in taxes in order to pay for the growing interest on its
debts. Thus, there will be a borrowing at record levels as the government of
the United States seeks additional financial streams to ensure that it not only
maintains a strong social welfare system, but also allows it to prevent a
popular revolt against it. The electorate’s leaning to the left is therefore a
significant process because it has the potential of changing the taxation
system of the country through the increase in taxes at all levels of society.
All individuals will be forced to pay some form of tax as a means of allowing
the government to retain its liquidity while also providing the services that
have become an essential aspect of society. Furthermore, it is likely that such
programs as universal healthcare will have become the norm and because of this,
there will be the need for revenue streams to be available to fund it. Thus,
there will be the need for the government to ensure that it balances its
finances in such a way that allows for the maintenance of the status quo, which
means that an increase in taxes will not only be inevitable, but society in
general will have come to embrace the process as a normal and necessary aspect
of their lives.
Additionally,
the record debts that the government will have because of the electorate’s move
to the left will be seen as normal.[13]
In fact, there is the potential that it will be defended not only by
government, but also by Americans in general as a price worth paying in order
to ensure that greater economic costs are prevented. Instead, it will be seen
as a necessity when it comes to ensure that there is the prevention of
unemployment. Moreover, the government could potentially become more directly involved
in the economy through the implementation of regulations aimed at serving the
interests of the people while at the same time protecting the economy from
crises. This means that there will be the need for more tax revenues to be used
in stimulus packages for both large and small businesses as well as individuals
in society, as seen in the way that the government has responded during the
covid-19 pandemic. The government will therefore have to ensure that it
supports the economy not only through borrowing, but also through raising taxes
so that it can be able to sustain its debts. However, despite this, there is
the need to consider that the government cannot continue borrowing
indefinitely, and because of this, it is likely that an increase in taxes throughout
society could be seen as the only viable means of maintaining government
functions without compromising its ability to intervene in the social and
economic welfare of the nation.
One
of the most fundamental aspects of the Democratic primary field of 2020 is that
it has brought with it the most liberal tax agenda in the history of the party.[14]
This is because most of the presidential candidates have promoted the
advancement of progressive policies aimed at making sure that there is the
advancement of the social welfare of the population. Thus, proposals that would
not have been considered in previous presidential elections, such as the
decriminalization of border crossings and the offering of reparations to the descendants
of those individuals in society that were enslaved, in addition to higher taxes
on the wealthy, have created an environment within which a potential increase
in government spending is likely. Therefore, it has become essential for the
candidates involved to promote an agenda of higher taxes as a means of funding
their social agendas. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider that the
left-leaning candidates in the party are a sign of the way that society is
actually leaning when it comes to tax policies and the willingness of its leadership
to ensure that they expand spending. However, spending is a matter that
requires that there is the increase in tax revenues as a means of funding
government functions. The left-leaning leadership of the Democratic Party is a
sign of the manner that the American people are essentially moving towards the
left when it comes to their opinion concerning government spending. The liberal
proposals that have been made by the candidates are significant because they
show a steady move towards tax increases that will end up affecting the whole
of society in future.
Tax-cutting
policies aimed at not only reducing government size, but also ensuring the support
of conservatives in society is no longer feasible. They have the potential of
ending up being inadequate when it comes to the need to ensure that the white
working class vote is maintained by the parties involved unless they increase
spending, which requires that there is an increase in taxes.[15]
The importance of this scenario can be seen through the way that the American
electorate has moved towards the left to such an extent that ideas that were
once considered radical only a few decades ago have become a part of mainstream
thinking. There is the need to consider that Americans have become more used to
government interventions in their lives, especially when it comes to such
issues as social welfare as well as universal healthcare coverage. The latter
has increasingly gained more support because of the rapid rise in the cost of
healthcare over the last few decades to such an extent that it has become
impossible for numerous working class families from the entire society to
afford it. It has therefore become essential for the political class to create
a balance between their personal wishes and the wishes of the American
electorate. This is especially the case with the conservatives in society,
especially within the Republican establishment, who have shown a move to the
left on a diversity of matters, including gay marriage and welfare programs. Additionally,
the Republicans have made attempts to bring minority voters into their fold,
and it is likely that the process will become more intensified as the
demographic changes in the United States take place. Thus, the political
establishment will seek to increase taxes in order to satisfy the needs of the
electorate.
Tax Increases Targeting the Wealthy
More
Americans than ever before believe that there should be a tax on the wealth of
the rich people in society. This is significant because it shows the way that
the public perception has changed to such an extent that there is the belief
that the wealthy have to pay their fair share of taxes.[16]
The considerable change in public opinion has come about mainly because of the
increase in the wealth gap in society as a small number of individuals become
richer while the rest become increasingly poorer. The opportunities for social
advancement through climbing the social ladder have decreased drastically over
the years, with the result being that there is an increase in resentment
towards the rich as they seek to ensure that they receive tax cuts in order to
secure most of their wealth. The American move to the left has seen numerous
Democrats and Republicans support an increase in taxes on the rich. Thus, higher
taxes on income as well as a tax on the wealth of the rich have come to be seen
as a critical aspect of the future. It has come to be looked upon as a means of
making sure that there is an increase in government revenue that can be made
use of in a diversity of social programs that can help the poorest members of
society. Wealth taxes are seen as a viable solution to the income inequality
that has become prevalent in American society and shows the desire by a
significant portion of the populace to bring about a reduction of the income
gap.
As
the nation turns to the left, there will be an increase in the number of
entitlements that are provided by the government.[17]
This will lead to larger bills that will require that there is an increase in
taxes on the rich in order to fund. Paying for the entitlements while at the
same time keeping the national debt in check will require that there is the
taxation of the wealthiest individuals in the society. Thus, since the goal
will be the implementation of a taxation system that is progressive, it will be
essential to ensure that there is a mass affluent tax that seeks to impose
higher taxes on the most affluent individuals in the country. Such programs as
Medicare for All, which have recently come to receive widespread support from
the American public, have the potential of leading to the enhancement of government
spending. There is the potential of this process being spearheaded by the
Democratic Party, which has a strong liberal wing that could lead the change
that is currently taking place in the country. Even though the Republican Party
has for the most part remained conservative in a diversity of ways, including
its insistence on tax cuts and immigration, it is necessary to consider that this
party has moved to the left when it comes to matters of concern for the
American people, including healthcare. Consequently, even though they may have
cause the destruction of Obamacare during the Trump administration, it is
important to note that they continue to promise a more viable replacement.
Increasing
the tax burdens on the rich has become a major theme within the progressive
agenda. The latter was seen in the Democratic primary of 2020, when Joe Biden
made the proposal that if elected, he would ensure that there was an increase
in taxes on the rich that would raise about $3 trillion over 10 years.[18]
Such taxes would include an increase in capital gain taxes, business taxes,
estate taxes, and income taxes. Furthermore, there would be a strong minimum
tax rate that would ensure that there was a countering of the incentive by
multinational corporations to move their profits or jobs offshore. Biden’s
proposals also include an increase in the child tax credit as a means of
addressing low-end incomes, while at the same time allowing for the credit to
be made fully refundable. Moreover, new tax credits are proposed for first-time
home buyers, renters, and for dependent care expenditures. All of these
proposals require funding, with one of the easiest means being through an
increase of taxes on the rich. Tax increases have the ability to ensure that
there is the promotion of a scenario where the government is better able to
fulfill a progressive agenda that is in line with the American electorate’s
move to the left. Taxing the richest Americans could potential enhance the
revenues needed to not only ensure that the various social programs are funded,
but there is also a reduction in the income gap between the rich and the
working class through the provision of a diversity of benefits for the latter.
Tax
increases on the rich have come to be seen as critical to safeguarding the
poorer Americans. Therefore, there is likely to be an effort aimed at making
sure that the tax revenues collected from the rich end up paying for an increase
in welfare programs to ensure that poorer Americans are provided with their
needs. The recent economic recessions and crises that have taken place have led
to the need to ensure that there is an increase in stimulus packages aimed at
helping poorer Americans.[19]
This is based on the belief that it will not only increase spending through the
stimulation of the economy, but also satisfy the needs of poorer Americans, at
least in the short-term. There is the belief among progressives that there has
essentially been a failure on the part of government to ensure that there is
the equitable taxation of the rich. This belief is based on the considerable
tax cuts that have come to be enjoyed by the rich, especially during Republican
administrations. In a society that has become more progressive in recent
decades, as well as the rapid increase in the income gap between them and the
poorer Americans, the desire to ensure that there is the achievement of the
goal of reducing the gap has led to calls for tax increases on the rich. The
concept of social responsibility can also be considered a part of the reason
behind the calls for an increase in taxes on the rich in society. Therefore,
taxes on the rich will be increased considerably as a means of making sure that
the income gap in society is reduced.
Future Changes to the Policy of the Left
One
of the most fundamental reasons for the American electorate moving to the left
can be seen in healthcare and related issues. There is widespread belief among
the electorate that healthcare is a right that has to be protected.[20]
This is especially the case when one considers the rising healthcare costs that
have plagued the United States. More individuals are being forced to spend
increasing amounts from their own pockets on healthcare, meaning that the
electorate has come to view this as a serious problem that requires government
intervention. The concept of universal healthcare is a significant aspect of
the far-left policy, which seeks to ensure that the entire population of the
United States has access to high quality of healthcare. One of the most
contentious issues in American society today is that access to healthcare is
quite limited for a majority of the working class, with the result being that
it has become an influential factor among voters. Consequently, access to
healthcare has become one of the talking points in the political debate between
the Democrats and Republicans. While this may be the case, it is essential to
consider that the move to the left by the electorate means that the case for
universal healthcare or Medicare for all will become stronger and will
eventually become a reality. The widespread support for an efficient and less
costly healthcare system has made even conservatives in the political
establishment to promise to ensure that measures to promote healthcare access
to a majority of the population are passed.
Access
to affordable college education has been promoted as part of the progressive
agenda. This is especially the case when it comes to the manner through which student
loans have been handled. In recent decades, there has been a considerable
increase in the cost of education to such an extent that it has created an
environment within which more students than ever have ended up in student debt.
The significance of this situation has made it one of the most prominent
issues, especially within the Democratic Party as more progressive leaders,
such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have sought to ensure the
cancelation of a majority of student debt.[21]
This has been challenged by more conservative or centralist members of the
party, who have proposed only limited relief on student loans. While at first
it might not be as significant, it is in fact an important step because it
shows that the party leadership has been forced to shift to the left as a means
of showing concern for their constituents. Most American voters have moved to
the left because of concerns about personal freedoms and economic security, and
education is a big factor in this case because of the manner through which it
affects individuals due to the large payments that some have to make every
month to repay their student loans. There is widespread belief among some of
the left leaning individuals in society that student loan cancelation could
potentially stimulate the economy because more people would have a greater
amount of money at hand to spend.
The
American electorate’s move to the left has also been brought about by the case
for individual rights. The observance of rights such as abortion and personal
freedoms has become an integral aspect of the manner through which the progressives
view the ideal society.[22]
However, it is essential to note that individual liberty and its being
safeguarded by the government is one of the most fundamental aspects of the
move to the left. The cause for the progressive welfare state as a means of
securing the rights of individuals is one that has gained a lot of support in
society, with an increasing number of Americans leaning towards this process.
The move to the left by the electorate has been evidenced by an environment
within which there is widespread support for such initiatives as abortion and
the right of women to choose what to do with their bodies. It is also essential
to note that freedom of conscience has also become a hallmark of the
progressive move of society and the electorate in particular, as seen through
the way that society has gradually given acceptance to a diversity of issues
that would otherwise have been considered taboo. Among these is the
legalization of certain drugs such as marijuana, which has become the norm in
most of the states of the Union.
Conclusion
The
American electorate’s shift to the left is a process that seems to be
unstoppable. Even the most conservative elements in society have come to accept
this shift, as seen through the way that in recent years, there has been acceptance
of such liberal or progressive ideas such as gay marriage, tax increases on the
wealthy, and the promotion of affordable healthcare, among others. This shows a
considerable shift that cannot be denied and as the demographic changes
continue to happen in the United States, it is only a matter of time before the
progressive agenda becomes more dominant while at the same time allowing the
Democratic Party to become dominant in society. Therefore, the American
electorate moving to the left is significant because it shows the changes that
are rapidly taking shape in the nation due to alterations in the social
conditions of the population.
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