In today’s political landscape, populism is a powerful force that resonates with voters across the ideological spectrum. The New Democratic Party (NDP) can harness the energy of populist rhetoric to appeal to the everyday working-class voter without abandoning its progressive values. By embracing a populist approach, New Dems can build a broad coalition, fight for economic justice, and champion the rights of the most vulnerable—without compromising their ideals.

Here’s how the New Dems can successfully adopt a populist approach to politics:

Center the Working-Class and Economic Justice

Populism at its core is about empowering the people—especially working-class Americans who feel left behind by both corporate elites and establishment politicians. To resonate with these voters, the New Dems must focus on policies that directly benefit working families, such as increasing the minimum wage, ensuring paid family leave, and addressing skyrocketing healthcare and housing costs.

Policies like universal healthcare, student debt forgiveness, and a living wage are deeply populist because they focus on leveling the playing field for people who have been ignored or mistreated by the establishment. By framing these issues as part of a broader fight against the wealthy elite, the New Dems can draw a sharp contrast with the status quo and appeal to voters who feel that both political parties have failed them.

Prioritize Economic Nationalism with a Progressive Twist

Economic populism has long been about challenging corporate interests that prioritize profits over people. The New Dems can embrace this populist sentiment by advocating for stronger labor protections, fair wages, and corporate accountability. But, they can take it further by coupling these ideas with progressive policies that promote environmental sustainability, racial justice, and economic fairness.

For example, pushing for fair trade agreements that prioritize workers over multinational corporations or supporting policies that limit the power of Wall Street while ensuring that financial systems are transparent and equitable are all ways the New Dems can bring populism into the 21st century. By emphasizing the need to protect American workers from exploitation both at home and abroad, New Dems can align with populist sentiments without abandoning their progressive values.

Be the Voice for the Disenfranchised

Populism also involves representing those who have been excluded from the political process—whether that’s due to race, class, or geography. The New Dems can amplify their populist appeal by focusing on policies that directly benefit marginalized communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

A populist message for the New Dems should include advocating for criminal justice reform, expanding voting rights, supporting unions, and pushing for equitable access to education and healthcare. This inclusivity ensures that populism doesn’t just benefit a narrow segment of the population, but rather uplifts all people, regardless of their background.

Engage in Anti-Elite Rhetoric, Without Turning Divisive

One of the most potent aspects of populism is its ability to tap into anti-establishment sentiment. The New Dems can embrace this aspect by calling out the wealthy elites, the corporate class, and the political insiders who dominate Washington, D.C. However, they must do so without descending into divisive rhetoric or demonizing entire groups of people.

Focusing on policies that hold the powerful accountable—such as taxing the rich, closing corporate tax loopholes, and reining in corporate influence over politics—can rally working-class voters while avoiding the pitfalls of negative campaigning. A populist New Dem agenda should be about empowering people, not stoking fear or resentment.

Communicate Clearly and Relatably

To truly connect with everyday voters, New Dems need to speak the language of populism: simple, direct, and focused on issues that matter most to people’s lives. They should avoid technocratic jargon and focus on clear, concise messaging that emphasizes tangible results. Whether through speeches, social media, or town halls, the party must be able to articulate how their policies will directly benefit people—especially those who feel that Washington has ignored them for too long.

This is about telling a compelling story, one that paints a picture of a fairer, more equitable society. By framing their policies as part of a larger narrative of empowerment and justice, New Dems can tap into populist sentiment without sacrificing their core ideals.

Use Grassroots Organizing to Build a Populist Movement

A key element of successful populism is grassroots organizing. The New Dems can embrace populism by building a strong, bottom-up movement that amplifies the voices of everyday Americans. This means focusing on door-to-door campaigning, town hall meetings, and leveraging digital platforms to engage with voters directly.

The New Dems should use these tools to connect with voters who may feel disconnected from the political process, ensuring that their message is heard loud and clear. Grassroots organizing also helps build a coalition that represents the diverse needs of working-class people, immigrants, people of color, and others who may feel excluded from traditional political discourse.

Conclusion

By embracing a populist approach, the New Dems can connect with a wide range of voters while staying true to their progressive ideals. Focusing on economic justice, holding elites accountable, fighting for marginalized communities, and speaking directly to the concerns of everyday people will allow the party to build a strong, broad-based movement for change. With a populist message that remains rooted in their progressive values, the New Dems can create a more inclusive, equitable future—while winning elections and reshaping American politics.