The Democratic Party’s Shift in Strategy: A Move Toward Patriotism and Away from Migration

Overview of the New Strategy

In the aftermath of the 2024 election, moderate Democrats are reevaluating their approach to winning back working-class voters. A five-page strategy memo drafted by Third Way, a self-proclaimed moderate Democratic group, suggests that the party should shift its focus away from migration and instead embrace patriotism and traditional American imagery. The memo, which was leaked to Politico, argues that Democrats have allowed Republicans to dominate cultural debates on issues like immigration and crime. By embracing symbols like farms, main streets, and the American flag, Democrats hope to reconnect with voters who feel alienated by the party’s recent stance on these issues.

The memo, drafted during a "Comeback Retreat" in February 2025, outlines a strategy to reclaim the narrative on cultural issues. It suggests that Democrats should define their positions more clearly and resonate with voters on topics like immigration, rather than letting Republicans set the terms of the debate. However, the memo mentions immigration only once, and even then, it is solely to criticize the GOP’s messaging on the issue. This approach has sparked criticism, as it seems to ignore the economic and social impacts of migration on American workers.

The Memo’s Emphasis on Patriotism

The Third Way memo emphasizes the importance of wrapping the Democratic Party in the flag and focusing on patriotic imagery. It argues that by doing so, Democrats can regain the trust of working-class voters who have increasingly turned to the Republican Party on cultural issues. The memo suggests that Democrats should avoid getting bogged down in complex policy details and instead focus on broad, emotionally resonant themes that align with traditional American values.

However, critics argue that this approach sidesteps the real concerns of many voters, particularly those affected by migration. While the memo acknowledges that Democrats have struggled to define their position on immigration in a way that resonates with voters, it fails to address the economic impact of migration on American workers. Instead, it relies on poll-tested terms like "tough, fair, and practical" to describe the party’s stance on the issue.

Criticism of the Memo’s Approach to Migration

The memo’s failure to address the economic consequences of migration has drawn sharp criticism from those who argue that Democrats need to confront the issue head-on. Many point out that migration has led to downward pressure on wages, increased competition for jobs, and strain on public resources. These issues were central to Donald Trump’s successful 2024 campaign, which focused on a pro-American migration policy that resonated with working-class voters.

Trump’s policies have successfully curbed the influx of migrants in the southern border, leading to higher wages and increased foreign investment in the U.S. economy. His messaging on migration, which emphasized its impact on crime, wages, and housing, proved more effective than the Democrats’ attempts to frame the issue in terms of moral blackmail and civil rights. Despite this, the Third Way memo ignores the economic damage caused by migration, opting instead to focus on cultural symbolism.

Democrats’ Failure to Address Voter Concerns

The Democratic Party’s failure to address voter concerns on migration is not new. During Joe Biden’s presidency, migration policies led to significant economic challenges for American workers, particularly in the labor and housing markets. Many voters feel that the government’s approach to migration has undermined their earning power, reduced opportunities for career advancement, and eroded civic stability. These concerns have been exacerbated by the perception that the government is prioritizing the interests of corporate donors over those of ordinary Americans.

Despite these challenges, many Democrats continue to advocate for more migration, arguing that it is essential for the economy. However, this approach has alienated many working-class voters who feel that their concerns are being ignored. The Third Way memo’s emphasis on patriotism and traditional imagery may not be enough to win back these voters if the party continues to ignore the real issues they face.

The Disconnect Between Democrats and Working-Class Voters

The disconnect between the Democratic Party and working-class voters is a recurring theme in the Third Way memo. The memo acknowledges that Democrats have struggled to connect with these voters on cultural issues, but its solution focuses on messaging rather than substantive policy changes. By avoiding any meaningful discussion of migration, the memo risks further alienating voters who feel that the party is out of touch with their concerns.

The memo’s reliance on patriotic imagery and traditional American values may not resonate with voters who are more concerned with the practical impacts of migration on their lives. Without addressing the economic and social challenges posed by migration, Democrats risk losing these voters to the Republican Party, which has successfully capitalized on their concerns.

Financial Interests and the Democratic Party’s Migration Policy

The Democratic Party’s approach to migration is also influenced by the financial interests of its donors. Many of the party’s donors profit heavily from migration, whether through cheap labor, real estate investments, or other economic interests. This has led to accusations that the party is prioritizing the interests of its donors over those of ordinary Americans.

For example, Rachel Pritzker, a leader of Third Way, is a member of the billionaire Pritzker family, whose real estate wealth has spikes amid the massive inflow of migrants during Joe Biden’s presidency. This conflict of interest raises questions about the motivations behind the party’s migration policies and its reluctance to address the concerns of working-class voters.

In conclusion, the Third Way memo represents a shift in the Democratic Party’s strategy, one that emphasizes patriotism and traditional American imagery while avoiding any meaningful discussion of migration. While this approach may resonate with some voters, it risks alienating those who are most affected by the party’s migration policies. Without addressing the economic and social impacts of migration, the Democratic Party may struggle to reclaim the support of working-class voters and ultimately fail to regain power in future elections.