Fareed Zakaria Argues: Why Biden’s Economic Strategy Didn’t Win Back the Working Class

 In his analysis of President Joe Biden’s economic policies, Fareed Zakaria presents a compelling argument: despite bold interventionist measures, these strategies have largely failed to resonate with America’s working class. While Biden’s administration has poured billions into infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy, the political dividends among the working-class demographic remain elusive. So why hasn’t economic interventionism delivered the intended results?

The Promise of Economic Interventionism

From the outset, Biden positioned himself as a champion of the working class. His economic agenda included sweeping investments in public infrastructure and manufacturing through bills like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These measures were designed to create jobs, bolster domestic industries, and rebuild the middle class, particularly in regions hit hardest by globalization and deindustrialization.

By advocating for a “Made in America” approach, Biden sought to reverse decades of economic decline in industrial areas. The administration’s push for green energy projects also aimed to modernize the economy while creating blue-collar jobs in emerging industries. The strategy appeared sound on paper: inject resources into struggling communities and address both economic and environmental concerns simultaneously.

The Disconnect Between Policy and Perception

Despite these ambitious efforts, many working-class voters remain unconvinced. Zakaria highlights several reasons for this disconnect:

1. Cultural and Political Polarization: The working class, particularly in rural and industrial regions, has increasingly aligned with the Republican Party, driven by cultural and identity-based issues rather than economic policy. Biden’s policies, no matter how impactful, struggle to break through these entrenched divides.

2. Messaging Challenges: Biden’s administration has faced criticism for failing to effectively communicate the benefits of its economic initiatives. Complex policies often feel distant and abstract to the average voter, overshadowed by simpler, more emotionally resonant messages from opponents.

3. Lingering Distrust: Decades of perceived neglect by political elites have fostered deep skepticism among the working class. Even when tangible progress occurs, many are hesitant to attribute it to government intervention, let alone embrace the party responsible.

Fareed Zakaria’s Suggestion: A Shift in Strategy

In a recent column published in the Washington Post, Fareed Zakaria argues that the Democratic Party’s influence with working-class voters has eroded so significantly that it may be time to reconsider its approach.

"Democrats have many electoral advantages," Zakaria explained. "They have a solid base of college-educated professionals, women, and minorities. Many of the swing voters who have helped them win the popular vote in seven of the past nine presidential elections are registered independents and suburbanites."

Zakaria suggests that Democrats might be better served by leaning into this new base and shaping a policy agenda around their priorities. Instead of “pining for the working-class Whites whom they lost decades ago,” he contends that the party should focus on consolidating and energizing its existing coalition.

Biden’s Political and Economic Challenges

Zakaria further argues that despite Biden’s policy successes while in office, he has “failed” as a political leader.

"He leaves office with among the lowest presidential approval ratings in history and his party having lost the presidency, the House, and the Senate in the 2024 elections," Zakaria wrote.

He emphasizes that political failure overshadows Biden’s economic policy, which was a critical test of a long-standing Democratic theory.

"Biden’s presidency has been an important test of a powerful theory that has animated Democratic Party elites for almost two decades—that the party’s shift to more market-friendly economic policy was a mistake and that the way to win back the working class was to change that orientation," he explained.

Biden’s administration pursued interventionist economic policies infused with this spirit. Massive infrastructure and climate spending bills were explicitly designed to help noncollege-educated Americans. Yet, these policies did not yield the intended political or electoral outcomes.

The Shadow of Trump’s Populism

A significant obstacle to Biden’s outreach efforts is the enduring influence of Donald Trump. Trump’s populist rhetoric, centered on “America First” and a rejection of globalism, continues to resonate deeply with working-class voters. While Biden’s policies aim to deliver long-term economic benefits, Trump’s messaging taps into immediate emotions of frustration and disillusionment.

Moreover, Trump’s ability to frame Biden’s agenda as “socialist” or harmful to traditional industries further undermines its appeal. This perception, amplified by conservative media, creates a formidable barrier for Biden to overcome.

The Broader Lessons for Policymakers

Zakaria’s critique underscores an important reality: economic interventionism alone is insufficient to win back the working class. Policymakers must complement these efforts with a robust strategy to address cultural concerns and rebuild trust. Key takeaways include:

• Simplify Messaging: Economic policies need to be framed in relatable, impactful terms. Highlighting individual success stories and emphasizing tangible outcomes can make initiatives more accessible and persuasive.

• Bridge the Cultural Divide: Engaging directly with working-class communities on their cultural and social concerns is vital. Economic prosperity must be coupled with a sense of respect and inclusion.

• Long-Term Commitment: Rebuilding trust takes time. Sustained investment and consistent outreach are necessary to demonstrate genuine commitment to these communities.

Conclusion

Fareed Zakaria’s analysis serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities inherent in modern American politics. While Biden’s economic interventionism represents a bold and necessary step, it has yet to translate into political capital among the working class. The path forward requires not only economic policies that deliver results but also a deeper understanding of the cultural and emotional factors that shape voter behavior. Only by addressing these multidimensional challenges can leaders hope to bridge the divide and truly reconnect with America’s working class.