In an era where conservatism wields unprecedented influence, dominating all three branches of government—the executive, legislative, judicial, and, arguably, public opinion—a critical question emerges: Is this the end of progressivism in America?
Progressivism, at its core, is a commitment to reform for the public good, often leveraging government power to advance equity and protect marginalized communities. Its hallmarks include the expansion of civil rights, women’s rights, and human rights.
Historically, figures like President Theodore Roosevelt championed its ideals. Yet today, progressivism appears to be in retreat, its mission misunderstood and its influence waning. How did we get here, and is there a way back to balance?
The Conservative Long Game
Conservatives have played a masterful long game, reshaping the political landscape over the past two decades. The Republican Party, once rooted in traditional conservatism, transformed by embracing the far-right ideology of the Tea Party movement in response to President Barack Obama’s election.
This strategic shift culminated in the two-term presidency of Donald Trump and the rise of Mitch McConnell’s ironclad Senate leadership. Together, they cemented a conservative stronghold that dismantled decades of progressive gains.
Through relentless messaging and media dominance, conservatives have cast progressivism as a threat to American values. By flooding television, radio, social media, and news outlets with targeted narratives, they’ve distorted the progressive agenda, painting it as synonymous with open borders, unchecked socialism, and cultural extremism.
The strategy worked. According to a recent Gallup poll, 37% of Americans now identify as conservative or very conservative, compared to just 25% who claim a progressive identity.
The Progressive Dilemma
Progressivism’s platform—rooted in public welfare, government accountability, strong public education, union rights, and equity—should resonate widely. Yet progressives struggle to communicate their message effectively. The far-right’s propaganda machine has muddied the waters, leaving many Americans to believe caricatures rather than truths.
The data reveals a paradox: most Americans consume media that leans left, suggesting the resources for progressive outreach exist. But progressive messaging often fails to connect, drowned out by a more disciplined and well-funded conservative apparatus. While conservatives have invested in building a robust, multi-platform propaganda infrastructure, progressives have lagged in adapting to the realities of modern political communication.
A Call for Balance
This moment demands a reckoning. America cannot thrive as a nation veering too far to one ideological extreme. Balance—a blending of conservative stability and progressive innovation—is the key to a resilient democracy. To restore equilibrium, progressives must reimagine their approach. This is not about competing for airtime but about crafting a narrative that resonates with the diverse experiences of everyday Americans.
Progressives must reclaim their identity, dispelling the myths perpetuated by the far right. They must amplify their core values: equity, justice, and opportunity for all. And they must engage in the hard work of coalition-building, reaching beyond urban centers to connect with rural and suburban communities that feel alienated by political elites.
The stakes could not be higher. Women’s rights, racial equity, fair wages, and equal protection under the law are under siege. Progressives have the tools to fight back but lack the coordinated strategy to wield them effectively. This is a wake-up call, a plea for progressives to rise to the occasion and deliver a compelling vision for America’s future.
The Crossroads
As we stand at this crossroads, the choice before us is clear: Will we allow the pendulum to swing unchecked toward conservatism, or will we fight to restore balance?
The answer lies in the hands of progressives, who must innovate, unify, and inspire. America deserves a future where both tradition and progress coexist, where ideological diversity strengthens rather than divides. The time to act is now.
Progressivism may be down, but it is not out. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice—but only if we pull it with all our might.
