The Pro-Worker Policy Wonk Who Wants to Save the Republican Party from Itself
This interview was originally published on 17 February 2024. It was republished on 18 July 2024, following Donald Trump’s announcement that Ohio Senator JD Vance would be his running mate for the 2024 election. On an overcast day in Belleville, Michigan last autumn, Joe Biden made history. As striking United Auto Workers marched on 26 September, Biden appeared, becoming the first American president to join a picket line. With a UAW baseball cap slung low over his forehead, Biden used a bullhorn to tell the marching car workers, “You deserve what you earned, and you’ve earned a hell of a lot more than you’re getting paid now.” It was hailed in the media as a pivotal moment for pro-labor politics. Yet in the view of many American workers across the country, Biden might as well have stayed at home. Though the Democrats were once the party of the blue-collar worker, the majority of working-class voters are now firmly behind Donald Trump.
As the 2024 election approaches, Oren Cass stands at the intersection of policy and politics. A former policy advisor to Mitt Romney, Cass has emerged as a key figure in shaping the intellectual framework for the Trump-Vance ticket. He advocates for a robust pro-worker agenda aimed at reclaiming working-class support for the Republican Party. Cass argues that the party must pivot away from traditional economic conservatism, which he believes has alienated blue-collar voters. Instead, he promotes policies that prioritize domestic manufacturing, labor rights, and economic nationalism.
Cass’s vision is informed by his belief that the Republican Party has strayed too far from its roots. He perceives an opportunity for the party to embrace a more populist approach, one that aligns with the concerns of everyday workers. His insights are particularly relevant as Trump and Vance position themselves as champions of the working class. Cass is not merely a theorist; he actively engages with workers to understand their needs and aspirations. He believes that by building a strong, pro-labor platform, the Trump-Vance ticket can reconnect with disenchanted voters who feel overlooked by mainstream politics.
In conversations with union leaders and workers, Cass emphasizes the importance of addressing issues such as wage stagnation and job security. He argues that the Republican Party must be proactive in advocating for policies that benefit the working class rather than catering solely to corporate interests. This approach could help bridge the gap between traditional Republican values and the needs of a changing electorate. As the political landscape shifts, Cass’s work could play a crucial role in reshaping the GOP’s identity and priorities.
However, there are challenges ahead. While Trump has built a fervent base, some remain skeptical of his commitment to worker-friendly policies. Cass acknowledges that skepticism exists within the party, particularly among more traditional conservatives. To succeed, he must convince these factions that embracing a pro-worker agenda does not compromise core Republican principles. The stakes are high, as the outcome of the election could hinge on the party’s ability to unite around a shared vision for the future.
As the Trump-Vance ticket gears up for the election, Oren Cass’s efforts to lay the intellectual groundwork for a pro-worker Republican Party may determine whether they can effectively appeal to the working class. The election represents a critical moment for both the party and the nation, and the choices made in the coming months could have lasting implications. Cass’s vision, if realized, could redefine the Republican Party and its relationship with American workers, potentially reshaping the political landscape for years to come.