Kamala Harris is far from the ideal candidate to take on Donald Trump, but Labour’s strategy against populism offers a potential roadmap.
Keir Starmer’s recent remarks at the New Statesman summer party served as a pointed reminder of the looming threat posed by right-wing populism. Although Labour recently won a decisive 172-seat majority, Starmer urged caution, warning that the turbulent nature of current electorates could easily swing in favor of populist movements if traditional parties falter.
Morgan McSweeney, Labour’s chief strategist, has experience confronting the British National Party in Barking during the late 2000s, a critical period that required organized, strategic opposition to prevent far-right gains. McSweeney’s approach highlights Labour’s deep awareness of populism’s potential resurgence in the UK, even as it holds a firm majority. The political landscape may seem stable for now, but Labour’s leaders know that underlying threats remain, especially as global populist sentiments are growing.
Despite the UK currently being somewhat shielded from the populist right, Starmer and his advisers are not complacent. As one close colleague of Starmer explained, the sentiment that “the barbarians are at the gates” has reawakened Labour’s cautionary approach, given the rapid changes in global politics. This vigilance could be an asset in protecting democratic principles and blocking extreme populist shifts.
The United States, meanwhile, faces a similar dilemma as Kamala Harris steps into the presidential race against Donald Trump. Harris, though a seasoned politician, may not have the populist appeal or the “ideal” profile to effectively counter Trump’s brand of right-wing populism. However, by adapting strategies similar to Labour’s approach, the Democrats might bolster their own resistance to rising populist rhetoric.
Labour’s approach underscores the importance of recognizing and confronting populist threats before they escalate, a lesson that Democrats may well take to heart in a polarized America. Harris’s campaign could benefit from proactive messaging that directly counters populist narratives, especially in vulnerable swing states where Trump’s support base is strong.
As the US election draws near, lessons from the UK could prove invaluable. If Democrats can learn from Labour’s determination to challenge populist ideologies effectively, they might better position themselves to take on Trump in 2024, despite any initial doubts about Harris’s candidacy.
