In a critical examination of identity politics, Jonathan Turley highlights the selective outrage exhibited by the left, particularly when it comes to comments made by individuals on the right versus the left. His argument is bolstered by a recent incident involving Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas, who made inflammatory remarks about Hispanic voters, characterizing them as possessing a “slave mentality” and insinuating that they “can barely vote.” This outburst went unchallenged within mainstream leftist media and political circles—an illustration of the double standards surrounding race-related discourse. In stark contrast, similar statements from conservatives would elicit widespread condemnation, showcasing a notable hypocrisy in how identity politics are employed depending on the speaker’s political affiliation.
Crockett’s comments on the Hispanic community have been celebrated in left-wing media, including a feature in Vanity Fair, highlighting her confrontational tone towards her colleagues. In her remarks, she noted a perceived “slave mentality” among Hispanic immigrants, contrasting them unfavorably with other racial or ethnic groups. By framing her arguments through identity politics, she seems to reinforce stereotypes instead of challenging them, further complicating the racial dynamics of her assertions. Turley critiques this selective application of outrage, insisting that had a conservative figure made similar remarks about minority communities, a substantial backlash would have ensued, illustrating a profound inconsistency within the left.
The implications of Crockett’s declarations extend beyond her comments on Hispanic voters; she also condemned black voters for supporting Trump, attributing their choices to misogyny and self-hatred. Turley draws parallels between Crockett’s views and those expressed by Hillary Clinton post-election, suggesting a pattern of blaming minority groups for political failures rather than recognizing the complexity of voter motivations. Both Crockett and Clinton seem to support the notion that women and minorities who do not align with progressive ideals are exhibiting internalized racism or self-loathing—a view that frames dissenting opinions as a failure of identity rather than a legitimate political stance.
Turley notes that the lack of pushback from Democratic Hispanic groups regarding Crockett’s statements reflects a troubling reality within the party’s approach to identity politics. He argues that such blind spots demonstrate a failure to engage in meaningful dialogue within diverse communities. The author contrasts this stance with prior arguments he has made about immigrant connections to American values, suggesting that Crockett’s views are out of touch with the broader narratives about hard-working, rapidly integrating immigrant populations.
The controversy also echoes earlier instances of problematic assertions made by Democratic figures, such as Marc Elias, who implied that minority voters in Georgia were incapable of understanding voter ID laws. These comments have been criticized as racially insensitive and reinforce a pattern whereby leftists avoid accountability for their own rhetoric while targeting conservatives for similar offenses. Turley argues that this hypocrisy not only weakens the credibility of Democrats but also perpetuates division among racial and ethnic groups, undermining the inclusive ethos that they purport to champion.
As the Democratic Party grapples with electoral losses and maintains a reliance on identity politics, Turley suggests that they are perhaps doubling down on an approach that may not be resonating with the electorate. In his farewell address, outgoing DNC Chair Jaime Harrison cautioned against moving away from identity politics as the cornerstone of their strategy. Turley warns that clinging to these divisive tactics could further alienate potential constituents and stifle genuine conversations about the values and identities that unite rather than divide Americans, ultimately needing a reevaluation of the party’s approach to better reflect the sentiments and complexities of the communities they aim to represent.
