Republican notions of ‘progressive’ and ‘populist’ don’t match reality

When it comes to fighting for real American values, progressives have been leading the charge since day one. 

Who got women the right to vote? Progressives. Who stood up to end segregation? Progressives. And who created the lifelines of Social Security and Medicare? You guessed it — progressives.

But today, we’ve got venture capitalist Republicans masquerading as working-class heroes, dragging the word progressive through the mud.

Don’t be fooled by the JD Vances and Donald Trumps of the world. Their brand of populism is nothing but a smokescreen, a slick cover-up to protect their Wall Street buddies, and about as real as a three-dollar bill. 

It’s time we call out this charade for what it is — a wolf in sheep’s clothing, designed to ensure that the rich keep getting richer while leaving the rest of us to fight for scraps.

Look at the numbers. During Donald Trump’s presidency, income inequality skyrocketed. In 2020, the top 1 percent of Americans held more wealth than the bottom 50 percent combined. Trump’s tax cuts primarily benefited the wealthy, with the top 5 percent of earners receiving nearly half of the total benefits.

This isn’t populism; it’s plutocracy.

And JD Vance? He’s a venture capitalist who has made a fortune off the very systems that have hollowed out middle America. While he waxes poetic about the struggles of small-town America, it’s people like him who bought the small-town factory and sold it off, piece by piece. 

Unlike the pretend populism espoused by Vance and Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris has dedicated her entire career to fighting for fair policies and justice. 

As a senator, she introduced the LIFT Act to provide substantial tax credits to middle-class families, raising millions out of poverty. 

During her tenure as district attorney of San Francisco and attorney general of California, Harris implemented groundbreaking programs like Back on Track, which rehabilitated first-time offenders, and secured significant settlements for homeowners during the foreclosure crisis. 

She has consistently championed criminal justice reform, aiming to end cash bail and decriminalize marijuana, while also advocating for women’s rights, gun safety, and climate action. 

Tim Walz delivered the same type of progressive victories as governor of Minnesota. He signed the first state law codifying abortion rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. 

He legalized marijuana, providing both social justice and economic benefits, pushed for free education for low-income individuals, giving everyone a fair shot at success and made sure every child in Minnesota gets free breakfast and lunch at school, no matter their family’s financial situation. 

Let’s not forget that, as governor, he not only passed the biggest middle-class tax cuts in state history but also passed the largest bipartisan infrastructure bill in its history. How’s that for progressives getting things done?

Progressive policies aren’t just about big government; they’re about fair government. Social Security, Medicare and the minimum wage are all progressive achievements that have profoundly improved the lives of millions of Americans. 

These programs are under constant threat from Republicans who prioritize corporate profits over people’s well-being. Trump and Vance are part of this dangerous trend, pushing policies that widen the gap between the rich and everyone else.

Remember when the Affordable Care Act was under attack? Millions of us were at risk of losing our insurance. 

But Kamala Harris and Tim Walz stood firm. They understand that healthcare isn’t a privilege, it’s a right. Harris has championed Medicare for All in the past because she believes no American should go bankrupt paying for medical bills. And Walz? He’s been fighting in the trenches, making sure folks in every corner of Minnesota can see a doctor when they need to.

But having insurance means little if you can’t afford to put food on the table. That’s why Harris and Walz are pushing for a $15 minimum wage. They know that a fair day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. JD Vance and Donald Trump may have turned their backs on working families seeking a living wage, but Harris and Walz haven’t. 

This isn’t just about economics; it’s about respecting the value of work and ensuring that all Americans can provide for their families.

The evidence is clear. Harris and Walz believe in a fairer, more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Trump and Vance’s phony populism is a dangerous illusion, designed to enrich the wealthy at the expense of the working class. 

Progressive isn’t a bad word. It’s a badge of honor worn by those who fight for justice, equality and opportunity for all. Harris and Walz embody this spirit, standing as true champions for the American people. 

Don’t be swayed by Republicans’ empty promises. The real fight for America’s future lies with those who have always fought for the people.

So next time you hear them claim they’re fighting for you, remember: Real progress doesn’t come from boardrooms and country clubs. It comes from the people who’ve always stood up for what’s right, even when it wasn’t popular. That’s the progressive legacy, and that’s the future we’re fighting for.

And honestly, in today’s world, it’s pretty weird not to be progressive. Progress is about making things better for everyone, not just the privileged few.

Michael Starr Hopkins is the host of “It Matters with Michael Starr Hopkins.”