In today’s political landscape, there are contemporary Democrats who possess a high-dominance style. An example of this is seen in Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, who has taken a strong stance in support of trans and abortion rights, declared June Pride Month in the state, and criticized the unvaccinated during the pandemic. When a Republican lawmaker tried to attack Beshear by displaying a photo of him with drag queens at a gay rights rally and accusing him of corrupting kids, the governor responded by asserting that these individuals are as much Kentuckians as anyone else. Despite this pushback, Beshear still managed to win re-election by five points in a state that Trump had previously carried by 26 points in 2020.
In a surprising turn of events, President Biden delivered a State of the Union address in 2024 that was viewed as owning the Republicans, and his private use of briny language to describe Trump pleased Democrats and even garnered praise from some Republican strategists. However, these instances of dominance are fleeting and may not be enough to secure victory. As evidenced by Trump’s loss to Biden in 2020, having a dominance advantage does not guarantee success. Furthermore, Trump’s extreme dominance style may sometimes backfire, either by alienating voters or facing resistance from judges in legal battles.
Despite the risks associated with a high-dominance style, Trump’s formidable dominance remains a potent weapon in his political arsenal. One potential strategy for Mr. Biden could be to challenge Trump’s party in areas where it is perceived as strongest, rendering them vulnerable in national elections. By emulating the high-dominance tactics of past leaders who used dominance to advance freedom, equality, and progress, Biden could counter the narrative that his age has made him ineffectual.
M. Steven Fish, a political scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of “Comeback: Routing Trumpism, Reclaiming the Nation, and Restoring Democracy’s Edge,” discusses the role of dominance in contemporary politics. He highlights the importance of strategic dominance in shaping political outcomes and restoring democracy in the face of divisive forces. Fish’s analysis underscores the potential impact of dominance in shaping political narratives and mobilizing support for progressive causes.
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In conclusion, the intersection of dominance and politics remains a complex and dynamic space in contemporary society. Leaders who wield dominance effectively can shape the political landscape and influence public discourse. By understanding the nuances of dominance and its implications for political strategy, policymakers can navigate the challenges of a polarized political environment and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.
