Today, Explained: The Democrat Who Won in Trump Country

Episode Release Date: November 25, 2024 | Hosts: Sean Rameswaram & Noel King

Introduction: Breaking the Mold in Trump Country

In a political landscape often dominated by stark party lines, Marie Glusenkamp Perez, a Democrat, has emerged as a notable figure by securing a victory in a traditionally Republican stronghold. Representing Washington's 3rd District, Perez's win challenges the prevailing narrative that Democrats primarily appeal to the affluent and the impoverished, risking alienation of the working class.

Noel King introduces the episode by highlighting the broader criticism faced by Democrats in 2024: "The rap on the Democrats in 2024 was that they only spoke to the very rich and the very poor." (00:01) However, Perez's success story counters this claim, demonstrating that Democrats can resonate even in "Trump country."

Background: Perez's Roots in a Rural Community

Marie Glusenkamp Perez's connection to her constituents is deeply rooted in her rural upbringing. Before her political career, she and her husband operated an auto repair shop and a machine shop in Skamania County, Washington—a region characterized by its low population density and reliance on essential services.

Marie Glusenkamp Perez: "We live in rural communities. We are not the devil. We are your neighbors." (00:15)

Her firsthand experience with the challenges of rural life—such as limited internet access and reliance on wells for water—shapes her pragmatic approach to governance.

Marie Glusenkamp Perez: "We get our Internet from a radio tower. We get our water from a well." (00:33)

A Bipartisan Approach: Crossing the Aisle

In her inaugural term, Perez made headlines by frequently voting with Republicans to better serve her rural and working-class constituents. This approach, while effective in her district, has stirred controversy within the Democratic Party.

Noel King: "Gluesenkamp Perez... horrified some Democrats along the way." (00:42)

Despite facing backlash, Perez remained steadfast in her commitment to pragmatic solutions over partisan loyalty. Her decision to oppose President Biden's student debt relief plan exemplifies her focus on local priorities over national party agendas.

Marie Glusenkamp Perez: "I am not here to play partisan football. I'm here because I see and value what we have and I know it's worth fighting for." (02:14)

Navigating Partisanship: The Challenge of Minority Status

With Democrats holding the minority in both the House and the Senate, the episode delves into the strategies and historical precedents that minority parties can leverage to effect change. Sarah Binder, a political science professor at GWU and a Brookings fellow, provides insightful analysis on how minority parties can both block undesirable legislation and find avenues for bipartisan cooperation.

Historical Context: Binder references past instances where minority parties have successfully influenced major policy decisions, such as:

• George W. Bush Era: Democrats in the minority threatened filibusters to block the privatization of Social Security, aiming to protect senior citizens' interests.

  Sarah Binder: "They threatened a filibuster... to raise the stakes." (17:04)

• Affordable Care Act Opposition: Democrats thwarted Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare by mobilizing public support and highlighting the potential loss of health insurance for vulnerable populations.

  Binder: "They made sure the public was very aware that it was the Trump administration... trying to take away their health care rights." (24:21)

Current Strategies: In the current political climate, Binder emphasizes the importance of minority parties engaging in both obstruction and collaboration to push forward their agendas.

Sarah Binder: "Unified party control of government does not last very long. On average, unified party control basically lasts two years..." (26:08)

Representative Perez's Legislative Initiatives

Perez's legislative efforts focus on addressing the unique needs of her rural district. One notable bill she introduced ensures the "positive right to serve fresh fruits and vegetables" in daycare facilities receiving federal funds, aiming to simplify regulations that currently hinder local businesses.

Marie Glusenkamp Perez: "I've introduced a bill that creates a positive right to serve fresh fruits and vegetables." (09:13)

This initiative reflects her broader commitment to supporting trades and practical skills over purely academic pursuits, advocating for "good jobs that don't require a college degree."

Marie Glusenkamp Perez: "We don't want academic intelligence to be the thing that we should be supporting. We want good jobs..." (04:16)

The Evolution of Partisanship in Congress

The episode explores the shifting dynamics of partisanship within Congress, noting a trend towards more "reflexive partisanship" where loyalty to the party often overrides bipartisan cooperation. Binder contrasts this with historical periods when both parties had internal factions (e.g., liberal Republicans or conservative Democrats), allowing for more nuanced legislative processes.

Sarah Binder: "Today's partisanship... it's really almost team play. Right. Your team is against it... That's reflexive partisanship." (20:16)

She underscores the rarity of such deep partisan divides in the past, suggesting that today’s political environment presents unique challenges for effective governance.

Conclusion: Navigating a Divided Congress

As Democrats brace for a prolonged minority status, Perez exemplifies a pragmatic approach to governance—prioritizing local needs and seeking bipartisan solutions. The episode concludes by highlighting the importance of minority parties remaining proactive and adaptable in their strategies to influence legislation and represent their constituents effectively.

Marie Glusenkamp Perez: "I just continue to be myself and reflect my community and just work hard to knit our community back together." (11:10)

With insights from Sarah Binder, Today, Explained offers a comprehensive look at how Democrats like Perez can navigate and potentially thrive in a challenging political landscape dominated by heightened partisanship and minority status.

Key Takeaways:

• Marie Glusenkamp Perez's Victory: Illustrates the potential for Democrats to win in traditionally Republican areas by focusing on local, pragmatic issues.
• Bipartisan Strategies: Emphasizes the importance of crossing party lines to address constituency needs, even amidst intra-party criticism.
• Historical Parallels: Highlights past instances where minority parties influenced major policy decisions, offering lessons for the present.
• Evolving Partisanship: Discusses the shift towards more rigid party loyalty, posing challenges for bipartisan cooperation.
• Legislative Initiatives: Showcases Perez's efforts to support trades and simplify regulations, aligning with her community's values.

For more detailed discussions and insights, listen to the full episode of "Today, Explained" on Vox's Podcast Network.