Just a few years ago, should you ask the average person what each major political party stood for, you could have expected a fairly standard answer. The GOP: tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong national defense. The Democratic Party: universal healthcare, marriage equality, and climate action. In today’s populist moment, the answers may not seem so clear, but the truth is that each party’s priorities have been shifting for some time now — some subtly, while others quite obviously.
It was not too long ago that both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party stood in opposition to a concept now widely accepted: marriage equality. Today, a record 70% of people find themselves in support of same-sex marriage, 10% higher than when the Supreme Court ruled that states must recognize such unions in 2015.
Then, of course, the Democratic Party was hailed for ushering in a new era of acceptance for LGBT communities, but the same party leaders credited with such progress were once staunchly opposed, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama, and even President Joe Biden. Their history on the subject is well documented, and yet, as they rapidly shifted their positions alongside public opinion, their change of heart was widely considered in good faith.
Popular culture seems to agree that when someone on the Left changes their mind, it is not due to political expediency, deception, or ill-will — but should be embraced, celebrated, encouraged.
Those on the other side of the aisle need not apply for this same standard of grace. As Republicans undergo their own transformation on the subject of climate change, they are met with harsh criticism, skepticism, and outright rejection. Today, an overwhelming majority of people believe in climate change and are in favor of various emissions-reducing policy measures. As Republican leaders respond to their constituents, offer solutions, and build coalitions such as the Conservative Climate Caucus in Congress, they are forced to navigate a landscape filled to the brim with accusations of greenwashing.
Republicans, of course, have a long history of environmental stewardship, and while some may not be eager to welcome them to the table, the fact of the matter is that meaningful and durable climate policy cannot be achieved in their absence. For those who long for climate action, it should inspire hope, not suspicion, to see a party once opposed come around on the issue of climate change, particularly when the evidence for action has made itself so clear.
This shift has not been in rhetoric alone. Republicans have begun to champion climate solutions such as nuclear power, carbon capture technology, and natural climate solutions. These ideas support emissions reductions, have enormous public support, and have the political feasibility to pass now. This action can take immediate effect, in contrast to the Left’s preference for the Green New Deal, increased taxes, and the abolition of entire industries. While Democrats may criticize Republican solutions for not going far enough, their so-called solutions are hotly debated while our time to take action slips away.
At times, it seems our country is more divided than ever. Perhaps to no one’s surprise, despite the political tribalism that runs rampant in our two-party system, people don’t feel represented by either. In fact, according to Gallup, 62% of people agree that the “parties do such a poor job representing the American people that a third party is needed.” This percentage includes 63% of self-identified Republicans and 70% of independents.
Perhaps, as both parties shift and shuffle their platforms, we should view it not as malicious flip-flopping in need of calling out but as a realignment with the values of the people. It is not a sign of weakness to change your mind when presented with new and compelling arguments, but a sign of strength. After all, it requires the changing of both hearts and minds to make progress in politics.
Danielle Butcher is the executive vice president at the American Conservation Coalition.
