The Democratic Party is seeing a rise in high-dominance style among its members, with leaders like Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky standing up for LGBTQ+ and abortion rights. Beshear proclaimed June Pride Month in the state and criticized the unvaccinated during the pandemic. When a Republican lawmaker attacked Beshear for his support of the LGBTQ+ community, the governor defended their rights as equal Kentuckians. Despite facing opposition, Beshear won re-election in a state that heavily favored Donald Trump in 2020.
Even though Democrats like President Biden have displayed moments of dominance, it’s not enough to ensure victory in elections. Former President Trump’s high-dominance style was powerful but also led to his defeat in 2020. Trump’s extreme dominance may turn off some voters and lead to legal challenges. However, his dominance remains a formidable tool, and challenging the Republican Party in areas where they are strongest could make them vulnerable in future elections.
There is an opportunity for Biden to reclaim dominance by following in the footsteps of past leaders who used their power to advance freedom, equality, and progress. By harnessing dominance in a positive way, Biden could counter the perception of being feeble due to his age. Political scientist M. Steven Fish suggests that adopting a higher-dominance approach could help Biden overcome Trumpism and restore democracy in the nation.
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In conclusion, the rise of high-dominance style among Democrats presents both opportunities and challenges for the party. Leaders like Gov. Andy Beshear are standing up for marginalized communities, while President Biden has shown moments of dominance in his political approach. It remains to be seen how Democrats will navigate the balance between dominance and other factors in future elections and policy decisions. Adapting a strategic approach to dominance could be key to overcoming challenges and promoting progress in the political landscape.
