Jill Connell, a 66-year-old undecided Republican voter from Kansas, is tired of the term “woke.” She believes the definition of the word is too literal and describes it as “goofy” and “ridiculous.” Connell, a person of faith who believes in loving everybody, is not alone in her sentiment. Republicans, who have been using “woke” as a rallying cry for almost two years, seem to be moving away from the war on woke.
At the recent Iowa State Fair, Republican presidential candidates largely avoided mentioning wokeness by name. Even Nikki Haley, who had previously called wokeness more dangerous than COVID, did not talk about it at all. The tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who wrote a manifesto against wokeness in corporate America, only used the term a few times in his speeches. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his offensive against woke culture, downplayed his stance against Disney, his woke foil, mentioning the company only once. Previously, DeSantis had used the word “woke” seven times in just 26 seconds. Donald Trump, who had criticized the use of the term, focused more on attacking DeSantis than emphasizing the inefficacy of woke rhetoric. Recent polls show that Republican voters respond better to bread-and-butter issues like tax cuts and lowering crime, rather than banning abortion or restricting classroom discussions on race, gender, and sexuality.
Although DeSantis appeared to use the word “woke” more than other candidates in Iowa, it didn’t generate the same impact it once did. Republican voters were torn on the issue of wokeness. While they expressed concerns about left-wing ideas entering public life, they also recognized that politicians using the term could be seen as pandering. For example, Tiffany Welch, an undecided voter, stated that talking about wokeness wouldn’t sway her vote in the upcoming election. Many voters struggle to define wokeness precisely, as it is subjective and varies from person to person. Ashley Long, a Trump supporter at the fair, defined wokeness as anger, dishonesty, and a deviation from what America should be. She expressed her desire for her young half-Black daughter not to feel like a victim and believed that anyone, regardless of race, could become president.
Celia Criswell, a retiree from Des Moines, stated that a Republican candidate must be firmly anti-woke to earn her vote. However, she declined to provide a definition of wokeness, suggesting that it may be a controversial topic. Criswell eventually linked wokeness to issues such as late-term abortion and gender therapy for transgender minors, which she strongly opposes and considers a litmus test for candidates. Another Iowa voter, Richard, described wokeness as an attempt to change the face of America by blurring the lines between genders. However, he admitted that wokeness is not a top priority when choosing a presidential nominee.
Polls support the notion that wokeness is not a deciding factor for Republican primary voters. When given a choice between a candidate focused on defeating woke ideology and one focused on restoring law and order, the majority chose the latter. Similarly, fewer Republicans considered it important for a president to support limiting the rights of transgender individuals compared to those who prioritized tax cuts. Additionally, only a small percentage of voters preferred a candidate who would punish businesses for supporting LGBTQ rights.
While woke rhetoric may not be falling flat, it is not at the forefront of voters’ minds. According to Don Levy, the director of the Siena College Research Institute, anti-woke themes still resonate with voters but are often discussed without using the term itself. Vivek Ramaswamy, the entrepreneur who initially centered his campaign on being “anti-woke,” has rebranded to focus on “Truth” instead. This shift reflects the evolving nature of the political landscape and the need for candidates to adapt their messaging.
In conclusion, the term “woke” no longer holds the same influence it once did in Republican discourse. Voters are divided on the concept of wokeness, with some expressing concerns about left-wing ideology infiltrating society and others considering it a non-issue. Polls indicate that bread-and-butter issues like tax cuts and crime reduction resonate more with Republican voters. Candidates are still discussing anti-woke themes, but they are moving away from using the buzzword itself. The evolving political landscape requires adaptability and a focus on broader themes that resonate with voters.
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