America's problem is White people keep backing the Republican Party. The alliance between Republicans and White Americans is the most important and problematic dynamic in American politics today. However, the discourse often downplays the Whiteness of the Republican coalition. Journalists and political commentators have used terms like "Middle America" and "the working class" to describe Trump's supporters, ignoring the overwhelming Whiteness of the group.

America's problem is White people keep backing the Republican Party. The alliance between Republicans and White Americans is the most important and problematic dynamic in American politics today. However, the discourse often downplays the Whiteness of the Republican coalition. Journalists and political commentators have used terms like "Middle America" and "the working class" to describe Trump's supporters, ignoring the overwhelming Whiteness of the group.

The Republican Party is the preferred choice of White people across various demographics. From evangelical Christians to rural areas, the South, and even gender-specific groups like White men and White women, the Republican Party holds a significant appeal among White Americans. While the majority of White people with four-year degrees backed Democrats in 2020, a substantial percentage still supported Trump. On the other hand, the percentage of Black and Latino Republican voters remains relatively small.

The overrepresentation of white voters in the electorate, coupled with the disproportionate power of less populated, predominantly White states in the electoral college and the Senate, further amplifies the influence of White Americans in politics. If the electorate mirrored the country's actual demographics, Trump would have won a smaller share of the national vote. Since 1964, no Democratic presidential candidate has won the majority of White voters.

The Republican Party has spent years courting White Americans, often by positioning Democrats as allies of minorities, particularly Black people and Latino immigrants. Even when not explicitly campaigning on racial issues, the party's defense of the status quo inherently protects White advantages. Policies aimed at reducing income and opportunity gaps between White Americans and people of color, such as raising taxes on the wealthy and making college more accessible, face opposition from Republicans.

The enduring support of White voters for the Republican Party, exemplified by Trumpism, poses a significant challenge for America. As White people are likely to remain the majority of voters for the next few decades, the country faces a troubling future. GOP officials across the nation are implementing measures that hinder non-Republicans from voting, banning books, gerrymandering, censoring educators, and denying legitimate election results. These actions further undermine the progress towards racial equity and justice.

In another vein, historian Clint Smith reflects on growing up in New Orleans and the symbolism embedded in names, symbols, and holidays. Streets named after Confederate leaders and schools honoring figures tied to slavery perpetuate narratives that shape public policies and the material conditions of people's lives. While removing statues or making Juneteenth a holiday cannot single-handedly eradicate racial disparities, they contribute to a broader ecosystem of narratives that recalibrate our understanding of communities and the need for investment in creating new opportunities.

Recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth as a holiday is essential, but it is not enough. It is a small part of a much longer and larger struggle to build a more equitable and just world. To address racial wealth gaps and systemic inequalities, actionable steps must be taken. Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Promote education and awareness: Encourage schools and educational institutions to teach a comprehensive and accurate history that includes the experiences of marginalized communities. This will help dismantle the narratives that perpetuate inequality and promote understanding and empathy.

2. Advocate for policy changes: Support policies that address income and opportunity gaps, such as increasing access to quality education, affordable housing, and healthcare. Push for reforms that promote equal representation in politics and dismantle barriers to voting.

3. Engage in difficult conversations: Foster dialogue about race, privilege, and systemic racism. Engage in conversations with family, friends, and colleagues to challenge biases and promote understanding. It is through these conversations that we can begin to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality.

In conclusion, the alliance between White Americans and the Republican Party is a significant challenge for American politics. Recognizing the role of Whiteness in the Republican coalition is crucial to understanding the dynamics at play. Additionally, addressing the history of slavery and racial injustices through education, policy changes, and open dialogue is essential for creating a more equitable and just society. The journey towards racial equity and justice is a long one, but it is one that requires collective action and a commitment to change.