A Redefinition
In 1969, Richard Nixon gave a speech in which he coined an important political phrase, that of the “silent majority”. He wasn’t speaking to those that were extremists; he was appealing to the normal, middle-class, white Americans who he hoped would support his Vietnam policy. This simple slogan has reappeared throughout various political campaigns, including the current one. There have even been signs proclaiming “THE SILENT MAJORITY STANDS WITH TRUMP”. But while Trump’s supporters may more closely resemble Nixon’s white, middle-class, GOP supporters, it is Hillary’s rebranding of the “silent majority” that is pivotal to this campaign. Hers is one forged from diversity. Clinton’s majority includes racial minorities, educated women, single mothers, and more than 70% of the LGBTQ population. Although she has fairly consistently led in the polls, we have not seen near as many large, boisterous rallies for Clinton as we have seen for Trump. Rebecca Traister wrote after the Iowa caucus that “this is a paradigm; it’s why Mom is the disciplinarian and Dad is the fun guy, why women remain the brains and organizational workhorses behind social movements while men get to be the gut-ripping orators.” Perhaps, though, the tides are beginning to change on this front. Hillary Clinton may be able to change public perception just as Clinton’s supporters have redefined the “silent majority”.
Speaking to the “Silent Majority”
So how is Hillary Clinton speaking to this new middle-class? To the new “silent majority”? As discussed in prior blog posts, Clinton’s main objective in reaching this redefined crowd seems to be the family route. She has consistently painted herself as the candidate who cares for the family, thus solidifying herself with those single mothers and women who now make up part of the new middle-class. Clinton has also targeted points toward others in this changing majority. In a recent New York Times Q&A, she addressed various issues related to climate change, stating that “we can and will take on climate change, build a clean energy economy, and leave our kids and grandkids a safe and healthy world—because there is no Planet B”. In the same Q&A, Clinton also addressed gun violence and the steps she would take to reduce mass shootings. By targeting her rhetoric at messages that speak to this new middle-class, Hillary Clinton can further expand her base. In the same way that Obama successfully redefined the American Dream in his 2004 DNC speech, Clinton can redefine Nixon’s “silent majority” to include the modern makeup of the American middle-class.