At issue: Is this drive among youth toward right wing libertarianism a new opportunity for Democrats to refocus their efforts on family which could deliver a better message of hope for their future?

The Democrats need to craft a counter-narrative that addresses the growing appeal of Right-Wing Libertarianism—an ideology no one seems to be discussing in depth. The anarchic “tear it all down” sentiment isn’t just rooted in Trump’s base of support; it also reflects the mindset of an unengaged electorate that turned out in 2024 to push Trump over the top.

The Fight for the 11%

Elections are often decided by what I call the “11%”—the swing voters who tip the balance in a deeply polarized electorate where both Democrats and Republicans command around 40% support each. This group leaned toward Trump in 2024, drawn to a shared sense of disillusionment with traditional institutions and a desire to “burn it all down.”

While Trump’s base is largely driven by cultural alienation and resentment of so-called elites, the 11% is more nuanced. They cite issues like inflation or border security as their primary concerns, but their underlying sentiment reflects a New Frontier-style populism—a decentralized vision that resists traditional structures of governance.

Historical Parallels: Right-Wing Libertarianism

Historically, pure right-wing libertarian governance has been rare. However, the American Wild West offers a glimpse of its ethos: a time when federal authority was weak, and local power was often held by financial interests like railroads and oil magnates. Lawmen operated with impunity, often alongside private enforcers like the Pinkertons, maintaining order on behalf of corporations rather than communities.

Donald Trump channels the spirit of a gunslinger—a rule-breaking outsider promising to “clean house” and let the chips fall where they may. This appeals to the libertarian-leaning segment of the electorate, who value decentralized authority and disdain institutional control.

Contradictions in Red States

Despite Trump’s victory, many ballot initiatives won in red states that reflected progressive priorities: paid family leave, minimum wage increases, abortion protections, and cannabis decriminalization (a libertarian hallmark). These results highlight a key tension: even in conservative regions, voters increasingly support policies that prioritize community well-being over strict ideological purity.

For example, even prominent right-wing youth leader Charlie Kirk supports paid family leave—a policy that blends libertarian ideals of local decision-making with a more progressive, pro-family agenda. This demonstrates that some elements of right-wing libertarianism can align with policies traditionally championed by Democrats.

A Pro-Family Agenda: The Democrats’ Opportunity

To counter the libertarian narrative, Democrats must frame their platform around a pro-working families agenda. This message resonates across ideological lines because it addresses the real concerns of voters: affordable housing, education, healthcare, and financial support for starting families.

Critics may argue that such policies expand the welfare state, but state intervention in the economy is already pervasive—even Republicans embrace it when it suits their constituencies. For instance, GOP candidates in manufacturing-heavy districts supported the CHIPS Act, which invests in domestic semiconductor production to reduce reliance on China and Taiwan.

The Role of Young People

Democrats must also address the growing disenchantment of young voters, who despite supporting libertarian ideas after having read one book by Ayn Rand, when pushed, see libertarianism’s “you’re on your own” philosophy as unworkable. The housing crisis, for example, discourages family formation, as young people struggle with the cost of homeownership. Pro-family policies—child tax credits, daycare vouchers, paid leave, and home-buying incentives—offer practical solutions that resonate with both progressives and moderates.

Christian Nationalism and Abortion

Christian Nationalists, by contrast, advocate for outright abortion bans. However, moderate Christians still align with Bill Clinton’s mantra of making abortion “safe, legal, and rare.” Democrats should aim to reduce financial pressures on women who consider abortion for economic reasons. With 37% of women citing financial hardship as their primary reason for seeking an abortion, Democrats can propose incentives like child tax credits and family-focused subsidies to address this concern.

By framing reproductive rights as part of a broader pro-family agenda, Democrats can expand their base to include right-leaning independents. Studies show that abortion bans do not reduce the number of abortions, and this evidence-based approach could counter the binary messaging of both extremes. And people just know that driving abortion into the shadows under strict bans is unpalatable on many levels.

Conclusion

The path forward for Democrats lies in building a coalition around policies that support families and address economic challenges. A pro-family agenda, rooted in practical solutions, can bridge the ideological divide and appeal to voters across the spectrum, including those disillusioned by libertarian ideals. By emphasizing shared values and local solutions, Democrats can reclaim the narrative and broaden their appeal to the critical 11%.