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Political Analyst Zerlina Maxwell On Identity, Voting And Politics

Host Zerlina Maxwell appears in a discussion on the work of the Congressional Black Caucus at SiriusXM Studio in Washington, DC.
Host Zerlina Maxwell appears in a discussion on the work of the Congressional Black Caucus at SiriusXM Studio in Washington, DC.

By 2045, it’s estimated that people of color will make up a majority of the U.S. population. That shift will have a major impact on our political priorities because of the power of identity politics.

Political analyst Zerlina Maxwell says that the white part of the American electorate has always been prioritized by politicians. Her new book, “The End of White Politics,” deals with how the changing demographics of America will change which issues are discussed during election years and beyond.

Reparations, police brutality, social programs and other issues that are less likely to affect white voters are becoming central aspects of the national conversation.

How well do political parties represent all Americans? And what do candidates who need people of color to vote for them need to understand?

Copyright 2020 WAMU 88.5

Kathryn Fink
Kathryn Fink is a producer with NPR's All Things Considered.