Are Blue State Leftist Content Creators Fueling Fascism in Red States?

The unseen impact of blue-state political apathy on red state politics.

Obviously, not all. 😉

In recent years, the political landscape in the United States has seen increasing polarization between blue and red states. As we now see the rise of authoritarianism, it’s important to consider all factors contributing to this.

One such factor is the influence of blue-state leftist content creators, whose words inadvertently contribute to the rise of fascism in red states by fostering political apathy and disengagement.

Who are these so-called influencers?

My goal isn’t to call anyone specific. There are many. They are people online who have amassed hundreds of thousands, even millions, of followers and focus most of their content on political topics, especially current events. Despite their national audience, all of them are based in safe-blue states like California or New York.

There’s been an uptick lately of popular leftist content creators expressing their deep dissatisfaction, particularly with national Democratic leadership. This discontent often translates into a message of disengagement, where these influencers openly discuss their plans to abstain from voting. If you use social media, you may have seen videos or posts like this.

The reasoning varies. They say Democrats have failed to secure student loan forgiveness, they’re angry over the handling of Palestine, or they believe there is no difference between the Democrats and the Republicans. They all have the same conclusion and tell their large audiences, “I won’t vote.”

While these sentiments may resonate with their followers who share similar frustrations, they also foster political apathy. When influential voices repeatedly tell their audiences that voting won’t change anything, it can lead to widespread disengagement, especially among younger and more impressionable voters.

It’s not their problem. It isn’t their responsibility.

Voting is the bare minimum we should ALL be doing as a barrier from letting the fascists take control.

Of course, if you’re in a blue state, you don’t have to worry about:

• Having a child taken from the home if they are gay.

• Whether a pregnancy will take your life.

• Facing charges if you leave the state to access abortion care.

• Living under “stand your ground laws” which leads to unjustified violence against people of color.

• Fighting over banned books at your child’s school.

• Environmental roll-back leading to polluting your neighborhood.

These are just some of the brutal realities faced by those living in red states, where conservative and authoritarian policies dominate. Influencers from blue states inadvertently weaken the resistance against these dangerous policies by fostering political apathy in their nationwide audiences.

Should blue-state content creators in political spaces act with more responsibility?

In a state like Texas, where the political landscape is already challenging for Democrats, decreased voter turnout can significantly tilt the balance in favor of authoritarian candidates. This leads to Republicans implementing policies that undermine democratic values and civil rights.

Here are the questions we should consider: Do blue-state leftist content creators have an ethical responsibility toward their red-state audience? Aside from discussing President Biden's or Congress's federal politics, should they remind their audiences how important it is to vote in state and local elections?

People who fall left of the political line, from a hair to a mile, need to vote blue in Texas State Politics because:

• Texas’ minimum wage is still $7.25 per hour, while California’s is $15.50.

• Texas is a right-to-work state, while Michigan repealed its right-to-work laws.

• Texas has outlawed abortions completely, even in the cases of rape and incest, while New York allows it up to 24 weeks.

Maybe your rights aren't on the line, but so many others are.

While the frustrations of blue-state leftist influencers are valid, there is a broader impact of their messages. By encouraging political apathy and disengagement, they inadvertently contribute to the rise of fascism in red states, where the stakes are incredibly high.

Texas has the numbers to flip into a Democratic state—this year.

Not enough people are talking about it. We have the numbers by both demographics and voter lean. Unfortunately, the people in Texas don’t vote.

Isn’t Texas already the most challenging state to vote in?

Yes, that’s why every single vote in Texas counts.

Blue-state influencers need to understand the unique political dynamics of red states and consider the far-reaching consequences of their words.

Anti-voting is not revolutionary and allows even worse people to come into power. In Texas, that is the Republicans in our state government. They’ve been in charge of Texas for 30 years, and because of them:

• One out of four children faces hunger.

• Texas has the 10th highest poverty rate in the nation.

• 40% of homes are at extreme risk due to climate change.

• Texas is the nation’s biggest emitter of toxic substances into streams.

• Texas is the worst state for maternal mortality.

From a leftist in a blue state, the system of voting may seem like a sham. Still, fascists in Texas have already consolidated central authority and now use it to harm marginalized groups.

Non-voting leftists fail to provide an adequate barrier against fascists who want to dilute minority voting power.

Here are some of the fascist bills passed by the State Legislature in Texas in the last years:

• Tightens voting regulations by restricting mail-in voting, increasing penalties for voting-related offenses, and granting more power to partisan poll watchers.

• Prohibits healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming medical treatments to transgender minors.

• Implement a total abortion ban.

• Allows Texans aged 21 and older to carry handguns without a permit.

• Limit teachers discussing race and current events in classrooms.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. These are authoritarian policies. It can get worse, and Texas Legislative Republicans have promised it will get worse.

Leftists, progressives, liberals, Socialist Democrats, Moderate Democrats, and even Centrist Democrats all have one thing in common—the ability to be rational and have empathy. Compared to our right-spectrum counterparts, it's also about living in reality.

Think about this. If voting didn't matter, why do Republicans work so hard to dilute minority votes? While you’re not voting and waiting on a revolution, fascists are being given the power to hurt marginalized communities now. And sitting out of the voting process is handing them that power.

Fascists don't care how we feel about the system. They're still going to use it against us.

Throughout history, political apathy and disengagement have often paved the way for the rise of authoritarian regimes. When citizens withdraw from the political process and fail to participate in elections or civic activities, it creates a vacuum that authoritarian leaders can exploit. This pattern has been observed in several historical contexts:

• Germany in the 1930s.

• Italy in the 1920s.

• Spain in the 1930s.

In each case, the lack of active civic participation and the erosion of democratic norms allowed authoritarian leaders to consolidate power, suppress dissent, and implement repressive policies.

Maybe blue-state political influencers should be responsible for learning that history.

In 2020, Texas placed 51st in voter turnout among all states and Washington, DC.

Again, Texas has the numbers to flip into a Democratic state.

That would mean access to healthcare and fair wages for millions of people.

The irony of it all.

These influencers, who are spreading the word about not voting, are mostly doing so because of President Joe Biden’s stance on Palestine/Israel. Earlier this month, here is what the Texas Democratic Party passed regarding Palestine at their biannual convention under “Promote Human Rights and Democracy:”

The Texas Democratic Party platform includes progressive foreign policies, such as the stance on Palestine, reflecting the party's alignment with grassroots activists and broader progressive values in Texas.

The Texas Democratic Party is responsive to the voices and demands of grassroots activists. These activists are often the party's most passionate and engaged members, driving campaigns, mobilizing voters, and pushing for policy changes.

And, to you, the blue-state leftist.

To you, the blue-state leftist who wants to be radical and tell your millions of followers, “I’m not voting because I want to teach Democrats a lesson,” you influence your national, younger, and perhaps more impressionable followers. This leads to voter apathy in a state where everyone left of the middle has joined together to fight the very real fascism that’s banging on our door. And you do this in a state where their voter base seems to agree with what you’re angry about.

The Texas Democratic Party's platform includes these progressive policies to provide a framework for holding elected officials accountable. When the party officially adopts these policies, it sets clear expectations for lawmakers to advocate for and implement these positions. Hello! 🙄

To you, the blue state leftist, sitting on your high horse in a state where the worst job pays you $15 per hour, you know your kid is safe being their authentic self, and you don’t have to worry about access to healthcare if you get sick; answer this:

• Did the California Democratic Party call for assisting Gaza in rebuilding the West Bank?

• Did the New York Democratic Party call for supporting the establishment of Palestine as a sovereign state?

• Did the National Democratic Party support the enforcement of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention regarding illegal settlements in Palestine?

I’ll save you the Google search, although feel free to do so. The answer is NO.

Before anyone both-sides it, the Texas Democratic Party platform also:

• Demands the release of all American hostages and prisoners wrongfully detained and held against their will.

• Recognize and oppose the genocidal actions and goals of Hamas as stated in their founding covenant and support the removal of Hamas from any governmental positions and from the ability to utilize armed conflict.

• Recognize the creation of the state of Israel and its ongoing right to exist in safe and secure borders.

The platform does not simply choose sides in complex international issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Instead, it aims to present the most humane paths forward, emphasizing human rights, justice, and the well-being of all people involved. This balanced approach is reflected in several critical aspects of their platform.

So, do blue-state leftist content creators have a responsibility to their red-state audiences when they have a national platform?

State and local elections are critical in shaping day-to-day policies and protecting democratic values.

Not enough Texans or Americans understand the importance of voting for anything besides the president. In Texas, getting everyone involved has been extra challenging because we are such a large state with different regions.

Perhaps the blue-state leftists think that is not their problem. It isn’t their problem that we have media holes or messaging failures. And, of course, they don’t know about the growing divide between its predominantly Republican leadership and a burgeoning progressive movement within the Texas Democratic Party.

• Anti-voting sentiments can lead to the election of leaders who roll back hard-won protections and rights, including reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental protections, and labor rights.

• Disengagement particularly harms marginalized communities, who are often the most affected by regressive policies.

• Encouraging people not to vote overlooks the strategic importance of local and state elections, which can significantly impact daily life.

Anti-voting sentiments may be born out of frustration, but they weaken the progressive movement and empower fascists.

We all need to reframe the narrative around voting. It is a powerful act of resistance and a fundamental part of any revolutionary strategy. Voting should not be seen as passive but as one of the many tools available in the broader struggle for justice and equality.

State and local elections are significant. These elections influence policies and practices that shape everyday life, from public education to healthcare, environmental protection, and criminal justice reform. Active participation in these elections ensures that progressive voices are heard and represented at all levels of government, paving the way for policies that reflect our collective values and priorities.

Voting is just the beginning. Equally important is holding elected officials accountable and advocating for progressive policies through sustained activism and community organizing.

The Texas Democratic voter base is serious about holding elected officials accountable when they diverge from the path, as evident by the recent primary runoff between Shawn Thierry and Lauren Simmons.

Together, we all need to take a dual approach—voting and ongoing advocacy—to ensure that the political system remains responsive to the people's needs and demands.

It must be up to all of us, individuals, influencers, activists, and everyone who believes in justice. The path forward is to reframe the narrative, educate and mobilize our communities, focus on the critical impact of local elections, and commit to holding our leaders accountable.

Vote early, vote often, just vote.

• 140 days left until the November 5 election!

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