I’m increasingly seeing references to RFK being a role model for a new crop of left-wing Democrats. Does this make sense, and could it work on a national level?
Yes. RFK’s constituency was an alliance of young people, liberals, union members, and minorities. His ideology was pro-worker without being explicitly grounded in socialism. It transcended the race/class division that separates Bernie Sanders from the rest of his party. If used properly, it could unite the Democrats and peel off enough white working class votes to win in 2020.
One can imagine someone like Kamala Harris picking up RFK’s mantle and having some success running with it in 2020. She would have to broaden her horizons beyond being an advocate for illegal immigrants and find a way to appeal to white working class men to make it work, however. Right now, I don’t see it, but it is early days.