The Democratic Party is at a crossroads. As midterm elections loom and the economy remains a top voter concern, a heated debate is unfolding within the party’s ranks: Should Democrats embrace the Republican playbook of tax cuts, or should they double down on ambitious social programs funded by a broad, progressive tax base? The latest episode of the Neon Liberalism podcast, “Against Slopulism, For Taxes?” with Elizabeth Wilkins, president and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute, cuts to the heart of this tension. Wilkins, a former senior advisor to the White House chief of staff and director of policy planning at the Federal Trade Commission, argues that the party’s current flirtation with tax cuts—what she and others call “slopulism”—risks abandoning the core principles of economic fairness and shared prosperity that define liberalism.
The term “slopulism” is a pointed critique, blending “slop” with populism to describe policies that appeal to voters with broad, often unsustainable tax cuts, while ignoring the structural inequities that have widened under decades of stagnant wages and rising costs. Wilkins and her colleagues at the Roosevelt Institute warn that such an approach not only fails to address inequality but also undermines the party’s long-term credibility. “Tax cuts are always popular with the people who receive them,” Wilkins has noted in recent discussions, “but they’re rarely the solution to the problems we face.” Instead, she advocates for a return to the New Deal-era vision of using the tax code to fund social programs that benefit all Americans, not just the wealthy.
The debate is not just theoretical. With the legacy of “Bidenomics”—the economic policies associated with President Joe Biden’s administration—still under scrutiny, Democrats are grappling with how to present a compelling economic narrative. Wilkins points to the Roosevelt Institute’s research, which argues that the tax system should be seen not just as a revenue generator but as the foundation of both economic opportunity and democratic participation. “Our tax code structures the highly foundations of our economy and democracy,” she says. “It’s time to ask: What kind of country do we want to build?”
The Problem with ‘Slopulism’
At its core, “slopulism” reflects a political strategy that prioritizes short-term electoral gains over long-term economic health. Democratic senators and lawmakers have recently proposed tax cut plans that, while popular with middle- and upper-middle-class voters, would significantly reduce revenue without addressing the root causes of inequality or investing in public goods like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Critics argue that such measures risk deepening fiscal instability, particularly as the U.S. Faces aging infrastructure, a housing crisis, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ben Ritz, vice president of policy development at the Progressive Policy Institute, has been vocal about the dangers of this approach. In a recent interview, Ritz highlighted the budget math behind these proposals: “The numbers just don’t add up,” he said. “Tax cuts for the middle class sound great, but they often come at the expense of investments in the things that actually improve people’s lives—like childcare, healthcare, and green energy.” Wilkins echoes this concern, emphasizing that the party’s focus should be on policies that create shared prosperity, not just temporary relief.
Yet the temptation to adopt slopulist policies is strong. Tax cuts are politically palatable, and in an era of polarized politics, Democrats may feel pressure to compete with Republicans on their own turf. But Wilkins argues that this strategy is a losing game. “Democrats have always been the party of economic opportunity,” she says. “If we abandon that, what are we left with?”
A Return to New Deal Principles
Wilkins’ vision for the Democratic Party is rooted in the New Deal and the progressive tradition of using government to address systemic inequities. She advocates for a tax system that funds universal programs—such as childcare, healthcare, and student debt relief—while ensuring that the wealthy pay their fair share. “The question is not whether we can afford these programs,” she argues, “but whether we can afford not to have them.”
This approach aligns with the Roosevelt Institute’s broader mission to promote economic justice. The institute’s research underscores the need for a tax code that not only raises revenue but also reinforces democratic values. For example, a progressive tax system can fund public education, reduce the burden of student debt, and invest in renewable energy—all of which create jobs and reduce inequality. Wilkins points to countries like Denmark and Sweden, where high taxes fund robust social safety nets, as models for what’s possible.
However, implementing such a vision requires political courage. It means confronting entrenched interests, including corporate lobbyists and wealthy donors who benefit from the current tax structure. It also means convincing voters that long-term investments in public goods are worth the short-term pain of higher taxes for the wealthy. Wilkins acknowledges that This represents a tough sell, but she remains optimistic. “People want to believe in something bigger than themselves,” she says. “They want to believe that their government can work for them—not just for the rich.”
What’s Next for the Democratic Party?
The debate over slopulism and taxes is far from over. As the 2026 midterms approach, Democrats will face pressure to deliver tangible results for voters. Wilkins and her colleagues at the Roosevelt Institute are pushing for a renewed focus on economic fairness, arguing that the party’s future depends on it. “This is a moment for Democrats to reclaim their economic narrative,” she says. “It’s time to stop chasing the Republican tail and start building an economy that works for everyone.”
The next checkpoint in this debate will likely be the release of major party policy platforms ahead of the midterms, as well as the outcomes of key state and local elections. These will shape the national conversation on taxes, inequality, and the role of government in the economy. For now, Wilkins and her allies are working to ensure that the Democratic Party stays true to its progressive roots—advocating for policies that create opportunity for all, not just the few.
As the conversation evolves, one thing is clear: The choice Democrats face is not just about taxes. It’s about the kind of country they want to build—and whether they have the courage to fight for it.
“Our tax code structures the very foundations of our economy and democracy. It’s time to ask: What kind of country do we want to build?” —Elizabeth Wilkins, President and CEO, Roosevelt Institute
What do you think? Should Democrats prioritize tax cuts or invest in broad social programs? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
