The longer they talk about identity politics, I got 'em. I want
The longer they talk about identity politics, I got 'em. I want them to talk about racism every day. If the Left is focused on race and identity, and we go with economic nationalism, we can crush the Democrats.
Steve Bannon’s words—"The longer they talk about identity politics, I got 'em. I want them to talk about racism every day. If the Left is focused on race and identity, and we go with economic nationalism, we can crush the Democrats"—reveal the cold calculus of power. They are not the cry of a philosopher seeking truth, but the strategy of a warrior in the arena of politics, where words become weapons and divisions become tools. In them lies an ancient truth: rulers often triumph not by healing divisions, but by sharpening them, turning the attention of the people away from unity and toward conflict.
The heart of this teaching is manipulation. Identity politics and the discourse on racism—subjects born from centuries of pain and struggle—are here seen not as moral imperatives but as distractions to be exploited. Bannon’s strategy is clear: let the adversary be consumed by inner battles of race and identity, while his own side rallies around the banner of economic nationalism. It is the art of redirecting the people’s gaze, making division itself a weapon.
History offers us many examples of this dark wisdom. In the waning days of the Roman Republic, leaders such as Julius Caesar and Pompey harnessed the anger of the people by turning them against each other. While rivals debated lofty ideals, Caesar spoke of bread, land, and economic justice. By placing the struggle of survival above questions of identity or philosophy, he gained the loyalty of Rome’s poor and ultimately seized power. Thus, as Bannon himself echoes, battles over identity can fracture opponents, while appeals to survival and livelihood unite followers with unshakable strength.
Yet, the words also carry a warning for the ages. When leaders wield racism and identity not as wounds to be healed but as weapons to divide, the people suffer long after the battle is won. For the divisions inflamed for strategy become scars that last for generations. A nation built on economic nationalism but poisoned by division cannot endure. Unity purchased through the neglect of justice is fragile, and the victory of the moment may plant the seeds of downfall.
Let the generations remember: power gained through division is perilous power. The true leader does not rejoice when his people quarrel over identity, nor does he wield racism as a tool. Instead, he seeks to heal what is broken, to bind together what is fractured. For though the strategist may indeed “crush” his enemies with cunning, only the just ruler builds a legacy that survives the turning of the ages.
LHLe Hien
Bannon’s quote reveals a strategy of exploiting cultural divides, but is this truly beneficial for long-term political stability? Does focusing on race and identity politics create more harm than good, by reinforcing stereotypes and divisions? How can political leaders approach issues of racism, identity, and economics in a way that addresses systemic inequalities, rather than using them as tools for political maneuvering?
TThanh
The idea that focusing on race and identity can be used to undermine the Left is a tactic that plays on societal divisions. But is this really a path to success, or does it only deepen divisions? By emphasizing economic nationalism in opposition, does Bannon ignore the crucial need for social justice, equality, and reform in areas that have been historically marginalized? How do we balance economic interests with the need for social unity?
TTTruong Ngoc Thuy Trang
Bannon’s focus on using identity politics as a political weapon is concerning. How does this approach contribute to the polarization of society? By encouraging constant focus on race, does this distract from the real, everyday issues that affect people from all walks of life? How can we shift the conversation toward policies that unite people, rather than perpetuating divisions based on race and identity for political advantage?
KA7A2 Ky Anh
Steve Bannon’s quote seems to suggest a strategic approach, using identity politics to divide and distract. Is it ethical to manipulate race and identity issues for political gain? How does this impact societal unity if political figures intentionally keep these issues in the spotlight? What are the long-term consequences of focusing solely on economic nationalism at the expense of addressing deeper racial inequalities and societal needs?