Why “Woke 1” was so “crazy,” and what progressives should do about it.

Key Points:

• Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary saw a surprising upset as David Crowley, who had suspended and then reentered the race late, narrowly defeated Francesca Hong, a progressive candidate associated with the Democratic Socialists of America and a dominant early frontrunner.
• Hong’s campaign was hindered by associations with what the author terms “Woke 1,” a left-wing cultural movement characterized by highly codified language, performative guilt, and insularity, which alienated many voters despite its moral intentions.
• The article critiques the extreme positions and tone of Woke 1, such as Hong’s 2020 tweet calling to cancel Thanksgiving due to its colonialist history, arguing that such messaging failed to resonate with ordinary Americans who reject constant self-flagellation and guilt.
• Prominent progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have begun distancing themselves from the excesses of Woke 1, signaling a shift toward a more pragmatic, inclusive, and hopeful left-wing politics that seeks to engage rather than alienate the broader electorate.
• The piece concludes that while the Democratic base remains energized and radicalized on many issues, future success depends on adopting a more grounded, positive form of wokeness that emphasizes common humanity and practical progress over ideological purity and moralizing.