By Michael Kelman Portney

In a world drowning in self-congratulatory wokeness, corporate virtue signaling, and the hollow shell of identity politics, dirtbag liberalism shines like a raw, unfiltered beacon. It’s not just a reaction to the failures of neoliberalism or the insufferable smugness of PC culture—it’s the most authentic, effective way forward for a leftist movement that has been neutered by its obsession with respectability. In 2025 and beyond, dirtbag liberalism isn’t just necessary—it’s inevitable.

What Dirtbag Liberalism Stands For

Let’s get one thing straight: dirtbag liberalism is not about rejecting progressive ideals. It’s about rejecting the bullshit that comes with the sanitized, upper-class version of liberalism that prioritizes identity optics over material change. Dirtbag liberals don’t care about whether your politician uses the perfect pronouns if their policies are still gutting the working class. They don’t give a damn about rainbow logos during Pride Month if the same companies are exploiting their workers and dodging taxes.

What dirtbag liberalism does care about is reaching the lowest common denominator: the working and middle class, the people who’ve been systematically screwed over by decades of bipartisan neoliberal policies. It’s about creating a unifying message that transcends the tribalism of identity politics and speaks to the material struggles that bind us all together. Because what could be more progressive than building a movement that works for everyone?

Identity Politics Isn’t Enough

Here’s the brutal truth: identity politics, as it’s practiced today, has failed. That doesn’t mean the issues of marginalized groups aren’t important—they absolutely are—but the way identity politics has been weaponized to divide and distract is a disaster. When you’re prioritizing representation over substance, you end up with CEOs who break glass ceilings while stepping on the necks of their employees. When you’re obsessed with optics, you end up alienating the very people you need to win over: the working class.

Dirtbag liberals recognize that the average person doesn’t care about your identity checklist. They care about whether they can afford rent, whether they can see a doctor without going bankrupt, and whether their kids have a future. And if you’re too busy scolding people over tone to address those issues, you’re not progressive—you’re part of the problem.

Speaking to the Middle Class

The middle class is the backbone of any successful progressive movement. These are the people who’ve been squeezed dry by the gig economy, rising healthcare costs, stagnant wages, and crushing student debt. They’re pissed off, and they have every right to be. But if your message is wrapped in academic jargon or filtered through the lens of hyper-woke cultural gatekeeping, they’re not going to hear you.

Dirtbag liberalism cuts through the noise. It speaks plainly and directly to the frustrations of the average person. It doesn’t care about being polite or polished—it cares about being real. Because the reality is, if you want to build a coalition that can actually win, you can’t afford to alienate the people who are struggling the most.

Humor as a Weapon

One of the most powerful tools in the dirtbag arsenal is humor. Why? Because humor disarms. It exposes the absurdity of the system while making the message accessible to people who might not otherwise engage with it. That’s why Chapo Trap House has been so effective—it’s not just a podcast, it’s a cultural force that uses humor to connect with people on a visceral level.

Dirtbag liberalism understands that you don’t win people over with dry policy papers or endless scolding. You win them over by making them laugh, making them feel understood, and then showing them that there’s a better way.

Carrying the Torch in 2025 and Beyond

So, how do we keep the dirtbag flame alive in 2025 and beyond? Here’s the blueprint:

1. Reject Respectability Politics: Stop worrying about whether your message is “too crude” or “too aggressive.” Progress doesn’t come from politeness—it comes from passion and truth.

2. Center the Working Class: Speak to the material struggles that affect the majority of people, not just the cultural concerns of a privileged few. Focus on policies that improve lives, not just slogans that look good on a tote bag.

3. Call Out Corporate Wokeness: Don’t let companies and politicians distract you with empty gestures. Representation is meaningless without material progress.

4. Embrace Humor and Authenticity: Be real, be funny, and don’t take yourself too seriously. People respond to authenticity, not pretentiousness.

5. Build a Broad Coalition: Identity politics alone won’t save us. We need a movement that speaks to everyone, regardless of race, gender, or cultural background.

Why Dirtbag Liberalism Is Necessary

The stakes have never been higher. The planet is burning, inequality is skyrocketing, and the political establishment is more interested in protecting its donors than solving problems. We don’t have time for watered-down liberalism that cares more about tone than action.

Dirtbag liberalism is the antidote to all of that. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it doesn’t give a shit about your delicate sensibilities. It’s about cutting through the bullshit and building a movement that actually works for the people.

The future belongs to the dirtbags. It’s time to embrace it.