The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Republicans use 'wokeism' to attack the left - but struggle to define it

By Ashley Parker and Liz Goodwin

21 Feb 2023 · 6 min read

Editor's Note

Republican candidates overuse the term 'woke' to attack Democrat supporters, oppose climate change policies and transgender rights, among others. The Washington Post asks if this tactic wins votes.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), a likely 2024 presidential candidate, used his January inaugural address to warn of "the woke mob" and its "woke ideology."

Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, recently released a statement blaming the military's recruitment challenges on "the Left's culture wars" and a "woke agenda."

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