Racism in American politics is not a relic of the past. It is a systemic inequality that is deeply rooted and embedded within laws, institutions and public discourse. Today, the nation is witnessing and experiencing how racial division and strategic misinformation shape political identity, further polarization and determine who participates in democracy. As hyperpartisanship deepens, racial issues are increasingly weaponized, not solved. 

For generations, public opinion and civil rights have been shaped by both clear and subtle forms of political racism. These patterns are some that span from gerrymandered districts that can dilute minority voting power to create voter suppression. While these tactics evolve, the intent is always familiar. Preserving political dominance while limiting the power of communities of color is targeted within these maneuvers. 

There is a modern political rhetoric that reflects this persistence. The use of dehumanizing language by using terms like “illegal aliens” to describe immigrants or calling groups of people “animals” has become common in mainstream political dialogue. Such language reinforces xenophobic fears, which creates a climate where immigrants and racial minorities are seen not as neighbors, but painted as threats. Even government communication platforms, including the official White House media this year, have amplified videos designed to provoke fear rather than foster understanding and peace.

 This strategy is not accidental. Certain political parties have adopted racially charged messaging as a central campaign tactic. This is a rhetorical approach that scholars describe as white ethnonationalism. This is defined as the belief in which the nation’s identity and political power should remain rooted in whiteness. Additionally, the book “White Fragility” by sociologist Robin DiAngelo, helps to explain why these messages resonate with some voters. Though it is not a book that centers around racism in politics or white ethnonationalism, DiAngelo argues that many white Americans have been conditioned to react defensively when confronted with racial inequality, interpreting discussions about race as personal attacks. By framing racial justice movements as threats to identity or security, it energizes a base primed to respond with fear, suspicion and anger. 

The presidency of Barack Obama and the rise of former Vice President Kamala Harris illustrates how racial progress and backlash often occur simultaneously. Obama’s historic election was hailed as a sign of a more inclusive America, yet it also fueled conspiracy theories and racialized misinformation. Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as Vice President, has become another frequent target of racially tinged attacks. These range from people questioning her citizenship and heritage to spreading conspiracy narratives, demonstrating how minority political leaders are uniquely targeted in ways aimed at undermining legitimacy. This is also seen with Usha Vance, Vice President J.D. Vance’s wife, as there have been racist remarks made towards her ethnic background. She is the daughter of immigrants and has faced a troubling wave of online abuse, including derogatory remarks, inflammatory language about her religion, and xenophobic rhetoric.

The cumulative effect is a political climate where racial tensions are not just reflected but amplified. Hyperpartisanship magnifies every message, pushing political identities into hardened camps and making compromise increasingly difficult. In this environment, racism is not an incidental byproduct of political conflict, it is a deliberate strategy with profound consequences, such as deepened racial polarization and political realignment. 

As the nation approaches another election cycle, the role of race in politics remains unmistakable. From legislative chambers to campaign rallies to social media feeds, the struggle over America’s identity continues to be shaped by how power is distributed, but most importantly, by whom.