GOP Debate Proves Attacks on “Woke Capitalism” Are Bad Politics

During tonight’s presidential debate, Republican candidates were conspicuously silent when it came to their usual attacks on American businesses for their so-called “woke” capitalism. In response, Climate Power Executive Director Lori Lodes released the following statement:

“Donald Trump wasn’t the only thing missing from tonight’s debate stage. The GOP’s usual attacks on so-called ‘woke capitalism’ were also noticeably absent. It seems these GOP candidates may have finally read the polls showing that the anti-free market attacks on American businesses making environmentally responsible investments are wildly unpopular—not to mention bad for business.” 

Here’s what you need to know about how the GOP attacks do not reflect the will of voters across the country and in both parties:

• Across party lines, Americans overwhelmingly support corporations’ efforts to invest responsibly and improve diversity in their organizations. Most Republicans oppose their party’s attacks on environmentally responsible investing.
• A majority (52 percent) of Republican primary voters would choose “a candidate who says that the government should stay out of deciding what corporations can support” over “a candidate who promises to fight corporations that promote ‘woke’ left ideology.” 
• And within companies, responsible investing is highly popular among employees, with 7 out of 10 employees more likely to apply to or stay with an employer that cares about sustainability.