Do the Democrats need to abandon (or at least tone down) identity politics if they want to win elections?

In a recent controversial new book, “The Once and Future Liberal,” Mark Lilla is highly critical of Black Lives Matter…and activists on the left, who, he says, are oblivious to electoral reality. But his position, he tells the New Yorker’s David Remnick, is in the service of effecting liberal change: “We cannot do anything for these groups we care about if we do not hold power—it is just talk. Our rhetoric in campaigning must be focussed on winning so we can help these people. An election is not about self-expression—it’s a contest.”​

This is from the New Yorker Radio Hour’s recent debate between host David Remnick and political scientist Mark Lilla, who argues that identity politics are hampering the ability of the Democrats to win elections. Their focus on “identity” issues and such alienates the rest of the electorate. They make these issues specific to one demographic and do not make them relatable. They do not try and expand the base, and thus they lose elections and we get Trump as a result. And, Lilla argues, this is what really hurts these minorities and their issues. We can’t solve these issues if we don’t win.

What say you? Is this true? Do the Democrats need to find another strategy?