"Glenn Beck joined the chorus of anti-Trump conservatives on March 24, when he told listeners to his radio show that such Republicans were not real Christians:"
Part of the GOP's problem is that they're so "Christian" that they don't seem to mind going all Big Government to impose their extreme Christianity on the country. You can't simultaneously claim to favour small government while simultaneously demanding government big enough to intrude into peoples' private affairs.
Part of the GOP's problem is that they're so "Christian" that they don't seem to mind going all Big Government to impose their extreme Christianity on the country. You can't simultaneously claim to favour small government while simultaneously demanding government big enough to intrude into peoples' private affairs.
18
The ultimate tragedy of this race will be the way the defeat of Trump, one way or another, will indeed drive the bitter white voters he's drawn out of their caves to briefly threaten the domination of the Republican Party by its establishment right back into the caves, where they've hidden out politically for decades. As everyone knows, America has a grotesquely low voting rate, not least because of the normal view of the ever-declining white and black lower classes that their votes simply don't matter, since "they're all alike" in being against "us." And until this year, they most certainly were. Both Bernie and Trump have brought the disillusioned out of the woodwork. When both are most likely defeated by the party leaders, the cynicism, bitterness, and rage will fester in the outback even worse than ever.
11
Yes, in many economically ruined communities people are drug dependent, on disability, have family dysfunction and are unemployed. Everyone has some responsibility for themselves and their situations, however when the writer lays no blame to the political class that stripped workers of union protection, outsourced jobs, depressed wages, and refused to support economic development plans proposed by the current administration it is pretty outrageous. Mr. Williamson's comment illustrate the complete disconnect and lack of empathy that exists in the ruling classes. His comments also illustrate that while the GPO elites have relied on this class of citizens to win elections, in truth they hold them in complete contempt. In Mr. Williamson's world, the people of Flint, MI deserve to die. It's their fault the ruling class outsourced their jobs, poisoned the water and abandoned the educational system. What I continue to find amazing is that the population described in this essay, and so disdainfully portrayed by the elites of the GOP, continue to support the Republican Party. I certainly have no sympathy for the Republican elitists, who are left wondering how the people they privately mock are on the verge of destroying their party.
20
Trump has revealed the true divide in this country and it isn’t Black White, Male Female, or Left Right at all. It is, as it has always been, a class divide. Middle class, college educated Americans have nothing but disdain and contempt for the working class whether they are Liberal or Conservative. The so-called Left cares nothing for the working class, they care about gender and racial politics and anyone who triggers bias on an Implicit Association Test. Conservatives use them to get elected, so they can serve their wealthy masters.
Trump’s working class supporters have figured out what we all have missed because only they feel the condescension and snobbery of the educated elites that have been running this country and lining their own pockets for so long. Left behind by deindustrialization, they are tired of hearing only the college educated will survive, especially since they can’t send themselves or their children there.
Only in America could a superrich, crypto-fascist lead a working class revolt. Trump isn’t something new however, and that is unfortunate for his followers; he is using them just as Republicans have since the 70’s. They flock to him because they have nowhere else to go. The question is what they will do when they realize they’ve been fooled again. Donald Trump won’t become President because he is a phony, but the revolution might succeed. Maybe it deserves to. Anyway, it won’t end with Trump.
Trump’s working class supporters have figured out what we all have missed because only they feel the condescension and snobbery of the educated elites that have been running this country and lining their own pockets for so long. Left behind by deindustrialization, they are tired of hearing only the college educated will survive, especially since they can’t send themselves or their children there.
Only in America could a superrich, crypto-fascist lead a working class revolt. Trump isn’t something new however, and that is unfortunate for his followers; he is using them just as Republicans have since the 70’s. They flock to him because they have nowhere else to go. The question is what they will do when they realize they’ve been fooled again. Donald Trump won’t become President because he is a phony, but the revolution might succeed. Maybe it deserves to. Anyway, it won’t end with Trump.
12
So the proletariat finally wised up that the GOP did nothing to help them through the hardships and displacements of globalization and have now turned on their capitalist overseers who have made out like bandits. Pretty soon the only places where we will find Establishment Republicans is in certain country clubs and at Harvard Business School and Wharton alumni gatherings. Perhaps we should send a few of them to the taxidermist so we know what they looked like before extinction.
7
A theme/thesis that needs to be well-known, because of its obvious, hard & difficult fact/truth.
The phenomenal weakening or the falling of the "lower" white middle class to hades/"marginalization" is where a President DJT enjoys populist political-economic amazing success.
The GOP almost every bleeding day is being shocked/shaken by the angry attitude that our lucid columnist plainly/convincingly profiles/de-constructs/sells.
Normative politicians cannot get by with multiple gaffes but DJT is not seen by his constituency as being the stereotypical conventional candidate.
DJT gets that GOP nomination, or he threatens to walk, and thus we should worry about our nation falling/failing/discombobulating into more grid-lock, radicalism, and chaos/instability.
itself falling
politician or sdtatesman
The phenomenal weakening or the falling of the "lower" white middle class to hades/"marginalization" is where a President DJT enjoys populist political-economic amazing success.
The GOP almost every bleeding day is being shocked/shaken by the angry attitude that our lucid columnist plainly/convincingly profiles/de-constructs/sells.
Normative politicians cannot get by with multiple gaffes but DJT is not seen by his constituency as being the stereotypical conventional candidate.
DJT gets that GOP nomination, or he threatens to walk, and thus we should worry about our nation falling/failing/discombobulating into more grid-lock, radicalism, and chaos/instability.
itself falling
politician or sdtatesman
Republican and Democratic leaders alike preached free trade through the 1980s and 90s and argued over how much "work retraining" money should be in the federal budget -- and the public didn't realize they are arguing about how much painkiller the Middle Class was going to need for the loss of manufacturing jobs -- about 3 million, I think the Times reported. So now those cities and towns are living with Dollar Store economies and voters understand, both Trump and Sanders supporters, that the political class has stood by and helped that exodus of prosperity. That's why that same Establishment -- including the National Review -- are terrified the public isn't listening to them anymore. Those emperors are naked and the Trump/Sanders voters know it.
7
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech, “The Other America,” in which he contrasted white America with black America.
In the former,
millions of people have the milk of prosperity and the honey of equality flowing before them. This America is the habitat of millions of people who have food and material necessities for their bodies, culture and education for their minds, freedom and human dignity for their spirits.
The latter, the “other America,” has
a daily ugliness about it that transforms the buoyancy of hope into the fatigue of despair. In this other America, thousands and thousands of people, men in particular walk the streets in search for jobs that do not exist.
It is an irony of history, then, that King’s language perfectly describes the conflict today between the privileged establishment and the hard pressed rank and file of the overwhelmingly white Republican Party — a conflict between haves and have-nots that is taking the Republican Party to a place it has never been."
Forgive a long quote. I support the Donald. I gloat over his victories. Why? Because he is ripping the guts out of a party that only wants to keep the government small and the debt low, and forget all those guys who do not even walk the streets anymore because there are no JOBS to find. Then you BLAME them for drugs and family collapse. Get a U-haul and go WHERE??
I am an economist and NOTHING in economics guarantees enough jobs that pay a living wage.
RELEASE THE TRUMP!
In the former,
millions of people have the milk of prosperity and the honey of equality flowing before them. This America is the habitat of millions of people who have food and material necessities for their bodies, culture and education for their minds, freedom and human dignity for their spirits.
The latter, the “other America,” has
a daily ugliness about it that transforms the buoyancy of hope into the fatigue of despair. In this other America, thousands and thousands of people, men in particular walk the streets in search for jobs that do not exist.
It is an irony of history, then, that King’s language perfectly describes the conflict today between the privileged establishment and the hard pressed rank and file of the overwhelmingly white Republican Party — a conflict between haves and have-nots that is taking the Republican Party to a place it has never been."
Forgive a long quote. I support the Donald. I gloat over his victories. Why? Because he is ripping the guts out of a party that only wants to keep the government small and the debt low, and forget all those guys who do not even walk the streets anymore because there are no JOBS to find. Then you BLAME them for drugs and family collapse. Get a U-haul and go WHERE??
I am an economist and NOTHING in economics guarantees enough jobs that pay a living wage.
RELEASE THE TRUMP!
3
Thank you for this essay and the astonishing clarity it brings to the debate. The crisis at the centre is education: the US has undervalued and underinvested in education for decades, and now it reaps the harvest. A precondition for democracy is informed voters. China, Japan and Korea value education, America does not. Trump's trade barriers will not America great again.
5
The problem for 'establishment' Republicans is that the party has long prided itself on presenting an image of being for 'self-reliance' and against those who depend on welfare and government 'handouts', the "takers", the "47%". At the same time, many of those base Republican voters, the working-class rural whites who have been courted by the party for decades have come, in no small part due to Republican policies, to -need- those government 'handouts'. Their jobs are gone, their prospects are slim, and the future looks bleak. They have continued to vote for the same Republicans who promise otherwise and delivered more of the same, but that run is now coming to an end, because Trump has now given them a new 'deal'. These working-class rural whites, stuck in their ruts, can now back Trump, who will 'make it all great again' while reassuring them that they don't need to do anything differently... Big Daddy Trump will make it all better, if they only vote for him. He'll sweep away all the "DC insiders" and "elites" that have blocked the success of these working-class rural people, and they don't actually have to do anything differently at all. Trump's appeal is different but no less invidious than the Oxycontin and heroin that's epidemic in these communities, because both promise to make you feel better, to make you "great again" - and neither will ever deliver on the promise.
12
These pundits have been wrong about everything in this race, to this point. They miscalculated voter anger, they miscalculated voter priorities, they miscalculated the role of money and superPACs, they failed to recognize Trump's rising popularity until a panic at the GOP set in, they have miscalled many states' elections and either dismissed accurate polling or embraced inaccurate. But now suddenly everybody with a column to write is an expert on the sociology of the rural white poor of the Rust Belt and the South?
I don't think so. This is just more GOP crying-in-my-coffee and teeth gnashing.
I don't think so. This is just more GOP crying-in-my-coffee and teeth gnashing.
3
I actually like a lot of his ideas. (I'm not a poor meth head.) I'm sorry people see him as decisive. Sometimes he's treated unfairly. Sometimes the press runs away with something he said out of context. Sometimes, he really is a blowhard.
But he has the very best ideas among the candidates, that is my opinion, maybe him along with Sanders. I agree with him on Nato, on Saudi Arabia (not our ally!), on the US not having to spend 5% of our wealth to fight everyone else's wars, on agreements that don't favor the US, on corporations that rely on the US government but then send jobs overseas (yes, our government can end that!) on the extreme need to improve our roads, bridges, airports, etc, on jobs, on the way big money controls things.
When I watch him, this is the stuff he talks about. It all makes sense. I've watched him talk for hours, and he never once, never once, happened to do any of the decisive stuff when I watched. I have to read the NYT to know he does it at all.
But he has the very best ideas among the candidates, that is my opinion, maybe him along with Sanders. I agree with him on Nato, on Saudi Arabia (not our ally!), on the US not having to spend 5% of our wealth to fight everyone else's wars, on agreements that don't favor the US, on corporations that rely on the US government but then send jobs overseas (yes, our government can end that!) on the extreme need to improve our roads, bridges, airports, etc, on jobs, on the way big money controls things.
When I watch him, this is the stuff he talks about. It all makes sense. I've watched him talk for hours, and he never once, never once, happened to do any of the decisive stuff when I watched. I have to read the NYT to know he does it at all.
1
I am an ethnic minority, native American. I heard all of the pull yourself up, stop feeling sorry for your selves nonsense. But a lot of it is true. The rub is that it needs to be applied to the poor white citizen and it is difficult to penetrate that hard head. I still live in a working class neighborhood, though I have done very well for myself, and, while not hiding my good fortune, I do not flaunt it because of the irrational ire it can create. But truly, delivering training and education and good jobs are really needed for this community of declared conservative Republicans, mysogynists, and racists. They have a right to happiness, security and good health as I do. Do you have to trick them to not vote against their own self-interest? How do you impress on them the difference between immigrants and illegal immigrants? How do you talk to them about the complexities of economy, trade, commerce and all of those things that impact their lives? In this, the wealthiest nation in the world, should we not be able to deliver health, security and happiness to everyone of our citizens?
5
An excellent variation on this theme. Nevertheless I am still wondering why this group doesn't vote for the democrats who traditionally support things that would help this group: 1) raising minimum wage 2) stringer unions 3) universal health care etc. In my opinion this group consistently votes with its gut, whether fear related (minorities and terrorism) and now anger (minorities and the "establishment"). Stop voting against your own best interests.
6
The picture of the man with the tattoo says a lot.
First, the tattoo itself is odd. Is it Trump? It lacks the bizarre hair, the snarl (or pout), the orange-tinted complexion we all associate with Trump. It’s a tattoo of an imagined Trump - a normal-looking man with a friendly expression. Fortunately for the guy who had himself tattooed, he can, in the future, claim it’s a representation of an obscure, perhaps unknown family hero, not Trump.
Second, what person gets a tattoo of Donald Trump? Assuming this is not a fake tattoo, this is forever. This guy believes in Trump. He appears to be ready to dedicate (a part at least) of his life to Trump. Usually this kind of dedication is reserved for someone such as Jesus, the Tasmanian Devil or Yosemite Sam. It seems that Trump will probably not, 20 years from now, hold the same reverence as these three.
Third, Trump has absolutely nothing to offer this person as improvement in his lot in life. Other than that this most dishonest of people “tells it like it is,” nothing Trump says can remotely help this person.
Forth, this person is a walking advertisement for the country’s desperate need for improvement in education, both content and delivery. It is starring us in the face, more obvious than environmental, racial, and income disparity - and these are big problems. It’s as if the guy was shy about saying how ignorant he is but his tattoo says it loud and clear: "Help me, I'm clueless."
A Trump supporter.
First, the tattoo itself is odd. Is it Trump? It lacks the bizarre hair, the snarl (or pout), the orange-tinted complexion we all associate with Trump. It’s a tattoo of an imagined Trump - a normal-looking man with a friendly expression. Fortunately for the guy who had himself tattooed, he can, in the future, claim it’s a representation of an obscure, perhaps unknown family hero, not Trump.
Second, what person gets a tattoo of Donald Trump? Assuming this is not a fake tattoo, this is forever. This guy believes in Trump. He appears to be ready to dedicate (a part at least) of his life to Trump. Usually this kind of dedication is reserved for someone such as Jesus, the Tasmanian Devil or Yosemite Sam. It seems that Trump will probably not, 20 years from now, hold the same reverence as these three.
Third, Trump has absolutely nothing to offer this person as improvement in his lot in life. Other than that this most dishonest of people “tells it like it is,” nothing Trump says can remotely help this person.
Forth, this person is a walking advertisement for the country’s desperate need for improvement in education, both content and delivery. It is starring us in the face, more obvious than environmental, racial, and income disparity - and these are big problems. It’s as if the guy was shy about saying how ignorant he is but his tattoo says it loud and clear: "Help me, I'm clueless."
A Trump supporter.
4
"Donald Trump’s speeches make them feel good. So does OxyContin."
But wait.
Wasn't there someone else on the right giving speeches daily about the apocalypse of the Left, someone who had this thing for, you know, OxyContin?"
Of course there must be some "footage" from past Williamson columns excoriating that particular leftist Trojan Horse.
But wait.
Wasn't there someone else on the right giving speeches daily about the apocalypse of the Left, someone who had this thing for, you know, OxyContin?"
Of course there must be some "footage" from past Williamson columns excoriating that particular leftist Trojan Horse.
1
In classical political terms, this is struggle (in the trenches) between oligarchy and tyranny. To us -- to modern political notions -- Trump looks like an oligarch, but ancient Greek ideas are more helpful. He is not interested in ruling within and through an elite, instead he is indifferent to most policy questions and primarily interested in his own power. When he called a narcissist (a term that means nothing in the Greeks' political vocabulary, Greek though it is), we come closest to understanding this focus. For decades, here and now, American oligarchs have controlled (through an amazing manipulation) those who incline toward supporting tyrants. For cynics (I am using this old term now in a modern sense), the goal of Democrats is to convince the likes of Joe the Plumber that they serve their interests -- no, their aspirations -- better. But that is probably hopeless. In American political culture -- since the 19th c -- the likes of Trump's support has comfortably (if not logically) sided with the religious and economic conservative (who have their own odd affinity) and continue to hate Democrats (both the pro-labor and the elite and educated -- another somewhat odd alliance). So what's my point? Simply this: Trump is that the coalition of forces basic to the modern Republican party are not seamless and there is an opportunity to take advantage. This is hell for Republicans, but Trump could be a savior -- for Democrats. Let's use him and not waste him!
1
Thank you for this overview. What has my head reeling is “angry because our political system seems to only be working for the insiders with money and power;” and all these people look to a man who desportes himself as an insider with money and power.
I am able to grasp why Newt G. would enjoy Trump's company, but I cannot fathom why, after reading all these observations, poor people would think that Mr.Trump would help them. Because they saw it on TV?
I am able to grasp why Newt G. would enjoy Trump's company, but I cannot fathom why, after reading all these observations, poor people would think that Mr.Trump would help them. Because they saw it on TV?
7
This is not original, but it is important to say that a society should be judged by the way it treats its weakest members. There is an under lying view of the GOP that these citizens are disposable.
8
I remember this Parliamentary debate. It occurred in the middle 1840s in Prime Minister Robert Peel's Tory Caucus. Peel's caucus split and those who said let the poor starve joined John Russell's Whigs. The Whigs had no qualms about letting the weak starve remember the great Whig philosopher of the late 18th century Edmund Burke.
The government of Lord Russell thrived. The Irish economy based on food exports thrived. A million Irish peasants starved to death while the finest tables throughout the world featured Irish pork, beef, cheese and grains. The fine Christians who God had blessed endured mightily the punishment inflicted on their less fortunate brethern with great dignity and aplomb.
Thank goodness for the fine gentlemen of the National Review and the other conservative think tanks in our moments of crisis.
The government of Lord Russell thrived. The Irish economy based on food exports thrived. A million Irish peasants starved to death while the finest tables throughout the world featured Irish pork, beef, cheese and grains. The fine Christians who God had blessed endured mightily the punishment inflicted on their less fortunate brethern with great dignity and aplomb.
Thank goodness for the fine gentlemen of the National Review and the other conservative think tanks in our moments of crisis.
10
"Forget all your cheap theatrical Bruce Springsteen crap."
Williamson can say what he will about the anger of the Trumpeters, but keep Mr. Springsteen out of it. His music never spoke for these people. Cheap? Theatrical? Songs like "Brothers Under the Bridge" lament the fate of the veteran left behind after Viet Nam:
"I come home in '72
You were just a beautiful light
In your mama's dark eyes of blue
I stood down on the tarmac, I was just a kid
Me and the brothers under the bridge"
"Youngstown" spoke about the closing of the steel factories in America:
"These mills they built the tanks and bombs
That won this country's wars
We sent our sons to Korea and Vietnam
Now we're wondering what they were dyin' for."
So many other songs, well-crafted, poetic, heart-felt - Springsteens's lyrics express the loss and failure of a generation. Cheap? Theatrical? Hardly.
Williamson can say what he will about the anger of the Trumpeters, but keep Mr. Springsteen out of it. His music never spoke for these people. Cheap? Theatrical? Songs like "Brothers Under the Bridge" lament the fate of the veteran left behind after Viet Nam:
"I come home in '72
You were just a beautiful light
In your mama's dark eyes of blue
I stood down on the tarmac, I was just a kid
Me and the brothers under the bridge"
"Youngstown" spoke about the closing of the steel factories in America:
"These mills they built the tanks and bombs
That won this country's wars
We sent our sons to Korea and Vietnam
Now we're wondering what they were dyin' for."
So many other songs, well-crafted, poetic, heart-felt - Springsteens's lyrics express the loss and failure of a generation. Cheap? Theatrical? Hardly.
3
Don't give Kevin D. Williamson too much credit. Until this article, how many of us had heard of him? He may just be another opportunist trying to be provocative in order to further his own career. If we all simply shake our heads and ignore him he will fade back into irrelevance.
6
An outstanding analysis. Mr. Edsall deserves a raise. And I would suggest said raise be funded by large reductions in whatever Mssrs. Brooks and Douthat are clearly overpaid to supposedly do for us. (Can’t wait for their rebuttals BTW.) Or more aptly, given their complicity in the GOP’s disastrous stupidity, the reductions should reflect what you have been overpaying your conservative Batman and Robin to do to us.
2
Od as it may seem I sense the people who are backing Mr Trump are exactly those the Democrats have historically shielded under their wing. And although the policies that for all intent disenfrasnchised them emanated from the Republicans with more than a spoonful of the Democrats assistance, neither of either party's acceptable candidates address this issue. The so-called working class has been tricked for some time but those days are ending
Well paying unionized jobs, shipped away under policies aided by both parties and given a big push under Clinton's NAFTA sell out, have little likelihood of ever gracing our nation again and those who held them are now out of work, on welfare rolls or humping at two and three low wage jobs without any benefits, know they were sold down the river.
Both major political parties have sold the American worker a bill of goods wrapped in sanctimonious holier than thou rhetoric. While, "The economy isn’t putting a bottle in their hand. Immigrants aren’t making them cheat on their wives or snort OxyContin." as Mr French states is literally true it is palpably false
Is it really any wonder there is regular comparison between Mr Trump and Mr Sanders?
Dancing around the truth and offering the same old empty lies no matter how well they are wrapped doesn't cut it with followers of both outside candidates and I see a strong likelihood this may be the last gasp for both major parties.
Term limits will gain a foothold and this is the beginning.
Well paying unionized jobs, shipped away under policies aided by both parties and given a big push under Clinton's NAFTA sell out, have little likelihood of ever gracing our nation again and those who held them are now out of work, on welfare rolls or humping at two and three low wage jobs without any benefits, know they were sold down the river.
Both major political parties have sold the American worker a bill of goods wrapped in sanctimonious holier than thou rhetoric. While, "The economy isn’t putting a bottle in their hand. Immigrants aren’t making them cheat on their wives or snort OxyContin." as Mr French states is literally true it is palpably false
Is it really any wonder there is regular comparison between Mr Trump and Mr Sanders?
Dancing around the truth and offering the same old empty lies no matter how well they are wrapped doesn't cut it with followers of both outside candidates and I see a strong likelihood this may be the last gasp for both major parties.
Term limits will gain a foothold and this is the beginning.
The Republicans that hate Trump the most are the establishment types who supported Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio. Establishment Republicans expected the dirty, stupid 'crackers', like me, to treat Jeb with the kind of respect accorded to an aristocrat. The establishment Republicans also thought we would "fall in love" with Marco. I don't know if this makes me a 'bad man' but I was delighted when Trump and Christie defeated Jeb and Rubio. In fact I laughed!
4
Excellent analysis. This will be interesting.
1
Want the truth?
Angriest GOP are racists - who don't like the fact that the President is black and the country is increasingly non white.
All the articles you will read "explaining" their anger are rationalizations meant to sanitize their racism.
For example: jobs and wages.
Unemployment is low and falling fast - esp for whites.
Wages are beginning to rise.
And - Republicans oppose virtually *any* policy designed to make wages wise. [like higher minimum wage].
So what do angry GOP birds want?
Angry Republicans want exactly two things in this world:
1) Stop Mexicans from coming into this country.
2) Get the black man out of the white house.
Angriest GOP are racists - who don't like the fact that the President is black and the country is increasingly non white.
All the articles you will read "explaining" their anger are rationalizations meant to sanitize their racism.
For example: jobs and wages.
Unemployment is low and falling fast - esp for whites.
Wages are beginning to rise.
And - Republicans oppose virtually *any* policy designed to make wages wise. [like higher minimum wage].
So what do angry GOP birds want?
Angry Republicans want exactly two things in this world:
1) Stop Mexicans from coming into this country.
2) Get the black man out of the white house.
2
As expected, this red herring article intentionally misses the point. It frames a non issue. Thinking folks realize it's the democrats who are the angry ones. For the most pat, Republicans are a happy lot. They have numerous qualified leaders. The democrats, on the other hand, are saddled with the old, tired, worn out political hacks spewing forth the same discredited marxist drivel from the distant past. They are a sad lot indeed. Their dismal embarrassment from the past 7+ years of presidential failure are truly beyond the pale. World leaders remain aghast at the lack of American leadership. But everyone already knows this..
1
The Republicans are getting exactly what they deserve for sneering at their formerly loyal voters--voters to whom they have offered nothing more than cynical appeals to patriotism and religion for years. These voters have woken up and they're not taking it any more. Good for them! Williamson's haughty diatribe is nothing short of appalling. The Republican "establishment" is de-marketing itself with breathtaking alacrity and wooden-headedness. These voters are not as dumb as you like to think, Williamson.
1
As good liberals, we are supposed to take umbrage at the vitriol spewed at these folks. Guess I'm not a very good liberal, because I find it hard to feel sorry for people who consistently vote against not only their own self-interest, but against mine and my children's as well. Except for the point-oh-one-percenters, we all suffer and continue to suffer for the policies pursued by the "leaders" that this demographic votes into office over and over and over again.
4
thanks for another fine article. it is refreshing to find the fascination with trump's various personality disorders replaced by a look at the political swamp he crawled out of.
the quotes by williamson, french, howe et alia unmask the cynicism in the republican party leadership. no wonder trump drives them crazy!
i suggest a follow up article to describe the large number of registered democrats, now avowed republicans, who throw in for mr. trump. if the outcome of the cleveland convention is as rebarbative for trump voters as the party hopes it will be, those angry voters could be an important group for the democratic candidate to go after.
the quotes by williamson, french, howe et alia unmask the cynicism in the republican party leadership. no wonder trump drives them crazy!
i suggest a follow up article to describe the large number of registered democrats, now avowed republicans, who throw in for mr. trump. if the outcome of the cleveland convention is as rebarbative for trump voters as the party hopes it will be, those angry voters could be an important group for the democratic candidate to go after.
Interesting analysis but how can you write something so long, and so detailed, and completely ignore race?
Dspite the popular opinion, a Trumps base never have voted against their own interests, nor do they cast their vote because a black man in the White House.
They are targeted by democrats because they are not unionized and republicans have no clue who they are since they aren't lunching with them on K street. Trump offers a desperate hope to them. For simply attempting to get political recourse, as is their right, they are demonized by the left and the right as ignorant, stupid heroin users when in fact they are hard working, tax paying law abiding citizens. The amount of absolute bigotry that is demonstrated in this column and by many of the comments is shameful.
They are largely self employed independent contractors and small business owners trying to raise a family on 70 to 100k a year and they have been singled out for destruction. They were promised a 2500 reduction in their health insurance when if fact they got a 7500 increase for insurance they largely can't use until they pay another 12,000. That is a 10% increase just for he premium. Not 10% of their existing premium, an increase of 10% of their annual income, none of which could be considered disposable.
in the case of tradesmen, they have also been severely damaged by the influx of illegal immgrants who have flooded the labor market driving down what they get paid or can charge for their services. I believe they thought that as American citizens, they were entitled to equal protection under the law.
They are targeted by democrats because they are not unionized and republicans have no clue who they are since they aren't lunching with them on K street. Trump offers a desperate hope to them. For simply attempting to get political recourse, as is their right, they are demonized by the left and the right as ignorant, stupid heroin users when in fact they are hard working, tax paying law abiding citizens. The amount of absolute bigotry that is demonstrated in this column and by many of the comments is shameful.
They are largely self employed independent contractors and small business owners trying to raise a family on 70 to 100k a year and they have been singled out for destruction. They were promised a 2500 reduction in their health insurance when if fact they got a 7500 increase for insurance they largely can't use until they pay another 12,000. That is a 10% increase just for he premium. Not 10% of their existing premium, an increase of 10% of their annual income, none of which could be considered disposable.
in the case of tradesmen, they have also been severely damaged by the influx of illegal immgrants who have flooded the labor market driving down what they get paid or can charge for their services. I believe they thought that as American citizens, they were entitled to equal protection under the law.
3
I don't recall the Republicans doing anything for the benefit of the working class or anybody much other than rich folks. Later in life these workers will desperately need such social programs as Social Security and Medicare and all the while they vote for a party than would like to do away with those programs. Apparently low information is a euphemism for dumb.
4
Is this a whopper case of identity politics or projection? The Republican Elites should be looking in the mirror when they say this stuff – cause it applies to them. The Republican Party has become the archetype for dysfunctional families and I think we found the reason. When the Republican Elite – think Bush, Koch brothers, Romney and Trump – seized control of the Republican Party they modeled it after their own dysfunctional families. Trump’s supporters are holding a mirror before the elites and none of them likes what they see.
America’s wealthy families are highly dysfunctional. Their children are famous for drug, alcohol and sexual addiction, risky behaviours, their inability to maintain healthy relationships, strings of ugly divorces, constant squabbling with ex-wives and husbands, abandoned children left with ex-s, lifelong dependency on their parent’s wealth and their inability to hold a job. And let us not forget the Republican Elite’s “victim mentality” witnessed in their constant whining about “Class-Warfare.” And hug daddy issues, just huge.
The American story says we work hard so our children can have better lives. This story is the immigrant dream, the bootstrap myth and the Horatio Algiers legend. You work your way Up in America - not down.
George Bush, Mitt Romney and now Donald Trump see the White House as “their only opportunity” to one up their daddies. Puke.
America’s wealthy families are highly dysfunctional. Their children are famous for drug, alcohol and sexual addiction, risky behaviours, their inability to maintain healthy relationships, strings of ugly divorces, constant squabbling with ex-wives and husbands, abandoned children left with ex-s, lifelong dependency on their parent’s wealth and their inability to hold a job. And let us not forget the Republican Elite’s “victim mentality” witnessed in their constant whining about “Class-Warfare.” And hug daddy issues, just huge.
The American story says we work hard so our children can have better lives. This story is the immigrant dream, the bootstrap myth and the Horatio Algiers legend. You work your way Up in America - not down.
George Bush, Mitt Romney and now Donald Trump see the White House as “their only opportunity” to one up their daddies. Puke.
1
The hatred being directed at lower and middle class european-americans from the media, from the left, and from the ruling class rivals anything that any constituency has ever experienced. Trump is a warning shot across the bow. We are not going to let totalitarian socialism destroy us.
2
The staggering strength of the GOP rejection of the white working class is so indicative of the power of their disdain of any one outside of their elite's objectives. These people are more zombie than human. They are the horror show of America and with the rest of the world in a state of being aghast.
1
I do not think our political class will get their heads around what they have done until we replace them with the first 3,000 names out of the Mumbai telephone book.
1
Williamson et al are twits, really, they are so clueless that they cannot see what is staring them in the face. The poor circumstances coupled with a loss of real opportunities to improve circumstances leads to substance abuse, dependency upon charity and public assistance, as well as to frustration, loss of faith in the public and private administrators ability to deliver policies and practices that will offer them ways to improve themselves. People in the kind of economy we depend upon do not make jobs for themselves, they work for others who own or operate big, gigantic, commercial and industrial firms in the private sector and governmental institutions in the private sector. Those institutions determine whether there are jobs and a fair share of the productivity created by those jobs that all the people who work for others can enjoy. The people who are benefiting from the economy are the few and those who are not are the many. The critics of Trump's followers who cannot empathize with their alienation simply have never been without ample material resources in their lives and do not understand from whence it has come.
2
>>>>
If I had to name a cartoon character archetype that most reminded me of a republican it would be Yosemite Sam.
If I had to name a cartoon character archetype that most reminded me of a republican it would be Yosemite Sam.
1
I find it amusing that Kevin WIlliamson lays into white working class Republicans for being non-Christian and with a "sense of entitlement." Nothing could better describe today's country-club Republicans who marry trophy wives, ship their kids off to therapists and believe that they are entitled to make as much money as they can, even when they ship all of the jobs to China, or get obscene fees for fund management.
Republican, heal thyself.
Republican, heal thyself.
4
Gingrich and Trump? I guess it figures.. Loons of a feather, eh?
2
They are not "low information" voters. They are people finally voting for their economic interest.
4
What has not been said is what is absolutely obvious on my computer screen--in red. Education. H.S. or less: +7% support for Trump. College Grad: -4.5 support for Trump. In the last 30 years the jobs that depended on muscles have disappeared. Not to China or Mexico, but to technology--from Cranes to computer driven Combines and other heavy (and/or smart) machinery. Muscles or "good hands" are no longer needed. Those jobs are not coming back Similar truth for women: receptionists and secretaries? Disappeared. It's not about a "political system...working for insiders with money and power". It's about an economy based on technologies that is replacing human labor. Anger isn't the solution; education is.
"Your cheap theatrical Bruce Springsteen crap": That phrase alone lays bare the heartlessness, soullessness, and cluelessness of the American conservative movement.
1
The Democratic Party has been sipping the same economic champagne as the Republican establishment as it stomps upon the back of lower classes. Just read Thomas Franks' "Listen, Liberal or Whatever Happen to the Party of the People?" I am embarrassed by how my own party fooled me for so long.
1
So Republicans are shocked, shocked to find some of their consistent minions, you know, the ones who hate the President with a vitriol akin to the Wallace crowd, the ones who spat upon a homeless man outside the capital and spat in the face of a prominent member of the House of Representatives nearly beaten to death during the Civil Rights movement ... shocked, they say, that these people are not Christian, and they are in fact "in thrall to a vicious, selfish culture." Seriously?
They are the Republican base, who consistently vote for a party that contributes the abject they now claim to experience ... and Donald Trump will help them?
Both Trump and The Party oppose a minimum wage and health care. Their party refused to fund job training for displaced workers. Their party has called them shiftless people who don't want to work. Yet, they keep voting Republican.
They deserve Donald Trump.
But the rest of us don't
The Republican Party can no longer control the monster it conjure, yet he still fits well into the mold of Republican doctrine, just today calling for "punishment" of women who have abortions. He and those of his ilk are classic witch hunters, wanting nothing more than to hurt women. How is this any different from Republican silence a few years ago over the issue of so-called "forcible rape."
They are all disgusting.
mlouisemarkle
State College
They are the Republican base, who consistently vote for a party that contributes the abject they now claim to experience ... and Donald Trump will help them?
Both Trump and The Party oppose a minimum wage and health care. Their party refused to fund job training for displaced workers. Their party has called them shiftless people who don't want to work. Yet, they keep voting Republican.
They deserve Donald Trump.
But the rest of us don't
The Republican Party can no longer control the monster it conjure, yet he still fits well into the mold of Republican doctrine, just today calling for "punishment" of women who have abortions. He and those of his ilk are classic witch hunters, wanting nothing more than to hurt women. How is this any different from Republican silence a few years ago over the issue of so-called "forcible rape."
They are all disgusting.
mlouisemarkle
State College
3
Countless groups in America (from Blacks and Latinos, going all the way back to the Irish and Native Americans) have been economically disenfranchised for decades, even centuries at a time. None of them have turned to fascism. Only rural Whites have elevated authoritarians like George Wallace, Joe McCarthy, David Duke, and so many other terrible, hateful leaders.
May other articles like this further help dispel the bogus notion that poor conservatives only vote Republican because they're angry over being poor.
May other articles like this further help dispel the bogus notion that poor conservatives only vote Republican because they're angry over being poor.
1
the angriest Republicans are the ones who want to burn women at the stake for having a legal abortion.
3
“Are there no prisons?” asked Scrooge.
“Plenty of prisons,” said the gentleman, laying down the pen again.
“And the Union workhouses?” demanded Scrooge. “Are they still in operation?”
“They are. Still,” returned the gentleman, “I wish I could say they were not.”
“The Treadmill and the Poor Law are in full vigour, then?” said Scrooge.
“Both very busy, sir.”
“Oh! I was afraid, from what you said at first, that something had occurred to stop them in their useful course,” said Scrooge. “I’m very glad to hear it.”
“Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the multitude,” returned the gentleman, “a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund to buy the Poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?”
“Nothing!” Scrooge replied.
“You wish to be anonymous?”
“I wish to be left alone,” said Scrooge. “Since you ask me what I wish, gentlemen, that is my answer. I don’t make merry myself at Christmas and I can’t afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the establishments I have mentioned—they cost enough; and those who are badly off must go there.”
“Many can’t go there; and many would rather die.”
“If they would rather die,” said Scrooge, “they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population
4
Many commenters call Trump's followers "low information" voters, people who vote against their interests, racists, meth heads, whatever. No one though has identified why these voters a drawn to Trump when they have so little in common with him. No one has been able to explain why Trump with his contradictions, changes in position, exaggeration still appeal to them. I think its because he offers esteem, hope for something better, a sort of patriotic rush. On the other hand, they may just like him from his TV shows.
6
hes loud, obnoxious, braggadocio, foul mouthed , and has a much higher opinion of himself than is warranted, loves to talk about and exaggerates his money
hes th quintessence of america
hes th quintessence of america
N B -
People have done studies on this. Apparently, Trump's followers tend to have "authoritarian" leanings (i.e., they want a "strong man") and they are more likely to be racists than the followers of the other candidates - even of the other Republican candidates.
People have done studies on this. Apparently, Trump's followers tend to have "authoritarian" leanings (i.e., they want a "strong man") and they are more likely to be racists than the followers of the other candidates - even of the other Republican candidates.
Trump seems to give his more fervent supporters a vicarious sense that they are him.
1
Your detailed picture of voters switching from Democrat to Republican never really mentions race as a factor. When we passed the Civil Rights act there was a big white movement to the right. When the Southern switched to the GOP so did their bigoted constituents. It was mostly in the South at that point but now bigots the country over are going for Donald Trump. Why do you leave this out of your analysis. The GOP has used race so openly to attract voters it is laughable to deny. Ronald Reagan opened chose the place where three civil rights workers were murdered and his much quoted obvious blunder about a 'welfare queen in a pink Cadillac' was in such bad taste to be shocking to most of us. Most every GOP candidate since has used race usually disguised as something else to attract stupid bigots to vote for them. The American people in general think our race relations have improved but they are wrong. Now thanks to Trump I hear it said openly quite loudly and often again. Does the GOP not know that whites will soon be a minority in the country and they will for sure be sunk for good. I hope.
8
Christianity!? What, Where!
Williamson, National Review:
"The truth about these dysfunctional communities is that they deserve to die. Economically they are negative assets. Morally, they are indefensible."
Glenn Beck:
We're not living our Christian faith because no Christian- I don't mean a judgmental Christian, I mean somebody who's living their faith...".
With respect; these people are entitled to their opinions, but please, not in the name of Christianity, about which they understand zippo, not even if the shroud of Turin, were to hit them in the face. Christ weeps for these hateful people who invoke his name as a cover for their intolerance and hypocrisy.
Williamson, National Review:
"The truth about these dysfunctional communities is that they deserve to die. Economically they are negative assets. Morally, they are indefensible."
Glenn Beck:
We're not living our Christian faith because no Christian- I don't mean a judgmental Christian, I mean somebody who's living their faith...".
With respect; these people are entitled to their opinions, but please, not in the name of Christianity, about which they understand zippo, not even if the shroud of Turin, were to hit them in the face. Christ weeps for these hateful people who invoke his name as a cover for their intolerance and hypocrisy.
7
Kevin Williamson's National Review article in essence said that white lumpenproles of West Texas need to kill themselves off via their unemployment, violence, meth addictions, single parent (women with multiple children and multiple dads ) , dysfunctional families, and imprudent handling of finances as in spending on tattoos but not on necessary items. These are Trump supporters, some claim. Had Williamson spoke of the necessity of black people to die off from dysfunctional life styles he would have been shredded as a racist. Clearly, Williamson never walked in the shoes of those less fortunate than he. If he has any empathy or compassion for the poor, regardless of race, he does not want it shown. And if he called for the natural elimination if blacks by their own life styles, he would be shredded as a racist. As it is now, he is a plain old fashioned social Darwinist who seems to paint Trump supporters with a mean spirited brush. This in no way excuses anyone who by act of free will makes harmful choices. But "there but for the Grace of God" or circumstances goes any one if us, Williamson and his smugness included.
Now, along comes Donald Trump per today's Times, opining that women who have abortions need to be punished. Williamson's screed was bizarre enough, essentially making a call for serfs and peons
Now, along comes Donald Trump per today's Times, opining that women who have abortions need to be punished. Williamson's screed was bizarre enough, essentially making a call for serfs and peons
1
Tom,
I put off reading your essay until later in the day, because the Times somehow doesn't realize what a treasure they have in your comprehensive political essays and insights into the political history of this country. I should not have to search for your column.
I appreciate your sharing of the alternative views that I don't normally read because I just gravitate to my own bubble and need to have someone like you to penetrate my dense skull with what seems to me to be alarming views.
In reviewing your concise history of politics, I was amazed at how important racism cleaved US power. I am 79 and pink but I look at the World with a view that we must create and continue to work on creating a society, an economy, and a World that will give better opportunities for all. None of us are created equal. But most have different talents and interests that usually will suffice if the economy is operating properly.
Government's role is to create an environment that will permit the whole society to flourish. Racism is real but we should not cultivate it, in fact, we should cultivate a multii-cultural, multi-racial, multi-pigmented society.
Because, some of us do lose our jobs, can't get reemployed and maybe lose access to shelter, food, water, and sanitation systems, there must be a collective social safety net. The net we have created in the modern welfare state is a step forward and I think it is stupid for any political faction to be opposed to the net.
I put off reading your essay until later in the day, because the Times somehow doesn't realize what a treasure they have in your comprehensive political essays and insights into the political history of this country. I should not have to search for your column.
I appreciate your sharing of the alternative views that I don't normally read because I just gravitate to my own bubble and need to have someone like you to penetrate my dense skull with what seems to me to be alarming views.
In reviewing your concise history of politics, I was amazed at how important racism cleaved US power. I am 79 and pink but I look at the World with a view that we must create and continue to work on creating a society, an economy, and a World that will give better opportunities for all. None of us are created equal. But most have different talents and interests that usually will suffice if the economy is operating properly.
Government's role is to create an environment that will permit the whole society to flourish. Racism is real but we should not cultivate it, in fact, we should cultivate a multii-cultural, multi-racial, multi-pigmented society.
Because, some of us do lose our jobs, can't get reemployed and maybe lose access to shelter, food, water, and sanitation systems, there must be a collective social safety net. The net we have created in the modern welfare state is a step forward and I think it is stupid for any political faction to be opposed to the net.
13
America has never has a warm spot in its collective heart for the working-class. We Americans like to think of our nation as being made up of self-made people who head out to the frontier and make a fortune. Those who don't accomplish that lofty goal are generally ignored or left-behind. To be sure there is a race factor involved but poor is still poor, and the poor are ignored while all the good things flow to the self-made Americans.
To be sure, when we need the military these are the people who answer the call to arms, if for no other reason a reliable paycheck with benefits. The New Deal put these very same people to work doing things for the nation creating parks, roads, and all sorts of public works. We had a union movement that both recognized, and exploited, the working class. But labor in America always has the stigma from the early Americans who considered physical labor something to be avoided.
The answer isn't simple. If, by some miracle, all these people got Bachelors Degrees the net result would be that entry level jobs require Masters and promotions require Doctorates. Capitalism, as we practice it, cannot provide gainful employment for all the citizens who want/need work. Government could, but government won't because Capitalism likes and depends on cheap labor. We proclaim hard work, but don't want to it ourselves and think less of those who do the sweaty jobs. Trump is just a megaphone without a viable plan voicing the rage.
To be sure, when we need the military these are the people who answer the call to arms, if for no other reason a reliable paycheck with benefits. The New Deal put these very same people to work doing things for the nation creating parks, roads, and all sorts of public works. We had a union movement that both recognized, and exploited, the working class. But labor in America always has the stigma from the early Americans who considered physical labor something to be avoided.
The answer isn't simple. If, by some miracle, all these people got Bachelors Degrees the net result would be that entry level jobs require Masters and promotions require Doctorates. Capitalism, as we practice it, cannot provide gainful employment for all the citizens who want/need work. Government could, but government won't because Capitalism likes and depends on cheap labor. We proclaim hard work, but don't want to it ourselves and think less of those who do the sweaty jobs. Trump is just a megaphone without a viable plan voicing the rage.
11
Yep. It is wrong, wrong wrong to savage "these people" who fight for us and build for us. There is a cruel elitism to those progressives who are quick to scorn working people. There are all sorts of people with all sorts of views. Diversity, anyone?
2
Corer oration, Mr. Edsall: The Republican Party has been there bore; it was called The Gilded Age. The newspapers, the novels, the investigative reporting of that period are an excellent introduction to the deja vu of our current mix of isolationism, complacency and vitriol.
1
Trump's angry Republican base has consistently voted against its own self-interests. Horrible governors in Michigan, Louisiana, and Kansas are only the tip of the iceberg as unions are destroyed, both poor white and black communities are disenfranchised by cuts in education (wonder why they are HS graduates who can not compete) and public services, etc to pay for the 1% tax cuts. It is stunning how Jindal run Louisiana to the ground after the state recorded a surplus prior to his governorship.
11
The Republicans are not alone. We are talking about differences of degrees. Trust me, Wasserman Schultz and friends are no more concerned with the working class than their colleagues of the other side of the aisle. The corporatist, establishment members if DNC are as corrupt.
Ms. Schulz is carrying water for the pay day loan industry and trying to weaken the CFPB in the process for her backers. All the while she greases the revolving door between Congress and K Street.
She is bff with Hillary who remembers to attend church and court minorities during election season while scheduling sleep overs in the Lincoln bedroom for her top donors come next January. I wonder how much you have to donate to get on the top of the sleep over list? If your date isn't until late March, can you get a better position if you give just a few million more?
They are as disgusting as the GOP. They just aren't as public about it. There are a lot of economically distressed people living in Wisconsin and upstate New York with primaries right on the horizon. Hillary can't afford to start celebrating until she gets those over with and the coronation guest list will have tp remain private in the meantime.
Ms. Schulz is carrying water for the pay day loan industry and trying to weaken the CFPB in the process for her backers. All the while she greases the revolving door between Congress and K Street.
She is bff with Hillary who remembers to attend church and court minorities during election season while scheduling sleep overs in the Lincoln bedroom for her top donors come next January. I wonder how much you have to donate to get on the top of the sleep over list? If your date isn't until late March, can you get a better position if you give just a few million more?
They are as disgusting as the GOP. They just aren't as public about it. There are a lot of economically distressed people living in Wisconsin and upstate New York with primaries right on the horizon. Hillary can't afford to start celebrating until she gets those over with and the coronation guest list will have tp remain private in the meantime.
6
NYT did us a service with this editorial, because a moderate or left reader would never have encountered the hate speech of Williamson and French on our own. So lets talk about the use of opioids legal and not, and meth while we are at it: big pharma is responsible for both scourges and must be made to pay, by federal claw-back if necessary. In the former, they released an addictive pain-killer, they pushed doctors to prescribe it, then they advertised to make consumers demand it. The result is either ddiction to the legal version, or a switch to the more dangerous heroin. In the case of meth, it was the creation of over-the-counter drugs for allergies, which should have stayed prescription only where they could have been controlled. Instead they became theft and diversion targets, with the result being a conversion into meth. Both of these were criminal acts, done knowingly and carelessly, and enriching to big pharma. But instead of attacking the perpetrators of these crimes against humanity, the GOP-- typically-- blames the victims.
8
The most obvious displays of anger this spring have easily been the teeth-gritting displays of fury by writers at what's left of the New York Times, who SO wish they'd emigrated before they shared the continent with THOSE people who were WAY too ungrateful for the blessings of Obamaism.
To think that some people love Trump because he is the MOST different from the ObamaFail. Hoe dare they not see His Awesome Coolness as the hottest thing ever!
To think that some people love Trump because he is the MOST different from the ObamaFail. Hoe dare they not see His Awesome Coolness as the hottest thing ever!
2
I see you as a Lilliputian, and President Obama as Gulliver.
2
Out here, we have rich angry republicans. They have nothing to be angry about. I know them, they have had substantive careers, have retired with plenty. They are healthy, their kids grown, mature and thriving. In fact, most republicans I know are just plain angry. Why? It is really intriguing, and sad. I want joy, why don't they? This isn't a dress rehearsal friends.
10
Interestingly the article does not remark that a similar phenomenon is observed in the democratic party, which makes party affiliation irrelevant. As the population increases, there is much more intense competition for sharing finite resources. Given that the immigration in the US is at the two ends of the spectrum, with fewer at the "top" (highly skilled educated labor) and many more at the "bottom," it has become very hard to be born, raised and competing in the US with a constantly and ever increasing number of competitors from practically everywhere. This of course benefits some (the so called top 1%), but the majority of people already in the country lose because they are "normal" i.e. average in their training and abilities. What is happening in US politics right now is a natural evolutionary and dynamic response to pressure and will force the system to change its inertia-based locus. The rest is psycho-babble.
1
Ah yes I see the morally superior Democrats out in force castigating the GOP as a party of homogeneous -- racist, misogynistic, islamophobia, xenophobic, ignorant hateful white folks ..... clearly the only real thing that upset them is that their votes counts at all. And they wonder why people are inclined to vote for Trump ... ironic really.
3
LOL! I know I am!!! What are you?
I'm a moderate Republican who worked on Capitol Hill for 23 years in both the House and Senate. I've worked on more than a dozen campaigns. I've done okay financially and I'm supporting either Trump. I'd prefer Kasich but it looks like Trump is the only acceptable anti-GOP establishment candidate. If it's Cruz or someone else, I'm done with the GOP and will become a swing voter that leans left.
Bye bye National Review, FOX and all the others who made a lot of money playing the "establishment" game over the years and accomplishing virtually nothing.
Bye bye National Review, FOX and all the others who made a lot of money playing the "establishment" game over the years and accomplishing virtually nothing.
5
Absolutely dead-on analysis.
"Elite" Republicans should have been listening to their constituents instead of telling them what they should think.
"Elite" Republicans should have been listening to their constituents instead of telling them what they should think.
6
Ask the South Carolina evangelical who was voting with his extended middle finger, and he will tell you that he's angry because blacks are taking away all he's worked for, and even taken away the White House. That attitude has been not-so-quietly cultivated through four decades of GOP Southern strategy, focusing on welfare queens in Cadillacs and Willie Horton. It's not more complicated than that.
11
Write a story about the "blue fist" in Wisconsin.
Honestly I agree with Williamson and French. These voters largely consist of working class white people in former factory/industry towns where the industry left (and isn't coming back, because globalization and free trade help far more Americans, and other people worldwide), and instead of adjusting to modernity and re-locating to places with jobs or pursuing a tangible education, they've decided to become angry, stockpile guns, and do opioids at alarming rates while blaming all of their problems on brown people who had nothing to do with their problems.
3
You are wrong about trade helping more Americans. Outside of dock workers and store clerks, the shipment of jobs to Dusty Dirt World only funds the bankers and politicians.
Oh, and this is a great time to be selling empty shipping containers. Can't forget those guys.
Oh, and this is a great time to be selling empty shipping containers. Can't forget those guys.
8
This is a common fallacy, and doesn't address the point. Trade drives down the cost of goods, and expands the selection of goods that are available to consumers. The ability to buy every type of vegetable, fruit, etc. year round in any city in the united states is a direct result of trade. Nearly everything you buy is cheaper because of free trade. Yes, some factory/industrial workers lose their jobs in the Midwest, because they cannot compete with foreigners in the open market (maybe they don't like it, but that's the way it is). But cheaper production in china means cheaper goods for you as well. Regrettable that the factory workers lost their jobs due to robotics/industrial farming/globalization, but great that everyone else (a huge number of people) in the lower/middle class gets cheaper goods and a wider variety available to them not just in America but worldwide.
Meanwhile, the displaced workers refuse to realize the world has moved on and improved on the methods of the past. But reality doesn't care what the past was, only if you can compete in the present. Its time for them to go back to community college and move somewhere with work. But that's harder than whining and pretending you're superior to brown boogeymen and the nefarious "elites" whose math, reasoning, and facts you can't understand. Clearly voting for a serial liar, business failure, misogynist, and idiot who has no understanding of the world is the way out. Sigh.
Meanwhile, the displaced workers refuse to realize the world has moved on and improved on the methods of the past. But reality doesn't care what the past was, only if you can compete in the present. Its time for them to go back to community college and move somewhere with work. But that's harder than whining and pretending you're superior to brown boogeymen and the nefarious "elites" whose math, reasoning, and facts you can't understand. Clearly voting for a serial liar, business failure, misogynist, and idiot who has no understanding of the world is the way out. Sigh.
2
Well, there we have it. No dissembling. Just pure hate and contempt from the affluent against the entirety of the white working class. The parasitically wealthy condemn as lazy and morally corrupt all those holding two $10/hr jobs parents heroically trying to meet basic needs. Such hatred for the underclass goes beyond any language of feudalism where the serfs were accorded respect, even in prerevolutionary France. The tsarist government had far more social solidarity. No wonder Republican governors are so adamant in denying medicaid expansion: better to let the moochers die in the streets. No wonder the modest social democratic policies of Bernie are condemned as Leninism to be met with the hate language of the lynch mob.
When the working class awakens to reality a version of La Marseillaise will be heard as Tom Paine is re-read. When all paths to a just society are blocked by a rigged economy and polity, then jacobism will arise in a Second American Revolution. May it be born in love rather than the blood of the guillotine.
When the working class awakens to reality a version of La Marseillaise will be heard as Tom Paine is re-read. When all paths to a just society are blocked by a rigged economy and polity, then jacobism will arise in a Second American Revolution. May it be born in love rather than the blood of the guillotine.
19
GOP so-called "elites" would be well advised to remember Marie Antoinette who advised the hoi poloi to "eat cake" and ended up at the guillotine.
7
Well, the bell tolls where the wind blows the hardest.
The year 2016 and beyond will be an anti-establishment period when a new democratic revolution on the scale comparable to that of the Great American and French Revolutions more than two-hundred years ago will break out. If the economic crisis will ever come and stay, whether Donald Trump will be elected president or not, revolution for restoration of lost sovereignty of the people cannot be preventable. It’s obvious that if he would take the office in peace, the establishment would survive their usefulness; if not, the 21th century “medieval peasant’s revolt” would smash establishment and their henchmen into oblivion.
An interrupted revolt in the latter part of the 20th century by the people over the world against their oppressors and exploiters has sowed its seeds for posterity to revolt 50 more years later, what a historical irony.
The year 2016 and beyond will be an anti-establishment period when a new democratic revolution on the scale comparable to that of the Great American and French Revolutions more than two-hundred years ago will break out. If the economic crisis will ever come and stay, whether Donald Trump will be elected president or not, revolution for restoration of lost sovereignty of the people cannot be preventable. It’s obvious that if he would take the office in peace, the establishment would survive their usefulness; if not, the 21th century “medieval peasant’s revolt” would smash establishment and their henchmen into oblivion.
An interrupted revolt in the latter part of the 20th century by the people over the world against their oppressors and exploiters has sowed its seeds for posterity to revolt 50 more years later, what a historical irony.
3
It's all about class.
It's always been about class.
Racism is about class.
These elite Republican/Libertarians are getting their comeuppance for manipulating these voters on race for 50 years. And, then persuading them to swallow the 'conservative' claptrap that Reagan, Limbaugh and O'Reilly and the rest have indoctrinated them with. Now they are getting projectile vomited all over their $2500 suits.
Couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch.
It's always been about class.
Racism is about class.
These elite Republican/Libertarians are getting their comeuppance for manipulating these voters on race for 50 years. And, then persuading them to swallow the 'conservative' claptrap that Reagan, Limbaugh and O'Reilly and the rest have indoctrinated them with. Now they are getting projectile vomited all over their $2500 suits.
Couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch.
12
Funny thing .....John's Creek Georgia has a real heroin problem, and is one of the most Republican and affluent area of Georgia. So acting as if the white working class are the only ones addicted to drugs is an easy lie to tell. If Americans from all socioeconomic levels were not so intent on buying illegal drugs from Mexico or narcotic pain pills bought on the street we would all benefit. Money does not make one a "Christian" any more than lack of it makes one a lazy freeloader.
15
Americans are just fed up with the elite and their trade deals that trade their jobs for prosperity within Washington DC. They are also fed up with the press which is nothing more than a tool of the elite and the political correctness culture. The Trump supporters will not stand down as they have nothing to lose. After all, can it get much worse than it is now where they have no jobs, can't send their kids to college and have no voice in Washington?
11
"Dumb White People For Trump" would make a great bumper sticker.
I'll get to work on that.
I'll get to work on that.
6
The hostility of the elite toward lower middle class Americans is actually dangerous. Those that believe they are insulated and/or protected by wealth should think again. If the backbone of the nation - the working middle class - stops believing in the very system that they have so ardently supported with careers as police, as soldiers, as factory workers, as teachers and as the glue that has held small communities together, all will not be well in America for anybody, poor or rich. The "silent majority" is beginning to wake with a palpable anger, and the growling we're hearing could easily become an all out war cry. Bernie Sanders understands the rage, and can remedy it through equitable governing.
22
Off-topic, but does any one know if there is a documentary being made about the debacle in Kansas, where the governor implemented core Republican policies and the state fell apart to the point he had to sharply RAISE taxes again? Edsall's "What's the Matter with Kansas" is germane here, and such a documentary could provide good fodder for the campaign.
6
The GOP elite were quite satisfied when their manipulation of ignorant, white voters led them to routinely vote for republicans and against their own interests. Now that those same voters have spurned the GOP elite in favor of Trump, why are they surprised?
10
When presidential candidate Trump announced his immigration strategy- complete with a wall and an invective against the murderers and rapists that flood into our country across our southern borders, I was stunned.
Not because Trump was wrong but because he was right- so absolutely dead-on right. But I also knew it was only a matter of time before Trump was destroyed like so many others before him- marginalized, his business empire ruined, and him becoming a social pariah- a "racist" footnote on the American political scene.
Thankfully, even the might of the media was unable to derail Trump's amazingly obvious "The Emperor has no clothes!" campaign. There are, in fact, sane people in our country who can add two and two to get four.
Trump "gets" it.
American is a country with a culture that became the envy of the world through the efforts of hard-working people. Rules and rights and high-sounding humanistic catch-phrases by our founding fathers did NOT make this country great- it was the tough people who bought into them. When those same laws and rights and catchphrases serve to make America weaker and threaten the very personal safety of all citizens, it is time for a serious and fundamental re-evaluation.
God bless Donald Trump!
Not because Trump was wrong but because he was right- so absolutely dead-on right. But I also knew it was only a matter of time before Trump was destroyed like so many others before him- marginalized, his business empire ruined, and him becoming a social pariah- a "racist" footnote on the American political scene.
Thankfully, even the might of the media was unable to derail Trump's amazingly obvious "The Emperor has no clothes!" campaign. There are, in fact, sane people in our country who can add two and two to get four.
Trump "gets" it.
American is a country with a culture that became the envy of the world through the efforts of hard-working people. Rules and rights and high-sounding humanistic catch-phrases by our founding fathers did NOT make this country great- it was the tough people who bought into them. When those same laws and rights and catchphrases serve to make America weaker and threaten the very personal safety of all citizens, it is time for a serious and fundamental re-evaluation.
God bless Donald Trump!
8
The Republicans can't decide whether they want to be a political party (whose purpose is to win elections and govern if elected) or an ideological conservative movement (whose goals are to maintain ideological purity even if it means defending unpopular positions and losing elections). The people who write for National Review fall into the latter camp. If this means that the Republican Party implodes, that's fine. The Democrats controlled both houses of Congress most of the time from 1933 to 1996, and that worked out great for the American people.
9
Trump may have done a huge service to America by ushering in the end of the Republican party's ability to use and abuse lower middle class white voters. Meanwhile, Glenn Beck, apparently addressing his radio listeners from his glass mansion, cracks me up. If he's a real Christian living the faith he must have a different version of the Bible than the ones I've ever seen. Give me an atheist any day.
11
"Finally, determined to blow a hole in the Trump hot air balloon, the columnist hits hard..."
As if. As if any of his intended audience would even be in the position to see the article and critique - they ain't lookin'. And if they stumbled over it they wouldn't care, least of all for any introspection. They'd laugh right in your face before spewing some charming epithets and puffing up their chests in defiance and as a threat of physical violence.
Trump gives permission to be a bully. And they are all about crackin' some heads. They are the proverbial "mob".
As if. As if any of his intended audience would even be in the position to see the article and critique - they ain't lookin'. And if they stumbled over it they wouldn't care, least of all for any introspection. They'd laugh right in your face before spewing some charming epithets and puffing up their chests in defiance and as a threat of physical violence.
Trump gives permission to be a bully. And they are all about crackin' some heads. They are the proverbial "mob".
5
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Acts 9:18 (KJV)
Or, it took the Republican elite 50 years to realize they were playing with fire and now it's time to burn...
Or, it took the Republican elite 50 years to realize they were playing with fire and now it's time to burn...
4
I see a lot of smug Democrats in these comments, but I wonder how that's at all warranted. The affluent portion of the Democratic base is the only portion that's done well. The minorities on whom the Democrats rely for victories are having their families and neighborhoods (which are becoming increasingly segregated) torn apart by mass incarceration and mass deportation. The young people who enabled the victory of 2008 are drowning in $1.4 trillion in debt and living at home with Mom and Dad at unprecedented rates, the first generation in American history with worse economic prospects than their parents.
You can laugh at the GOP's current state, but the same reckoning is not far off for the Democratic Party if it doesn't heed the writing on the wall. All indications are that it isn't doing so.
You can laugh at the GOP's current state, but the same reckoning is not far off for the Democratic Party if it doesn't heed the writing on the wall. All indications are that it isn't doing so.
13
My point, exactly. What we have seen this election cycle is that the DNC is nearly as disgusting and corrupt as the RNC. It became increasingly clear with the treatment of the Sanders campaign. Even the president has seen fit to stick his thumb on the scales for Hillary. That says all that needs to be said about the establishment's panic over keeping control of the party.
A pox on both their houses.
A pox on both their houses.
5
This is what happens to a public that has been motivated by bigotry, intolerance and racism, to the point where they preferred to follow the racial dog whistles and vote against their self interest in the name of "cultural values.
Its true they were cynically exploited by the greedy, avaricious and cynical GOP establishment, who blew the dog whistles every 4 years, and after the elections basically told them to get lost for the next 3.5 years. On the other hand, it's kind of hard to generate much sympathy for people whose own racism and bigotry has been a major cause of their victimization.
Its true they were cynically exploited by the greedy, avaricious and cynical GOP establishment, who blew the dog whistles every 4 years, and after the elections basically told them to get lost for the next 3.5 years. On the other hand, it's kind of hard to generate much sympathy for people whose own racism and bigotry has been a major cause of their victimization.
6
According to a recent article in The Guardian newspaper: The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations investigated Apple’s tax strategies and found that in 2012 alone the company avoided paying $9 billion in U.S. taxes, using a strategy involving three offshore units with no discernible tax home, or “residence”.
Apple is in good company with CBS, General Electric, Interpublic Group, JetBlue Airways, Mattel, Owens Corning, PG&E, Pepco Holdings, Priceline.com, Prudential Financial, Qualcomm, Ryder System, Time Warner, Weyerhaeuser and Xerox also not paying U.S. taxes as reported last year by the advocacy group Citizens for Tax Justice.
Tax avoidance seems to be the mainstay Republican philosophy since 1980 and Reagan’s first term as President. Perhaps the missing tax revenue from some of these large corporations could pay for much need maintenance and improvements to our country’s infrastructure. That is assuming that Republicans care about their own country. In addition, many of these disenfranchised white working-class Trump supports could then hopefully find decent paying jobs working to better their own country. With work comes self-respect and much of the appeal of Trump is diminished.
Apple is in good company with CBS, General Electric, Interpublic Group, JetBlue Airways, Mattel, Owens Corning, PG&E, Pepco Holdings, Priceline.com, Prudential Financial, Qualcomm, Ryder System, Time Warner, Weyerhaeuser and Xerox also not paying U.S. taxes as reported last year by the advocacy group Citizens for Tax Justice.
Tax avoidance seems to be the mainstay Republican philosophy since 1980 and Reagan’s first term as President. Perhaps the missing tax revenue from some of these large corporations could pay for much need maintenance and improvements to our country’s infrastructure. That is assuming that Republicans care about their own country. In addition, many of these disenfranchised white working-class Trump supports could then hopefully find decent paying jobs working to better their own country. With work comes self-respect and much of the appeal of Trump is diminished.
15
Corporate tax avoidance is the mainstay of every corporate law firm.
1
These people need to be jettisoned from the Republican Party. This will allow the party to get rid of its religious extremist and anti -immigration wing. They can move to a fiscally conservative - socially liberal model that will welcome in Asians and Hispanics that aspire to work hard and want the government off their backs.
1
As I've always said where is a libertarian minded person suppose to go, apparently wanting a small government that is competent, effective, upholds the laws and is held accountable makes you a racist, misogynistic, islamophobia, xenophobic hateful person. Both parties have little interest in other than amassing more and more power and money in Washington to support there own rather extravagant lifestyle.
1
Trump supporters are wisely recognizing that they have been lied to for decades by establishment politicians. But I find it utterly bizarre that they are flocking to the candidate who is indisputably the least likely to be truthful. Supporting an unmitigated liar is not the path to have honest government.
7
Wow, those are fighting words from David French and Williamson of the National Review. They are based on the quintessentially Republican "nature" driven view of the human condition, where those "weak" enough to submit to temptations or not "strong" enough able to find success on their own "deserve to die." While I agree with the prevalent sense of entitlement, lack of gratitude for being born in a country with so many natural advantages, and the cultural decay associated with the breakdown of families and communities in the ultimate individualist pursuit of "I, me, myself", but it's evident to a first generation immigrant like me that this spiritual (moral is too rigid a word) malaise is not limited to poor working class whites, but in fact extends to a large chunk of the Millennial and Baby Boomer generation of native born Americans across racial and economic classes. As someone who grew up with the goal of humanist values and integrity being the highest attainment, I would like to see spiritual connection and compassion (not religion or orthodoxy) be offered to those suffering the most from this malaise. Turning inward to discover the void and why it can never be filled by material pursuits alone might serve America better than turning on scapegoats in the eternal world. Might sound kooky but better than promoting the status quo or advocating complete abandonment of those that we deem not "fit" enough to be included in American society.
6
Human beings want a living wage and the self respect that goes with doing a share of the world's work. Democrats believe in a robust safety net, Republicans are for looting workers and demonizing them to feel good about it. One is better than the other but neither is good. Democrats say working class voters act against their best interests if they vote Republican. True, but patronizing because it dismisses the lack of good jobs, so the safety net is not the "hand up" it should be. There are plenty of good jobs that need to be done, in infrastructure and Health care for example. Only one candidate would even consider it.
3
Wow, what Williamson wrote is pretty powerful but doesn't offer a cure for these poor whites. I don't see Ted Cruz helping them. Hillary would love to have them as voters but there is only one man who will really help them: Bernie Sanders. I can see him trying to get jobs back for poor whites (and Blacks).
I will say this about Trump: If The Donald can promise that he would open up manufacturing plants to help these people, then he's got a great chance of going above 30%. The problem is that Trump is all about "me me me" and already has the support of his people. But you want to really make America great, Donald? Help the poor. Open up manufacturing in rural and urban America. Make America WORK again. Because he actually has the money to do it. I said something similar to Romney 4 years ago in these comments.
Make America WORK again.
I will say this about Trump: If The Donald can promise that he would open up manufacturing plants to help these people, then he's got a great chance of going above 30%. The problem is that Trump is all about "me me me" and already has the support of his people. But you want to really make America great, Donald? Help the poor. Open up manufacturing in rural and urban America. Make America WORK again. Because he actually has the money to do it. I said something similar to Romney 4 years ago in these comments.
Make America WORK again.
11
The GOP continues to tear itself apart.
Would anyone like some of my supersize serving of schadenfreude?
Would anyone like some of my supersize serving of schadenfreude?
8
You will never hear the slanderous broad-brush stereotypes hurled against poor whites EVER mentioned against poor blacks, even though the same is true. Not by conservatives, not by liberals.
When whites make poor decisions, they only have themselves to blame. But when blacks are found in the same condition, it is "society's" fault, or more to the point the fault of racist whites.
I find it cowardly, mean-spirited and dishonest to hear so-called conservative commentators heap such abuse on their self serving and selectively chosen targets, while refusing to address the broader audience to which their accusations should just as honestly be applied.
When whites make poor decisions, they only have themselves to blame. But when blacks are found in the same condition, it is "society's" fault, or more to the point the fault of racist whites.
I find it cowardly, mean-spirited and dishonest to hear so-called conservative commentators heap such abuse on their self serving and selectively chosen targets, while refusing to address the broader audience to which their accusations should just as honestly be applied.
11
To Rico,
I would disagree. Conservatives, including those who are themselves black - e.g. Ben Carson - have consistently analyzed the same situation among blacks with the same broad-brush stereotypes. In fact, some of them completely discount racism as a problem that has been overcome, and plays no role whatsoever.
I would disagree. Conservatives, including those who are themselves black - e.g. Ben Carson - have consistently analyzed the same situation among blacks with the same broad-brush stereotypes. In fact, some of them completely discount racism as a problem that has been overcome, and plays no role whatsoever.
9
You are kidding right? Slanderous, broad-brush stereotypes have been and continue to be hurled against blacks REGARDLESS of their achievements, station in life, attire, zip code, you name it.
Give me a break. In fact, give us all a break.
Give me a break. In fact, give us all a break.
11
You have it backward, Rico. NO American-- no matter their skin color or ethnic background-- needs or deserves to be spoken of or to in such a disrespectful manner, by any pundit or politician. The GOP has been implying this for decades about BLACKS: remember St Ronnie's "welfare queens" and "young bucks?" But through all the insults directed at black people the GOP establishment could reliably expect the white underclass to vote for them. So no criticisms made. Now that these citizens have finally turned from the establishment, their spokespeople are freaking out and thus attacking their former supporters. A wicked irony if it were not so tragic.
6
Love the rationalization that the conservatives use to blame others. As if the worker made GM fail in Flint or forced Eastman Kodak out of business. "They need a U-Haul?" to where exactly? The greed and mentality of the corporate class typified by Mitt Romney and his "Bainification" policies are what did us in. People are commodities... fungible.
Dylan said it best in Subterranean Homesick Blues.... "the pump don't work cuz the vandals took the handles."
Dylan said it best in Subterranean Homesick Blues.... "the pump don't work cuz the vandals took the handles."
13
Wait a minute - it's our own fault when STEM workers are laid off and forced to train their H1b replacements?
And there is a question of who is angrier?
Give us your best guess on this - rage at the polls that means the "establishment" candidate loses - or the discomfort and desperate manipulations of those who want to grasp onto power so they can destroy our lives more completely?
I'm hoping the rage at the polls makes a difference.
And there is a question of who is angrier?
Give us your best guess on this - rage at the polls that means the "establishment" candidate loses - or the discomfort and desperate manipulations of those who want to grasp onto power so they can destroy our lives more completely?
I'm hoping the rage at the polls makes a difference.
6
The older members are the angriest...they are the ones who watched the Reagan puppetmasters take over and destroy the party while appealing to side issues to curry favor with evangelicals .....those who were afraid of the combo of vets, students and workers that ended the ViteNam war. They set a plan to dumb down education of the working poor, end the draft (BTW the greatest leveler of US society) and break the unions.
It succeded beyond all expectations leaving those ex-allies angry at their betrayal. Signaling another crisis of the GOP.
BTW Cruz is the scariest of the candidates with his not-so-peaceful Christian crusade run by his father appealingto all the same evangelicals(which also include armed groups from which McVey came)
Oldtime GOPers like my father who predicted this set of events when Reagan was puppetized into office are the REAL angry ones.
It succeded beyond all expectations leaving those ex-allies angry at their betrayal. Signaling another crisis of the GOP.
BTW Cruz is the scariest of the candidates with his not-so-peaceful Christian crusade run by his father appealingto all the same evangelicals(which also include armed groups from which McVey came)
Oldtime GOPers like my father who predicted this set of events when Reagan was puppetized into office are the REAL angry ones.
10
Conservative talk radio bears some of the responsibility.
8
An exceptionally insightful article but Edsall seems to ignore the elephant in the room. The majority of Trumps support comes from independents and cross over Democrats.
8
The Russian Tsars and their filthy rich 0.1% were having a great time resting on the backs of their incredibly poor, serf like population, until the First World War arrived, and the masses were given guns for the battlefield.
Here in the US, the poor are already being armed with assault rifles as a matter of marketing. Anyone want to predict the next ten years in the US?
Here in the US, the poor are already being armed with assault rifles as a matter of marketing. Anyone want to predict the next ten years in the US?
8
The angry US serfs have over 300 million guns and piles of ammo. The elites had better get some reforms going before the serfs blow like they did when Russia was too slow with the reforms.
8
If antibiotics (=Washington insiders) do not work, you do not use a shotgun (=Trump) to cure an infection on your leg. Yet these people seem quite content doing just that.
5
Both parties are killing their working class/middle class people using culture wars to alienate us from each other's mutual economic interests. I will remind you that Germany manages to take care of their working class people so well that they were able to absorb an entire country ( East Germany) and thrive. We who support Sanders and Trump need to work together or we shall be dead or serfs to the ruling 10 percent.
12
the irony here is that Bernie sanders is probably the candidate who's democratic socialist platform offers these low income, low education white voters the best hope for a somewhat better life than they currently have. trump's platform of protectionism and tax cuts for the wealthy will end up making them much worse off. that's usually what happens when you act out of anger and hate. you do stupid things and end up being worse off than you were. sort of like getting into a drunken brawl at some dive bar and killing someone.
14
The white working class supporters of the GOP have connived in their own despair. Why is it that this anger against the political establishment is not mirrored in other democracies such as our neighbors to the north? Because losing a job in America or being unable to find one is a disaster beyond that suffered elsewhere. And that is because our social safety net is a frail and tattered thing made so almost exclusively by a Republican Party that sees all spending save that on our national security security state as pernicious.
Government cannot provide jobs to all but it can surely help to make the lives of those suffering the consequences of economic dislocation by providing health care, income support, retraining and education and revitalization to those areas suffering most. But the GOP at both national and state levels sees all government help as a waste and have fought hard to prevent it - aided and abetted by the very workers who struggle every day but faithfully vote Republican.
And now they turn to Trump the Buffoon. The world would be belly laughing if it were not so utterly worrisome.
Government cannot provide jobs to all but it can surely help to make the lives of those suffering the consequences of economic dislocation by providing health care, income support, retraining and education and revitalization to those areas suffering most. But the GOP at both national and state levels sees all government help as a waste and have fought hard to prevent it - aided and abetted by the very workers who struggle every day but faithfully vote Republican.
And now they turn to Trump the Buffoon. The world would be belly laughing if it were not so utterly worrisome.
5
NJB, our neighbors to the north have carefully restricted immigration to those who already have been offered jobs there. Canada certainly does not welcome poorly educated illegal immigrants from Mexico and Central America.
I've read that Canada requires everyone to have a national I.D. to do anything such as take a job or open a bank account. Since Canada has not had to take care of illegal immigrants, it has been able to afford more of a safety net for its own citizens and for legal immigrants.
It will be interesting to see how things work out now that the new prime minister is accepting thousands of Syrian refugees.
I've read that Canada requires everyone to have a national I.D. to do anything such as take a job or open a bank account. Since Canada has not had to take care of illegal immigrants, it has been able to afford more of a safety net for its own citizens and for legal immigrants.
It will be interesting to see how things work out now that the new prime minister is accepting thousands of Syrian refugees.
8
I am astounded that people think that the solution to a lack of good jobs is to move.
Move where?
You have to know of a place where jobs are numerous to begin with. And when you get there, you will have to land one very, very quickly, because you can't live in a motel or your car for long, nor can you rent an apartment without a job. (It may be hard enough to rent one if the job is new.)
Finally, if none of it pans out—or if you go through all the work of getting a new job and apartment, paying a rental deposit and possibly buying new clothing or tools for work, and then the job ends after only a few months—will you have the money to get back home to where you have family or friends who might help you with a roof over your head for awhile?
Let me say that I've done it—moved somewhere without having a job waiting for me. So I can tell you that it's not easy. It helps to have a financial cushion. It's ALWAYS risky, and some people just can't take that risk. And when jobs have disappeared all over the country, it may not be a solution at all.
Move where?
You have to know of a place where jobs are numerous to begin with. And when you get there, you will have to land one very, very quickly, because you can't live in a motel or your car for long, nor can you rent an apartment without a job. (It may be hard enough to rent one if the job is new.)
Finally, if none of it pans out—or if you go through all the work of getting a new job and apartment, paying a rental deposit and possibly buying new clothing or tools for work, and then the job ends after only a few months—will you have the money to get back home to where you have family or friends who might help you with a roof over your head for awhile?
Let me say that I've done it—moved somewhere without having a job waiting for me. So I can tell you that it's not easy. It helps to have a financial cushion. It's ALWAYS risky, and some people just can't take that risk. And when jobs have disappeared all over the country, it may not be a solution at all.
27
@Tokyo Tea: Thank you for pointing something that should be obvious. It costs money to move, money that these people very probably don't have. And where will they move to? Maybe the Bay Area, where people have to rent tents in someone's back yard because the cost of living here is so high.
1
As usual, those who bought a ten-year warranty from the bankrupt company.
1
If what Edsel says is true, that these Republican voters are the failed white poor who have little work ethic or moral foundation, then I get his premise. I disagree, somewhat. I believe these folks are poor and struggle with the same issues that all families struggle with - rich or poor.
That being said, I think what is really happening is that the poor of both parties are finally figuring out that our current form of government is a very efficient machine designed to transfer wealth from the lower classes to the higher classes. In the early 1970's the middle class held 80% of the nations wealth. In 2015 1% held 85% of the wealth.
The earth is shaking underneath both parties as the awareness of the nature of our government is becoming more clear to the majority.
That being said, I think what is really happening is that the poor of both parties are finally figuring out that our current form of government is a very efficient machine designed to transfer wealth from the lower classes to the higher classes. In the early 1970's the middle class held 80% of the nations wealth. In 2015 1% held 85% of the wealth.
The earth is shaking underneath both parties as the awareness of the nature of our government is becoming more clear to the majority.
13
Spot on PeterJ. These angry and disaffected people are NOT stupid: they were too long complacent and now they are not. That awakening is what the right wing establishment fears. And this sea change (shaking earth) is what the powers that be do not know how to handle. Not to let democrats off the hook, but they just can't be made the equal in this mass destruction of the middle class. At least they do not want to end SS. At least most of them realize the goal for healthcare should be single payer.
2
Sadly, Williamson's observations about "poor" whites has much truth to them.
Poor whites are essentially victims of themselves at the core.Unable to keep pace with society for whatever reason, they have consistently opted to take the republican "bait" of racism, sexism, immigration, and the big bad government, to vote against their own best interest. They still don't understand intellectually how they've been used, but they understand their gut.
Its probably too much to expect poor white America to realize that in this country the Democrats, with all their shortcomings, are still the last best hope for poor whites. The Dems have given them everything in the social safety net including: social security, medicare, medicaid, Obamacare, unemployment insurance.The republicans are vowing to dismantle and remove it all.
If the poor whites think Trump's policies will help them, Williamson's main tenet will be proven again. It truly is, go with the Dems or go down the tubes.
Poor whites are essentially victims of themselves at the core.Unable to keep pace with society for whatever reason, they have consistently opted to take the republican "bait" of racism, sexism, immigration, and the big bad government, to vote against their own best interest. They still don't understand intellectually how they've been used, but they understand their gut.
Its probably too much to expect poor white America to realize that in this country the Democrats, with all their shortcomings, are still the last best hope for poor whites. The Dems have given them everything in the social safety net including: social security, medicare, medicaid, Obamacare, unemployment insurance.The republicans are vowing to dismantle and remove it all.
If the poor whites think Trump's policies will help them, Williamson's main tenet will be proven again. It truly is, go with the Dems or go down the tubes.
10
The comments by the National Review's writer are horrendous, but they illustrate that hate is not limited to race. But classism for Republicans is not the same for Democrats,because Republican policies are anti-poor people and anti-women. There are also Democrats like FDR, Kennedy, and others who were born upper-class but did positive things for all, including the needy. The Natiional Review does not seem to realize that the life style of the whites they demonize was created by the capitalists they support.
7
Considering how much ink has been spilled over Donald Trump, I'm amazed the media still doesn't get it. I don't support him but it's obvious to me why so many working-class whites do.
It's not because they're all racists and xenophobes. It's because they've watched their financial security steadily decline, at the same time the 1% have gobbled up more and more of the pie.
Donald Trump IS the 1%. Unlike many of his supporters, he has actually brokered back-room deals and rubbed elbows with the elites who shape so much of our national policy. And I believe many voters are thinking, maybe just maybe, this guy will use his knowledge and connections to do something that benefits average Americans.
It's like having a Union general fight for the confederate army. Who knows how to beat the Union better than one of its own?
It's not because they're all racists and xenophobes. It's because they've watched their financial security steadily decline, at the same time the 1% have gobbled up more and more of the pie.
Donald Trump IS the 1%. Unlike many of his supporters, he has actually brokered back-room deals and rubbed elbows with the elites who shape so much of our national policy. And I believe many voters are thinking, maybe just maybe, this guy will use his knowledge and connections to do something that benefits average Americans.
It's like having a Union general fight for the confederate army. Who knows how to beat the Union better than one of its own?
11
Isn't it time that we started holding the Trump supporters in contempt? We, the middle and upper middle class (and occasionally elite) readers of the NYT condemn the racist, misogynistic and authoritarian views spewing forth from the lower classes, and then defend them against rather accurate attacks on their beliefs and lifestyle?
Instead of defending them, we should be pointing them in the right direction. Two wrongs don't make a right, and defending wrongs don't make the right either. We need to aggressively push rational thought in the forms of family planning, education, and help them reject the faux-Christian prosperity gospel that does much more harm than good.
We need to repeal draconian anti-birth control laws, and other legislative methods of enforcing the archaic faux-morals of the 'Christian' Right.
And if they refuse to change and become participating members of society, it is their fault and their's alone. You can lead a Trump voter to reason, but you can't make him think.
Instead of defending them, we should be pointing them in the right direction. Two wrongs don't make a right, and defending wrongs don't make the right either. We need to aggressively push rational thought in the forms of family planning, education, and help them reject the faux-Christian prosperity gospel that does much more harm than good.
We need to repeal draconian anti-birth control laws, and other legislative methods of enforcing the archaic faux-morals of the 'Christian' Right.
And if they refuse to change and become participating members of society, it is their fault and their's alone. You can lead a Trump voter to reason, but you can't make him think.
5
The GOP gerrymandered itself into Trump and Cruz. Enjoy the fruits of your sketchy labors, Republicans.
5
The decline of the unskilled and semi-skilled working class must be blamed on the workers themselves, because neither party has any intention of changing the neoliberal economic policies that they and their wealthy backers are benefiting from quite fabulously.
Once Hillary is in office, she'll have a "change of heart" on the TPP and other trade deals, maybe she'll throw in some meaningless "worker protections", but the trade agreements will have their intended effect of further downward pressure on wages.
And the victims will be blamed, while the perpetrators will reap the rewards.
Once Hillary is in office, she'll have a "change of heart" on the TPP and other trade deals, maybe she'll throw in some meaningless "worker protections", but the trade agreements will have their intended effect of further downward pressure on wages.
And the victims will be blamed, while the perpetrators will reap the rewards.
8
And that is why we can't let Hilary in the WH.
7
The data cited from Teixeira and Abramawitz regarding the average wages for those with some college, a high school diploma, and high school dropouts, did not obviously refer to racial categories. What is galling about this article, Edsall, and this subject in general is the refusal to acknowledge that members of the so-called working class have much in common with each other regardless of their race or ethnicity. What sets apart the white members of the working class is that they have fallen so far, while many others never rose or rose far less and so did not have as far to fall. This has been the trick of the Republican establishment, to persuade white working class voters that the disappearance of secure jobs and pensions is attributable to "others," who are, variously, either not working (rather than not being able to find work) and unfairly existing on taxpayer largess, or if they are working, then unfairly taking jobs away from white people. Whether its your taxes or your unemployment, either way, those people are to blame. What Republican loyalists never, ever want to admit anywhere to anyone is that working class voters share many of the same problems across demographic groups. And Edsall reinforces this deeply cynical position by making a fetish of the subject of "white worker" problems without ever once acknowledging that they are essentially "American worker" problems.
7
My advice to Kevin Williamson: live very well while you are on this earth because anyone with such a stone cold heart and callous attitude will have a lot to answer for on judgement day.
16
When do you expect judgement day to happen?
3
Rest assured, it gets closer with each passing day.
1
It happens right after you die, sweetie.
1
Reading this piece, I can only conclude that the Republican "brain trust" still doesn't get it--they and their party did a lot toward creating the mess that the decry among lower-class whites: trickle-down economics and rhetorical pap served up since Reagan's first term have done nothing for those at the bottom, but only enriched and empowered those now shocked and confused elites that own the party. I genuinely hope that these two groups simply devour each other. Perhaps--just perhaps--Trump is doing the country a favor by wrecking a once-great party that is now simply out-of-touch, manipulative, selfish, vicious and irrelevant in today's complex society.
5
Nothing new here - well-heeled members of the chattering classes are contemptuous of those who are struggling economically. It's a very old story.
The problem we have in this country is not with the intelligence of blue-collar Americans, but with the intelligence of our political leaders and their expert advisers, none of whom is bright enough to come up with solutions to the exodus of well-paid manufacturing jobs and the stagnation of wages for those who do have jobs. That is the sort of problem our leaders are supposed to be able to handle. If they can't, what exactly do we need them for?
The problem we have in this country is not with the intelligence of blue-collar Americans, but with the intelligence of our political leaders and their expert advisers, none of whom is bright enough to come up with solutions to the exodus of well-paid manufacturing jobs and the stagnation of wages for those who do have jobs. That is the sort of problem our leaders are supposed to be able to handle. If they can't, what exactly do we need them for?
11
I'm a Democrat, but replace "Republican "with "Democrat" in the following and it's just as true:
"one of a party elite that abandoned its most faithful voters, blue-collar white Americans, who faced economic pain and uncertainty over the past decade as the party’s donors, lawmakers and lobbyists prospered. From mobile home parks in Florida and factory towns in Michigan, to Virginia’s coal country, where as many as one in five adults live on Social Security disability payments, disenchanted Republican voters lost faith in the agenda of their party’s leaders.I "
"one of a party elite that abandoned its most faithful voters, blue-collar white Americans, who faced economic pain and uncertainty over the past decade as the party’s donors, lawmakers and lobbyists prospered. From mobile home parks in Florida and factory towns in Michigan, to Virginia’s coal country, where as many as one in five adults live on Social Security disability payments, disenchanted Republican voters lost faith in the agenda of their party’s leaders.I "
6
Sadly, the Republicans are reaping what they sowed. The divergence in incomes between the least and most educated, with the majority of the gains in the past 40 years having gone to the top 5% or so...well, that's mostly the Republican's doing. And it's clear from listening to Paul Ryan, the R's most respected spokesperson at the moment, they plan to continue along the same tired path. Establishment Republicans continue to offer '80s solutions to new millennium problems.
Additionally, the R's have actively cultivated an angry electorate. They thought this would help them defeat Democrats, without seeing the possibility that the same electorate would turn on them. I guess it's a case of biting the hand that *doesn't* feed you.
Additionally, the R's have actively cultivated an angry electorate. They thought this would help them defeat Democrats, without seeing the possibility that the same electorate would turn on them. I guess it's a case of biting the hand that *doesn't* feed you.
3
A simple answer to this NYT headline.
Willfully uninformed, mostly white voters, male and feamle.
Willfully uninformed, mostly white voters, male and feamle.
Call Trump anything you want and I will agree-loose cannon, liar, crazy, etc. He sets a seemingly impossible new low every day. What you see is what you get. A certified nut. But, now turn your gaze to Ms Clinton. She is smoother and more dignified than Donald (yes-that is a low bar). But as an old friend always says "the kind of person who would climb a tree to tell you a lie". Look at the things she and Bill have said over the years. The women's lives she and her surrogates have trashed. The things she has voted for-Iraq war, etc. Any wonder she can't put away a 74 year old back bench socialist from a tiny state? Don't think for a moment that Trump can't beat her. The polls have been dead wrong on everything thus far. Carter was ahead of Reagan by about 25 points right now..
5
Well, It’s an interesting counter-offensive, isn't it?
"You guys think the Party’s Elite has broken their promise to you? Take a look at yourselves and see how you have broken your promises to yourself, your families and your country....and then get back to us "Elites" about broken promises."
"You guys think the Party’s Elite has broken their promise to you? Take a look at yourselves and see how you have broken your promises to yourself, your families and your country....and then get back to us "Elites" about broken promises."
2
“Established Mainstream Republicans” and “Established Mainstream Democrats” controlled by their elite “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors have both created all of the Free Trade Agreements that economically required US businesses to relocate their higher paying STEM manufacturing jobs to Third World Nations when US workers refuse to work for the same pay scales that are available in Third World nations just like their “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors directed them!
"WAGE STAGNATION" has been caused by the Free Trade agreements created by the “Established Mainstream Republicans” and “Established Mainstream Democrats” for the benefit of their “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors because US workers refuse to work for the same pay scales that are available in Third World nations!
Donald Trump wants to return those jobs to the USA just as he stated on the Oprah Winfrey TV show 20+ years ago when he heard that President Clinton was signing that very first Free Trade Agreement (with Mexico) into law!
"WAGE STAGNATION" has been caused by the Free Trade agreements created by the “Established Mainstream Republicans” and “Established Mainstream Democrats” for the benefit of their “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors because US workers refuse to work for the same pay scales that are available in Third World nations!
Donald Trump wants to return those jobs to the USA just as he stated on the Oprah Winfrey TV show 20+ years ago when he heard that President Clinton was signing that very first Free Trade Agreement (with Mexico) into law!
6
Trump has stated that he thinks US wages are too high.
2
In WWII and for a couple of decades after, the USA made things of value and sold those products around the world in return for the foreigners gold, wealth and other valuables.
Today the USA is essentially de-industrialized and only makes, exports and sells freshly printed paper (toxic) financial products for sale to foreigners.
Today the USA is essentially de-industrialized and only makes, exports and sells freshly printed paper (toxic) financial products for sale to foreigners.
3
"I love the poorly educated." — Donald Trump
6
Thanks you for your continued good analysis. It is appreciated, though it is dispiriting to read Williamson et all. What a sick, judgmental, mean-spirited group of self-righteous cretins, the irony is that they cheerlead the same kind of invective and hate that Trump does, just that its against a group that actually has kept this party in Congress. I hope the Country will toss out the whole lot of them.
5
i have sympathy for the insiders and why they are afraid of Donald Trump becoming President. The people may demand Trump stick the proverbial broomstick up their bum
And how do the insiders control him since he doesn't need their millions so far. Next the people will demand Trump expose the dems as just as evil as the GOP
yikes
Who am I to judge?
And how do the insiders control him since he doesn't need their millions so far. Next the people will demand Trump expose the dems as just as evil as the GOP
yikes
Who am I to judge?
4
Thanks to Mr. Edsall for giving Williamson's editorial more attention. People need to know that the GOP elite hate the poor of any color--and have nothing but contempt for their base.
6
One foolish thing that is likely due to human nature is that those who have managed to pull themselves up out of poverty using the programs supported by Democrats switch over and advocate pulling up the ladder after them as if success in the US is a zero sum game.
4
When will the GOP admit that the dishonesty of their "trickle down" promises to their base is a major reason behind Trump's success? Still another reason for Trump's success is the GOP's long unwillingness to compromise and allow our government to work for the good of the less fortunate.
2
Another aspect of this alienation is conservative Republican and Tea Party congressional candidates' overselling their ability to "up end" Washington. Once their most loyal constituency saw them, election cycle after election cycle, incapable of delivering on these fantasies of disruption, they naturally began to lump them with the hated Democrats. As such, Trump's "disgust" with both parties and their policies made him a natural magnet.
2
Republican finger pointing over Trump has all the charm of a married couple fighting at a funeral. It was not long ago when Donald Trump and "The Art of the Deal" were icons for where all ambitious people should be heading. Add a fiery (if faux) concern for the little guy, and it suddenly becomes apostasy.
3
I get it that these people played a role in their own demise by voting against their own interests; it's been something that has made me scratch my head for many years. That said, this piece makes me cry for these people so thoroughly manipulated and scorned by the Republican elites ("whelping of human children"? Really?). Do I think it's great that they're now flocking to Trump's "blame everybody else" message? Of course not. But I think I am starting to get why. The Kevin Williamson excerpts are simply evil, and if that is the true face of the GOP, I sincerely hope they get absolutely destroyed.
6
All you fools left and right, agenda driven, are the reason America suffers.
Do we even know what the common good means anymore.
I am not poor, and never voted Republican, and my question is,
what leader will bring us jobs? My affection is for Bernie, but he will encounter resistance from the say no Republicans.
Donald on the other hand with Democratic support will be able to break the Republicans and push for job producing programs.
Hillary owned by Wall St, who never had a real job her whole life is an empty suit.
But keep supporting her, because your agenda's are more important than America.
Do we even know what the common good means anymore.
I am not poor, and never voted Republican, and my question is,
what leader will bring us jobs? My affection is for Bernie, but he will encounter resistance from the say no Republicans.
Donald on the other hand with Democratic support will be able to break the Republicans and push for job producing programs.
Hillary owned by Wall St, who never had a real job her whole life is an empty suit.
But keep supporting her, because your agenda's are more important than America.
5
Sanders is a career politician too, although his supporters will deny it.
At this point, the real money men in the GOP would prefer Hillary Clinton as a means to safeguard their portfolios, which is their only true concern. I can see their preferences play out when I watch the 10 PM News on the Fox's NY channel. Whenever the Democratic race is discussed they are sure to include the superdelegate count, making Clinton's lead seem insurmountable - a "fact" they are always quick to mention. They appear even more pro-Clinton than the Times, if such a thing is possible.
7
An excellent piece which provides a lot of clarity to this current election. I'm shocked by the Republican pundits he quotes, who seem as judgemental about poor whites as they are about African-Americans or single women. I'm a Sanders supporter and disturbed by the violence and racist outbreaks of the Trump-ites, but I think many, if not most, of these voters concerns are quite valid and have been ignored by the left as well as the right.
4
What's bracing about this piece is that it asks us to think about events on a longer time-scale than the news cycle. In particular, the invocation of King should remind us all that in 1968, the year of his assassination, he had begun a "Poor People's Campaign." He apparently envisioned a political alliance based on class, not race.
The pervasive racism in the US, deeply rooted in our history, has made it all too easy for those with power to defeat such class-based alliances before they can take shape.
The pervasive racism in the US, deeply rooted in our history, has made it all too easy for those with power to defeat such class-based alliances before they can take shape.
7
As with chains, so with teams -- and countries. You can't build winning records using ideas, behaviors, policies and protocols that deliberately weaken weak links, ostensibly to promote a shared vitality, but actually for the sake of consolidating power in a top-down power structure. Both major parties have been far too top-down for far too long. The ramifications are now showing up in the form of a populism, for which elites in each party have mainly themselves to blame. Shame on them for their arrogance in presuming that their ideas (whether lofty or merely power-grubbing) are more important than people's daily lives. Not in a democracy!
The lesser educated blue collar republican is nothing more than a tool to the elite one percenters. Trump is using them too and they seem to have no clue that they support the very people who delight in squashing them at every turn. I just don't get it.
2
Edsall claims that blue collar white Republican have been a mainstay of the Republican coalition for decades. What about the blue collar workers in places like Ohio and Pennsylvania? They once represented an important part of the Democratic base. That was before the Democrats shifted their focus to George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio. Democrats are more concerned with global warming and progressive social initiatives than they are about blue collar workers. Coal miners don't care what Lena Dunham and Jeffrey Katzenberg think. They want someone to speak up for them in a way that Bill Clinton did. These are the folks who are flocking to Trump
3
sounds like the "pigs" are willingly leading themselves to the slaughter. in the vilification of the poor white voter. and largely talking only to themselves, they cannot see it.
fascinating. and to think that they are the "best and brightest" educated in the most "elite" institutions.
fascinating. and to think that they are the "best and brightest" educated in the most "elite" institutions.
3
The fate of the GOP can be summed up by "Joe the Plumber", remember him! White, blue collar, no-college, barely HS educated, wasn't even a plumber and earned about $40k. His aspirations though, he wanted to run his boss's plumbing business and make $250k and was worried about the taxes that the "others" would mooch from his "future" earnings. That is the story of every Trump follower. They all aspire to be Trump! Earn millions and pay minimal taxes like the top 1 percent. Good luck with that!
12
The GOP modus operandi is based on a fundamental truism:
"You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time (You just can't fool ALL of the people ALL of the time!) BUT that's ok because all you need to do is fool enough of the people enough of the time."
So it's not necessarily a big dilemma for them. Let's say election and convention related chaos and violence breaks out this summer and fall. That just lets us know who our domestic enemies are.
And what if Trump, Clinton, or even Sanders is elected president? So what? None of them are true Republicans or true Conservatives. They've already told us so.
The GOP establishment just need to stay the course. Just keep obstructing, distracting, and blaming. As things get worse and worse, more and more people will turn away from politics to engage in crime, addiction, despair or some form of Christian jihadism - which generates its own backlash. Of the few who stay engaged politically it shouldn't be too hard to forge a 51% majority willing to take a chance on a fresh face who offers a renewal of the good old "rock ribbed" values that made the US great once upon a time.
Being part of the idiot elite .01% means never having to be in the wrong!
"You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time (You just can't fool ALL of the people ALL of the time!) BUT that's ok because all you need to do is fool enough of the people enough of the time."
So it's not necessarily a big dilemma for them. Let's say election and convention related chaos and violence breaks out this summer and fall. That just lets us know who our domestic enemies are.
And what if Trump, Clinton, or even Sanders is elected president? So what? None of them are true Republicans or true Conservatives. They've already told us so.
The GOP establishment just need to stay the course. Just keep obstructing, distracting, and blaming. As things get worse and worse, more and more people will turn away from politics to engage in crime, addiction, despair or some form of Christian jihadism - which generates its own backlash. Of the few who stay engaged politically it shouldn't be too hard to forge a 51% majority willing to take a chance on a fresh face who offers a renewal of the good old "rock ribbed" values that made the US great once upon a time.
Being part of the idiot elite .01% means never having to be in the wrong!
2
It's the fault of both parties. Whatever the realities, blue clolor whites think that they have been abandoned by the Democrats in favor of an assortment of aggrieved minorites and nonwhites feel marginalized or threatened by the Republicans. Perhaps if anyone listened to people other than themselves and displayed a bit of empathy instead of rage, we could do better and even get along. We live in our bubbles and so rarely interact with those who are different, so how can wear begin to hear their voices?
6
What I find difficult to understand is why these people have any affinity to the R' party. Apparently the R's convinced them that all their problems are due to the "other", be it blacks, latino, illegals taking jobs away plus blame the Democrats who they see as coddling those groups with affirmative action, welfare and "free stuff" and also want to confiscate their guns. They have bought into that narrative for decades but now may have figured out it was all a lie and there was never any intention except to get their votes. Something any thinking person should have figured out years ago.
3
born a Republican, die a republican. of course that's true for Democrats too. and Cubs fans.
"They aren’t in this to limit the size and scope of government. They aren’t coming out to Trump rallies because he’s talking about reducing the debt."
Perhaps Mr. Howe would care to name just two Republican politicians on the federal level who have striven (and at least partially succeeded) in implementing either of those proposals.
No? Of course not. No Republican President or House member has accomplished even one of those goals in the last many decades. Republicans want you to tighten YOUR belt while they increase their power by increasing the size of government, and only talk about reducing the debt by closing federal agencies they have no power to close.
This would be why Trump has so many supporters. The Republican base has been lied to non-stop by people like Mr. Howe for at least three decades, and although they are, as Trump described them, "low education voters", sooner or later they were bound to figure that out.
Reap what you've sown, Mr. Howe, and stop whining.
Perhaps Mr. Howe would care to name just two Republican politicians on the federal level who have striven (and at least partially succeeded) in implementing either of those proposals.
No? Of course not. No Republican President or House member has accomplished even one of those goals in the last many decades. Republicans want you to tighten YOUR belt while they increase their power by increasing the size of government, and only talk about reducing the debt by closing federal agencies they have no power to close.
This would be why Trump has so many supporters. The Republican base has been lied to non-stop by people like Mr. Howe for at least three decades, and although they are, as Trump described them, "low education voters", sooner or later they were bound to figure that out.
Reap what you've sown, Mr. Howe, and stop whining.
3
The ugly truth, that nobody in the US wants acknowledge because it violates a long-held and perpetuated American myth, is that the US is not a classless society. There is a persistent underclass in the US that has been methodically ignored, since acknowledging its existence would require action from responsible people. Unless one feels, as has been essentially expressed in the quotes in this article, that poor people (to paraphrase Randy Newman) "have no reason to live", with the exception, of course, of fighting and dying in one's wars, cleaning one's toilets, and picking one's vegetables and fruit. The utter disdain for one's fellow human beings by the moneyed and powerful elite is astounding and about as anti-Christian as one could imagine, unless, of course, one invents a form of Christianity that equates worth with virtue, and poverty with amorality.
5
We can't all get PhDs and the city can't support us all. And if we did, there would be PhD's turning down beds and cleaning toilets. The rhetoric of the columnists quoted from The National Review is meant to absolve the elite in the country from worrying about their neighbors. If they're too (pick one or more) lazy, indifferent, ignorant, drug-addled, or booze soaked to pack up and move, then they deserve what they get. If they've broken their backs in menial labor and are on disability, why should they even get a vote? Not for us to worry about the "takers" who work for tips, in gig economies, who have children and parents to care for. Let them eat cake, indeed.
11
A brutally brilliant analysis by Edsall.
It's especially refreshing that he quotes commentators with impeccable conservative Republican credentials who are honest about the angry, besotted white underclass that is now foolishly cheering Donald Trump.
I've traveled extensively in the white rural South. I genuinely love its people and its overall culture, especially its music. But it's not all lovely traditional ballads and admirable traditional virtues.
When I hear some Northerners gripe about "those lazy people on welfare" and how "they" are enabled by bleeding heart liberals and how "they" are costing us hard-working taxpayers billions -- and how 'they" all seem to be African-American -- I point out that despair, resentment and a stubborn, generations-bred sense of entitlement come in many different colors, including white.
I'm glad that National Review writers and other conservatives are finally pointing this out, too.
It's especially refreshing that he quotes commentators with impeccable conservative Republican credentials who are honest about the angry, besotted white underclass that is now foolishly cheering Donald Trump.
I've traveled extensively in the white rural South. I genuinely love its people and its overall culture, especially its music. But it's not all lovely traditional ballads and admirable traditional virtues.
When I hear some Northerners gripe about "those lazy people on welfare" and how "they" are enabled by bleeding heart liberals and how "they" are costing us hard-working taxpayers billions -- and how 'they" all seem to be African-American -- I point out that despair, resentment and a stubborn, generations-bred sense of entitlement come in many different colors, including white.
I'm glad that National Review writers and other conservatives are finally pointing this out, too.
7
"The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die. Economically, they are negative assets. Morally, they are indefensible. Forget all your cheap theatrical Bruce Springsteen crap. Forget your sanctimony about struggling Rust Belt factory towns and your conspiracy theories about the wily Orientals stealing our jobs.--Williams"
Now that is truly a condescending thing to say, and wrong.
Now that is truly a condescending thing to say, and wrong.
4
Folks down here still think these guys are bringing back jobs in the coal mines, though in fairness, they did get rid of state mine safety inspectors.
3
And when Infosys, et al, are brought up on RICO charges... ?
Two things are clear from the examples within this article. The first is that the angry white male block of voters are aware that their government isn't just not working, it's not working for them, and they are being vocal about it. The second is that as those voters walk (if not stampede) away from establishment Republicans, they establishment Republicans are also being vocal about how they really feel towards the angry white voter.
As it turns out, the people with the real sense of entitlement are establishment Republicans. They have bent over backwards to slowly erode the things that once made us the envy of the world--a thriving, educated middle class, safe communities, career opportunity, reliable infrastructure and the chance for parents to see their children prosper at least as well as they have. The Republicans did it by exploiting racism and xenophobia, promoting religion over science and education, demonizing the ecology and weaponizing our prison system, among other methods.
Now that Trump is here, the white male masses are shaking off their Stockholm Syndrome, thus pulling the rug from under the establishment Republicans. When someone like Trump is shouting into a megaphone, no one hears or even cares about the dog whistles anymore.
As it turns out, the people with the real sense of entitlement are establishment Republicans. They have bent over backwards to slowly erode the things that once made us the envy of the world--a thriving, educated middle class, safe communities, career opportunity, reliable infrastructure and the chance for parents to see their children prosper at least as well as they have. The Republicans did it by exploiting racism and xenophobia, promoting religion over science and education, demonizing the ecology and weaponizing our prison system, among other methods.
Now that Trump is here, the white male masses are shaking off their Stockholm Syndrome, thus pulling the rug from under the establishment Republicans. When someone like Trump is shouting into a megaphone, no one hears or even cares about the dog whistles anymore.
5
I am always amazed by those who comment that believe that restricting "right wing radio" will somehow change the political atmosphere and rid the body politic of conservative policy and thought. Right wing talk radio addresses a need and market that before 1985, had no media component.
No one suggests that the NY Times, the Washington Post, the LA Times, NBC, PBS, NPR, ABC should alter their liberal or left wing slant, or be shut down. The left should realize that right wing talk radio is here to stay because it reaches a significant group of media consumers ignored by the mainstream or left wing media.
No one suggests that the NY Times, the Washington Post, the LA Times, NBC, PBS, NPR, ABC should alter their liberal or left wing slant, or be shut down. The left should realize that right wing talk radio is here to stay because it reaches a significant group of media consumers ignored by the mainstream or left wing media.
4
The Republican Party still does not get it. Donald Trump, as he has been claiming in his most recent campaign appearances, is merely the messenger. The Party has left the white, blue collar worker behind despite this group of voters being a major voting block for the Republican Party. This voting block was angry before Donald Trump even thought to run; he has merely given them a voice. There are allot of rich people who give money to the Republican Party but, while there is an argument that money is equal to votes, you have to address the concerns of your base or you do not win the election. There are a greater number of voters in the base than there are rich voters. As of now there are no Republican candidates, other than Trump, who are addressing the concerns of the base. Ironically, the Republican candidates cannot address the concerns of the base without sounding unRepublican.
5
I'd just like to point out that the "thumbs up" guy under the headline of this article, as angry and disenfranchised as he must be, clearly had enough money (gained through employment I presume) to purchase an arguably horrible tattoo of a typically snarky and sneering Trump for his bicep. Guess that guy has money to burn, unlike myself.
3
Three more payments and that baby is his! An old Jeff Foxworthy joke.
Cry havoc ... and let slip the dogs of war. The beast is savaging it's own tail.
1
It is not just poor white rural voters that are supporting Trump. While the Editorial staff at NYT might endorse Hillary and free trade, outsourcing, offshoring, the back office staff at NYT in IT and Finance that were laid off due to outsourcing would support Trump.
10
This is spot on the most accurate assessment of what's going on in the Republican Party I've seen out of the dozens of articles I've read on the subject. I predict the party will cease to exist as we know it regardless of the 2016 election outcome. And that will be a tragedy for our country because, as Eorope is so devastatingly demonstrating, it takes a functional right and left wing to "fly" a functional society - and we will only be left with a very strong left wing flying us in an ever circling descent.
This article makes we doubt my faith in democracy. Now that the economy has become global and dominated by international corporations, do we have an electorate that is able to choose leaders who will protect their standard of living and the environment?
1
The big problem with Kevin Williamson’s explanation of the rise of Trump, the master führerish demagogue, is that in addition to having failed themselves the poor, uneducated white (en route to become trash) also was failed by those who promised them this world and the next. If you work hard they were told, you would succeed. Well, they worked hard but higher education became more expensive and only the offspring of those who made the promises were able to follow suit. Then drugs, alcohol, and OxyContin became the band-aids, however temporal and brief.
When Trump won his first debate and surged in the polls, against the rest well-established competitors, he was viewed as just the fluke of a clown with no future. The establishment never saw him as the response to their own arrogance, hubris, and stupidity. Worse of all, Trump was their creation by default for the establishment never actually expected him to last one more debate. Or, perhaps, they really wanted him to succeed, however briefly, so the electorate (those with grudges) would compare “the clown” against their choices and would dump him in the next contest. They never saw the reason behind Trump’s surge, and still don’t.
When Trump won his first debate and surged in the polls, against the rest well-established competitors, he was viewed as just the fluke of a clown with no future. The establishment never saw him as the response to their own arrogance, hubris, and stupidity. Worse of all, Trump was their creation by default for the establishment never actually expected him to last one more debate. Or, perhaps, they really wanted him to succeed, however briefly, so the electorate (those with grudges) would compare “the clown” against their choices and would dump him in the next contest. They never saw the reason behind Trump’s surge, and still don’t.
5
The musings of Kevin Williamson et al. are just as repulsive as those of Trump - maybe more so.
I know lots of people like him, and lots of people like those about whom he writes. Bottom line, the only real difference between the two groups is a college degree and a few bucks.
I know lots of people like him, and lots of people like those about whom he writes. Bottom line, the only real difference between the two groups is a college degree and a few bucks.
12
The white working class as well as the evangelicals have been the "useful idiots" for the GOP. You had to wonder how long it would take for them to figure out that the politicians they support did not care about their problems. It is obvious that Trump does not either, but he is canny about what motivates people. He is the ultimate salesman. Again, the "useful idiots" will be disappointed.
17
With as fractured a Republican Party as their will ever be, isn’t it the right time for a Democratic Reformation? Why are people who want and need a better job turning to the Republicans in the first place? We have been the party of equality for all for 50 years, but that is of little use to the white person trying to get a better job. How do we regain this group that we held for so long? Why did we allow ourselves to be painted as the Party of Oddballs and Atheists instead of the Party of the Working Man? What a shame that the Democratic Party’s reputation has changed so much that the working class is putting its confidence in a Republican Party that is dedicated to taking advantage of them.
6
All this talk about working-class whites deserting the GOP establishment because they feel betrayed is nonsense. Anyone who could read and bothered to stay even marginally informed, would know that the GOP never cared at all about the working class; that's why they've always been about busting unions, denying healthcare and trying to shrink or eliminate social security and medicare. The real and simple truth about these voters and the GOP is racism. If anyone disagrees, simply do a Venn diagram, and then just believe your own eyes.
20
Could it be that, at long last, people have realized that you can close the factory, but you can't blame the workers for being unemployed.
Am I afraid of Trump? Sure. But if he can break the back of the Republican party, wipe the smiles off those trickle down faces, what's not to like?
The statistics given make perfect sense. Educated Republicans who are doing well, think they've earned what they have (no matter how much that is) and therefore, anybody who isn't doing well has only themselves to blame. In a huge irony, Trump may be taking the air out of this fantasy.
Am I afraid of Trump? Sure. But if he can break the back of the Republican party, wipe the smiles off those trickle down faces, what's not to like?
The statistics given make perfect sense. Educated Republicans who are doing well, think they've earned what they have (no matter how much that is) and therefore, anybody who isn't doing well has only themselves to blame. In a huge irony, Trump may be taking the air out of this fantasy.
15
I remember, in the last millennium, filling out a "product map" of upstate NY as a junior-high assignment. Every small city had its premier one-of-a-kind, best-in-the-world factory (Gould Pumps in Seneca Falls, Beechnut in Canajoharie, Endicott-Johnson shoes in Binghamton . . . ) virtually all driven out of business by outsourcing so that the 1% could kill the unions, avoid environmental costs, and generally ravage everything to make a few extra bucks. These towns, and their well-educated, centuries-old populations don't deserve to die. Those that put them out of business do.
20
That's how capitalism works, always seeking greater efficiency. Those workers and their unions priced themselves out of their jobs with their sense of entitlement, fed by the errant belief that the post war boom would last forever. Contrary to Comrade Sander's manifesto, American workers DO NEED to compete with their counterparts in Vietnam who make 56 cents an hour.
We have to break up the duopoly of Republicans and Democrats. They trade places every few years but do nothing for the country except start wars (W.) and pass a pathetic health care law (Barack). They are both owned and paid for by Pharma, insurance companies, the financial services industry, military contractors, doctors and hospitals, lawyers and all the other greedy interest groups. Trump cannot be bought. Why should two private political corporations (Republicans and Democrats) own the 4.5 trillion dollar budget of the US? Where in the US constitution does it allow for political parties to rule the government? Why should they be the only ones spending this huge treasure, which is the tax they levy on the American people to give kickbacks in the form of regulation reduction or tax cuts to their self-serving campaign contributors. Why should they be the only parties (i.e., don't forget: they are private corporations not government owned or managed) who are allowed to appoint Supreme Court Justices? Who said they get to select the only candidates allowed to run for president every four years? Why did they both do everything possible to eliminate Ralph Nader from the presidential debates?
It's time to kick them both out of government and force all of the establishment politicos to get the only job that they are qualified for: taking out the garbage.
It's time to kick them both out of government and force all of the establishment politicos to get the only job that they are qualified for: taking out the garbage.
4
That tattoo in the photo looks more like Frankenstein than Trump. Hmmm.
2
It is convenient to have those votes when you need them, so repubs over the years have engaged in the lowest common denominator- be it discussion on how pregnancy is averted when raped, states rights- to fly the confederate flag over the capital building, all those immigrants stealing our jobs etc etc. It has been a race to the bottom and they are now reaping what was sown. Appealing to this group of voters- I call them "the victims"-is what caused the demise of the GOP
5
Is this movement the revenge of Hunter S Thompson? His descriptions of the white underclass still stands up pretty well and seems spot on with mr. Williams more recent take.
3
This attitude is just a return to the John Birch Society wing of the Republican Party back in the 60's. I know because I grew up in a JBS household where Ayn Rand's views were the semi-literary evocation of deeply held core beliefs. My parents eschewed the working-class view of America and held onto the notion that the masses were not wise enough to govern themselves and thus they promoted the notion of a nation that was a Republic (elected officials guiding and theoretically representing the masses) rather than the mob-style rule of a true democracy. Even though we were solidly middle-class the attitude was one of intellectual snobbery - William Buckley was revered.
Hopefully the Republican party is retreating to this minority position because it means their ideas will be denied by the voting public.
Hopefully the Republican party is retreating to this minority position because it means their ideas will be denied by the voting public.
6
I think the most intelligent answer to that question is, Who cares?
4
I suggest that people read "Carry Me Home" by Diane McWhorter. She makes an excellent case that the civil rights struggle was essentially a labor struggle, which the Southern power structure disguised in terms of race to divide the working classes, pitting white against black.
Conservatives simply took the trick nationwide, and the white working class, that voted Republican ever since the mid-sixties, is finally seeing through it. The trouble is that they, and Trump, are doubling down on blaming the same scapegoats - liberals, racial minorities, gays, immigrants, Muslims, etc. Now they, and the rest of us, are in the midst of the rattlesnakes they bred, and that don't care who they bite.
Conservatives simply took the trick nationwide, and the white working class, that voted Republican ever since the mid-sixties, is finally seeing through it. The trouble is that they, and Trump, are doubling down on blaming the same scapegoats - liberals, racial minorities, gays, immigrants, Muslims, etc. Now they, and the rest of us, are in the midst of the rattlesnakes they bred, and that don't care who they bite.
21
As Paul Krugman has pointed out in his column and blog, when it wasn't white people but black people in overwhelming poverty who were behaving the way Williamson writes about, it was seen as weakness on the part of blacks. They supposedly became dependent on government handouts, subsidies, drugs, alcohol, family anarchy, and all because they were black and obviously had weaker spirits than did whites.
Now that many whites are seeing what poverty is like, the same behavior is noticed. Before, whites had stronger spirits because there were white, but suddenly, they now resemble Ronald Reagan's detested welfare queens.
These conditions provide us with a very good natural experiment: it's now clear that the root cause is poverty, not a racial "strength of spirit." But the right-wing pundits are still stuck in the mindset that it's the fault of the poor, allowing themselves to be victimized.
And don't Williamson and French realize they're condemning Rush Limbaugh with this statement? "Donald Trump’s speeches make them feel good. So does OxyContin."
Finally, the "welfare dependency" government handout is dwarfed by subsidies to agriculture, businesses, and even people who can afford to buy a home (tax deduction on mortgages for your home - and even on your vacation or second or third home.)
Now that many whites are seeing what poverty is like, the same behavior is noticed. Before, whites had stronger spirits because there were white, but suddenly, they now resemble Ronald Reagan's detested welfare queens.
These conditions provide us with a very good natural experiment: it's now clear that the root cause is poverty, not a racial "strength of spirit." But the right-wing pundits are still stuck in the mindset that it's the fault of the poor, allowing themselves to be victimized.
And don't Williamson and French realize they're condemning Rush Limbaugh with this statement? "Donald Trump’s speeches make them feel good. So does OxyContin."
Finally, the "welfare dependency" government handout is dwarfed by subsidies to agriculture, businesses, and even people who can afford to buy a home (tax deduction on mortgages for your home - and even on your vacation or second or third home.)
16
To summarize: the GOP are eating their young.
6
No scam can last forever. The Republican elite's line about bootstrapping oneself in America has always been laughable to those who realize that more than half of all new annual wealth is inherited, and the country-club elite's fear of increases in the "death tax" is directly proportional to the amount of wealth one has, and is of little importance to those who draw a paycheck from their labor, and accumulate few assets. Took a while, but working-class whites finally saw through the scam.
At bottom, this election is what the Republican movers and shakers, and to an extent, the machine Democrats as well, greatly fear: it's class warfare. Capital versus labor.
At bottom, this election is what the Republican movers and shakers, and to an extent, the machine Democrats as well, greatly fear: it's class warfare. Capital versus labor.
4
But if they are on to the scam then why do they not support Democrats who would have policies that would benefit this group. It would seem they must have some other group who is below them on the social ladder before they are able to feel good about themselves.
1
This sentence alone, "The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die." should illustrate to the rest of us the sociopathic ideology of the right wing. Don't kid yourself into believing this is just this writer's view. If you examine Republican policies across the board you will find the last four words of this view to be the eventual outcome for many of the less fortunate among us. This sentence alone shows which direction their moral compass points. I can only hope that this type of philosophy and governing will eventually consign them to the dustbin of history. I think if you examine the decisions and outcome of the Flint Michigan drinking water situation you will find that the devil is in the details despite blame shifting and a lot of excuses.
12
Mr. Edsall,
I find no irony in your usage of Dr. King's words. The "other America" has grown. They serve as a statement of a tragic and once avoidable reality.
It would seem that the "rising tide" sunk more boats than it raised.
I find no irony in your usage of Dr. King's words. The "other America" has grown. They serve as a statement of a tragic and once avoidable reality.
It would seem that the "rising tide" sunk more boats than it raised.
4
Working class US citizens are very angry at the “Established Mainstream Politicians” who are controlled by their elite “DONOR CLASS” campaign contributors who created the FREE TRADE laws that economically required that our US jobs relocate to foreign nations!
President Clinton could have said, "Once you were employed and were able to feed your family, so I created NAFTA and that caused your manufacturing job to relocate to Mexico because you would not agree to work for the same wages that Mexican citizens would work for."
Then President Clinton could have said, "Once you were employed and were able to feed your family, so I created PNTR for communist China and this caused your manufacturing jobs to relocate to China because you would not agree to work for the same wages that Chinese citizens would work for."
President Bush then could have said, "Once you were employed and were able to feed your family, so I created fourteen additional Free Trade Agreements (with Jordan, Morocco, and other young democracies of Central America) and this caused your manufacturing jobs to relocate to these third world nations because you would not agree to work for the same wages that citizens these third world nations would work for."
And then President Obama could have said, "Once you were employed and were able to feed your family, so I created a bunch of multiple new Free Trade Agreements and this caused your manufacturing jobs to relocate to these third world nations."
President Clinton could have said, "Once you were employed and were able to feed your family, so I created NAFTA and that caused your manufacturing job to relocate to Mexico because you would not agree to work for the same wages that Mexican citizens would work for."
Then President Clinton could have said, "Once you were employed and were able to feed your family, so I created PNTR for communist China and this caused your manufacturing jobs to relocate to China because you would not agree to work for the same wages that Chinese citizens would work for."
President Bush then could have said, "Once you were employed and were able to feed your family, so I created fourteen additional Free Trade Agreements (with Jordan, Morocco, and other young democracies of Central America) and this caused your manufacturing jobs to relocate to these third world nations because you would not agree to work for the same wages that citizens these third world nations would work for."
And then President Obama could have said, "Once you were employed and were able to feed your family, so I created a bunch of multiple new Free Trade Agreements and this caused your manufacturing jobs to relocate to these third world nations."
5
Gerald, the economic requirement to relocate our US jobs to foreign nations existed long before, and is much more powerful than, any free trade agreement. The free trade agreements just add insult to the inevitable injury. (By the way, I'm one of the working poor myself.)
2
Gerald -- I have to second Alex's response to your post. Free trade agreements or not, huge changes in technology, transportation, and communications pretty much made the phenomenon of globalization inevitable. The NYT ran a piece about this just yesterday; you might find it enlightening.
2
Unfortunately, the development that killed many more jobs than offshoring gets little attention, i.e. factory automation. US manufacturing output is currently near all time highs while only a small fraction of the former manufacturing workforce is required to service the robots. China has lost more jobs to factory automation than the US has. Manufacturing of many high value items has been inshored without much of bump in manufacturing employment. The jobs are never coming back no matter what politicians promise.
1
In another article from the NYT, they quote from Linda Young a former factory worker from Georgia about why she supports Trump:
“I don’t see their future being better than mine,” Ms. Young said of her grandchildren. “I understand we have to help others, but I think we should be a little more astute about helping ourselves.”
I think this is the one of the reasons that Trump is doing well, he is promising to put the US first. Rightly or wrongly, the message is appealing to voters.
“I don’t see their future being better than mine,” Ms. Young said of her grandchildren. “I understand we have to help others, but I think we should be a little more astute about helping ourselves.”
I think this is the one of the reasons that Trump is doing well, he is promising to put the US first. Rightly or wrongly, the message is appealing to voters.
5
Too funny! The Republican party wringing their hands over the monster they built.
8
Perhaps the republican elite are not listening to their working class. But As a democratic voter I find myself losing confidence in Hillary, the democratic elites, including the NYT financial reporting. Even today the NYT defends these trade deals. I don't see much honest revisiting the so called pros and cons of the trade deals that destroy our local mfg and ultimately our great middle class. I was persuaded with Clinton and before, that "opening up markets " internationally was painful (to some) but good for nation as a whole. The results over the last few decades points to a few elites (.01%) benefitting while a much larger group of Americans, the so called workers, being devastated. the democratic leadership joins the republicans in not being immune to this ugly outcome.
6
It seems odd, at the very least, to call on the Republican Party to be more responsive to the white working class without also calling on the GOP to be more responsive to the non-white working class. The very notion assumes that the Republicans' appeal should not be economic, but racial - which, many of us contend, it has been for a half-century.
It's my contention that race is the reason for Donald Trump's success this year - his appeal is not to the working class generally, but to the white working class in particular. His appeal isn't economic at all - his appeal is to a white backlash against the growing racial diversity of our country. The election of our first non-white president was clearly a catalyst for change, but we're now seeing how much it was also a catalyst for reactionary backlash.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
It's my contention that race is the reason for Donald Trump's success this year - his appeal is not to the working class generally, but to the white working class in particular. His appeal isn't economic at all - his appeal is to a white backlash against the growing racial diversity of our country. The election of our first non-white president was clearly a catalyst for change, but we're now seeing how much it was also a catalyst for reactionary backlash.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
9
Why don't these poor white uneducated males vote Democratic, when this is the party that more represents their interests? Clearly, the culture wars, the xenophobia, the seduction by the GOP are all contributing causes. But new implications jump out of this EXCELLENT article. The problem with the Democratic party is it lumps these people in with THEM, and that forces them to see their social kinship with THEM, and that's a problem because they want to feel superior to THEM, they don't want to admit they "need help" like THEM. The appeal of Trump is obvious. The appeal of Sanders is he demonizes billionaires. Sanders changes the premise from "we need the government to help us" to "we need to stick it to those billionaires." The operative psychological impulse is to forget the mess I'm in (and not focus on fixing it) by focusing on getting even with those who did this to me.
6
Why don't they vote for Democrats? Because the Democrats are also engaging in retail politics, also.
1
Man that tattoo is scary. I remember working with a guy in the early 80's that had "'something' Iran" (do the math) tattooed on his wrist. I thought you couldn't be tattooed if you were drunk. I wonder if he still has it and if people ask about it.
11
First off, I really hope the Drumpf tat on that poor guy in the picture is a temp.
Secondly I can only speak from my own experience and I agree, in my neck of the woods it wasn't the Mexicans or the Chinese that messed up my hometown (Allegany Co. NY). It was Washington and it's corporate conspirators.
In the 70's it was a thriving agricultural area, mostly dairy. When the Feds started subsidising the corporate farms they put the big hurt on family farms and pretty much destroyed a culture that went back for generations. Of course the blame was put on farmers who couldn't "adapt".
At the same time the Republicans were in full assault on anything that smacked of Socialism and at the time public transit was a favored target. The upshot being the only rail line in the county, which had recently come under the control of AmTrack (anyone remember that?) was discontinued. At the time the there were two manufacturing outfits in the county, both made turbines and aircraft parts that were too big to ship by truck, had to be by rail.
They were both gone in a flash along with the incomes of half the families in the county.
In the half decade I was in High School I saw my home town decimated by the policies of these same folks who now say "The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die."
That's my story and you can put all the blame on my people if you like. Just don't fool yourselves into thinking we don't know where the blame really lies.
Secondly I can only speak from my own experience and I agree, in my neck of the woods it wasn't the Mexicans or the Chinese that messed up my hometown (Allegany Co. NY). It was Washington and it's corporate conspirators.
In the 70's it was a thriving agricultural area, mostly dairy. When the Feds started subsidising the corporate farms they put the big hurt on family farms and pretty much destroyed a culture that went back for generations. Of course the blame was put on farmers who couldn't "adapt".
At the same time the Republicans were in full assault on anything that smacked of Socialism and at the time public transit was a favored target. The upshot being the only rail line in the county, which had recently come under the control of AmTrack (anyone remember that?) was discontinued. At the time the there were two manufacturing outfits in the county, both made turbines and aircraft parts that were too big to ship by truck, had to be by rail.
They were both gone in a flash along with the incomes of half the families in the county.
In the half decade I was in High School I saw my home town decimated by the policies of these same folks who now say "The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die."
That's my story and you can put all the blame on my people if you like. Just don't fool yourselves into thinking we don't know where the blame really lies.
23
Thank you! For the first time since the Donald has been gaining market share, I have hope. The logic is inescapable - if The Donald does not get the nomination, his groupies will stay home on election day. You're correct! Of course they don't care about the GOP or any issue our country is facing. And, as you assert, their numbers, eliminated from the voting booths, will further limit The Donald's competitor, the almost-as-horrifying Ted Cruz. So he'll lose the election. Once again, thank you!!!!
3
I wasn't going to comment on this piece, but the harshness of Williamson's thoughts has haunted me since this morning. Liberals (and I am a Sanders supporter) are sadly often equally full of hate for the white, working poor, deriding them as a misogynist, stupid and racist, as if we in the more privileged classes are not, in reality, often misogynist, blind (stupid) in our own ways and racist, no matter what correct words we say. It grieves me to see it in WIlliamson and my own tribe too, but I imagine the whites who are struggling, like blacks and immigrants, must feel the hate and contempt. How can this be helpful? Why do we hate the working classes so much? How can we condemn Trump's rhetoric when our own is just as bad? And if all you ever really experience is harsh words, a harsh, hard culture that hates you, why would you expect better rhetoric from a Trump?
82
As a former member of a sheet metal union when I had a Master's Degree (I needed work), I don't hate the working class. Individually many of them are nice people. However, I do distrust and dislike their reflexive racism, xenophobia and misogyny. When the guys in the shop talked at lunch, when it wasn't about sports, it was a race to the bottom. They need someone to look down on, someone to control, and they're not very subtle about it. Maybe that's human nature, but it doesn't uphold the ideals our country was founded on. There's a reason the Founders did not want ordinary people to have a vote. They feared the mob, the impassioned crowd, the easily swayed masses. They were right.
6
I don't hate anybody. What I do hate is that so many of these Americans seem so determinedly committed to willful ignorance. Why do they refuse to hear facts? What I hate is that they keep voting for these mountebank Republicans, and that in doing so, they're taking the rest of us down with them. It's not a personal hatred; it's a hatred of seeing how their complicity in an utter sham is chipping away at America's prospects. There's a distinction there.
2
Your profile image precipitated a thought. Trump's supporters have never heard of Mondrian. Most of their lives are lived in deep boredom, the escape from which they find in mind-altering substances. There is no question that having a stable job that pays well would be good for these people (how could the contrary be true?), but so would living in a culture that was inclusively bookish from top to bottom, rather than reserving the life of the mind exclusively for those who are to the manner born. And this requires a change in aspiration on the part of all.
In Stefan Zweig's "The World of Yesterday," he talks about going to Russia just after the revolution and seeing peasants holding books they couldn't possibly understand -- it was the affectation that mattered. Now, the last thing I want is a communist revolution. But I do want to see us continue to push the values of the Radical Enlightenment (Jonathan Israel would surely concur).
When America talks to itself about education, it means the schools. And there's little question that our education system needs improving. But what about after that? Most people never read a book again in their life. How can this be viewed as anything but criminal? ... But, okay, we must think hard about the distribution of wealth and what to do with seemingly superfluous labor in an increasingly globalized, automated economy. And that is difficult for GOP purists to do.
In Stefan Zweig's "The World of Yesterday," he talks about going to Russia just after the revolution and seeing peasants holding books they couldn't possibly understand -- it was the affectation that mattered. Now, the last thing I want is a communist revolution. But I do want to see us continue to push the values of the Radical Enlightenment (Jonathan Israel would surely concur).
When America talks to itself about education, it means the schools. And there's little question that our education system needs improving. But what about after that? Most people never read a book again in their life. How can this be viewed as anything but criminal? ... But, okay, we must think hard about the distribution of wealth and what to do with seemingly superfluous labor in an increasingly globalized, automated economy. And that is difficult for GOP purists to do.
2
Most every week of this election cycle, I think that I've heard it all. But Kevin Williamson's comments have stopped me cold. I never expected to read such a brutally honest admission of the contempt that the Republican elite have for their own voters.
To all of you average Joes and Janes who thought Ronald Reagan's economic policies made sense, who believed that life would get better with a Bush in the White House, who voted straight R in local elections.....you were had. And they won't even take responsibility for leading you on. "They failed themselves."
To all of you average Joes and Janes who thought Ronald Reagan's economic policies made sense, who believed that life would get better with a Bush in the White House, who voted straight R in local elections.....you were had. And they won't even take responsibility for leading you on. "They failed themselves."
12
Although a Democrat, I can agree with some of Kevin Williamson's harsh indictment that many of the problems confronting working-class white Americans are, at least to some extent, self-inflicted. Part of their problem has been an unwillingness to be honest with themselves about how well prepared they need to be in order to hope to be successful in today's economy. I would contend that this reluctance to engage in honest, objective analysis is what attracted them to the GOP in the first place. Republicans have been offering supporters simplistic ideas for years by blaming job loss and economic stagnation on 'too much government regulation' and 'too much taxation'. Is it any wonder that those who accepted those platitudes for decades without critical second thoughts would be attracted to Trump's equally simplistic solutions now about how to 'make America great again'?
80
Do you expect a child who grows up in upstate NY or Appalachia to understand any of what you wrote? Yes many of the problems boil down to access and opportunity and it is likely these people should pack up and leave. But to go where? and do what? We have failed them just as we fail the kids in inner cities. But it isn't the kids faults. And once you are born into that isolating environment and raised without much in the way of sustenance, hope or love its almost impossible to not repeat the same mistakes. Now whatever chance kids in urban areas have - it is slim but they can at least see people living another life and with a teacher, coach or family member invested in their success they might latch on to the many services offered in their city. But a kid from a rural, hollowed out town or county in middle America has no such luck. For miles around the only thing they see is abandoned factories and farms....deplorable housing, pawn shops, pain clinics and fast food. A Wal Mart and a dialysis center generally round it out. So you've got to be kidding me that there's something they could do about their lot in life.
5
Colbert saw it coming yeas ago; "America Again: Re-becoming the Greatness We Never Weren't"
The "republicans" that support Trump aren't really republicans at all. They're all the dregs of society- southern democrats, racists and TV preacher bible thumpers that left the democratic party in the 70's and 80's- the Reagan Democrats. The republicans can't do without them and now, can't do with them. They deserve each other.
6
And yet they're about to outnumber you.
1
The Left seems clueless that their smugness has the opposite effect, that it makes people sympathize with Trump and his followers, the people who Leftist snobs denigrate as "racist" and "poorly dressed rubes" and "xenophobes", without any recognition that they might have legitimate grievances and worries concerning their marginalization and economic conditions.
Yet they wonder why Trump is so popular.
Yet they wonder why Trump is so popular.
1
I followed the link to the National Review to see the comments on Williamson's article. The amount of vitriol against anything liberal or leftish is stupendous. The commentors call the GOP elite RINOs and closet liberals, and proclaim their contempt for any sort of welfare. It's a little scary how many seem to think that I, as a liberal, want nothing more than to destroy the country and especially working class whites while sneering from an ivory tower.
The problem is, I sometimes see the same sort of rhetoric here in the Times' comment section. Too often I see people sneering at poor whites for being Republican (though plenty blame the party itself as they should), or calling all Trump supporters racists.
We can't have decent political discourse unless we try to understand each other, and accept that none of us want to destroy America. I know that this extremism is more common on the right, but it is absolutely present on the left as well, and must be rejected no matter what side it's on if we're to rediscover the art of compromise and governance.
The problem is, I sometimes see the same sort of rhetoric here in the Times' comment section. Too often I see people sneering at poor whites for being Republican (though plenty blame the party itself as they should), or calling all Trump supporters racists.
We can't have decent political discourse unless we try to understand each other, and accept that none of us want to destroy America. I know that this extremism is more common on the right, but it is absolutely present on the left as well, and must be rejected no matter what side it's on if we're to rediscover the art of compromise and governance.
2
Consider the source of the white underclass' rage: fear, and until their fear is addressed comprehensively by the political establishment on the Left and the Right the downward spiral into drugs, depression, guns, violence and alcohol will continue. They have been left behind economically, socially, and culturally. Their dignity is shattered. They are afraid and Trump manipulates their vulnerability into a movement that is bound to disappoint, yet neither party knows how to channel their anxieties into something constructive and creative.
4
When did "conservatism" become defined as rigid ideological purity instead of being thoughtful and pragmatic? Now that the ideology excludes poor, working class whites, among many others, the Republican Party will end up purifying itself into oblivion. Since Trump today repudiated his pledge to support the GOP nominee if it isn't him, he will definitely take those voters rejected by the party with him. This might be good news for Democrats in the next election, but we should be concerned that what comes after the demise of the GOP could be even worse.
2
The first half of the 20th century was an era of labor solidarity.
Then the civil rights era began, capped by the gay rights movement. This era was absolutely necessary, and absolutely just.
But people are still frail, with prejudices we wish they did not have, but do.
So the civil rights era, politically, served to interrupt the era of labor solidarity, dividing the people against each other. I am sure more than one boardroom was relieved that, instead of economic justice, for the past 50 years they could instead trumpet racial, gender, and now sexual orientation justice.
But if we are to come full circle, we must come back to an era of labor solidarity.
But that depends, alas, on whether the people can overcome their tribal, sectarian, and prejudicial antipathies toward various groups of fellow workers.
Workers of the world unite. You have nothing to lose except your prejudices -- is that a bridge too far? If so, you deserve your penury.
Then the civil rights era began, capped by the gay rights movement. This era was absolutely necessary, and absolutely just.
But people are still frail, with prejudices we wish they did not have, but do.
So the civil rights era, politically, served to interrupt the era of labor solidarity, dividing the people against each other. I am sure more than one boardroom was relieved that, instead of economic justice, for the past 50 years they could instead trumpet racial, gender, and now sexual orientation justice.
But if we are to come full circle, we must come back to an era of labor solidarity.
But that depends, alas, on whether the people can overcome their tribal, sectarian, and prejudicial antipathies toward various groups of fellow workers.
Workers of the world unite. You have nothing to lose except your prejudices -- is that a bridge too far? If so, you deserve your penury.
2
I am glad these white working class Republican voters woke up . But unfortunately they are looking a false prophet Mr. Trump to solve all their problems. We have seen in 20th century,one nationalistic leader channel anger and became unparalleled popular. He was blaming other ethnic group and minority people of other religion. Then people put him in power. Rest of the tragic story we all know. We learn lesson and forget, then history repeats itself. We all should be scared. I visited a couple of countries in Asia and found that they are scared. One good news is that the most Americans do not like or believe Mr.Trump. You like or not , should vote against him.
4
Every human being's most precious possession is their world-view. When that world view is threatened the response is anger and aggression. When that world view is disproved the response is denial and depression. People vote against their own economic interest because they are voting for something that is even more important to them. People are not stupid, but they are often deeply committed to a set of false assumptions that will guaranty undesired consequences in their lives. The American Lower-Middle and Working classes are struggling to realize what the Germans called Year Zero in 1945. The rest of us are still enjoying our respective belief systems.
3
Social pathologies arise out a lack of economic opportunity, period. The idea that the poor of any stripe should not only grit and bear their poverty with noble suffering and moral rectitude but eagerly aid in their own demise is the ludicrous heart of the modern GOP - Grifers of the Poor.
7
What I get from the excerpted thoughts of conservative luminaries is that "lower-income followers of Donald J. Trump" now appear to have a firmer grasp of reality than the conservative elite.
Trump supporters seem to have at long last awakened, and figured out that the conservative myth they've been fed for decades is rubbish. Nothing has trickled down, and the blather about shrinking government and reducing debt is actually a vision of government that exists only to help wealthy elite donors acquire ever more of the nation's wealth. The Republican ideology they've swallowed for so long has completely failed them, and is even responsible for much of their current misery.
Unfortunately, the quoted commentators haven't got the message. They're still copiously imbibing the Kool-Aid and spouting the ideological message that the majority of voters have apparently rejected. I don't know whether this reflects continuing misguided ideological faith, or willful ignorance of the truth they've suppressed for so long. Either way, it explains why the front-runner has so masterfully trumped the Republican donor elite.
These attacks on Trump supporters are proof that the conservative ideology the commentators espouse is bankrupt. Their party is bereft of any new ideas, and has nothing to offer 99.9% of Americans. Trump has stepped into this vacuum, and has turned conservative mythology against its perpetrators and its beneficiaries. The elite have only themselves to blame.
Trump supporters seem to have at long last awakened, and figured out that the conservative myth they've been fed for decades is rubbish. Nothing has trickled down, and the blather about shrinking government and reducing debt is actually a vision of government that exists only to help wealthy elite donors acquire ever more of the nation's wealth. The Republican ideology they've swallowed for so long has completely failed them, and is even responsible for much of their current misery.
Unfortunately, the quoted commentators haven't got the message. They're still copiously imbibing the Kool-Aid and spouting the ideological message that the majority of voters have apparently rejected. I don't know whether this reflects continuing misguided ideological faith, or willful ignorance of the truth they've suppressed for so long. Either way, it explains why the front-runner has so masterfully trumped the Republican donor elite.
These attacks on Trump supporters are proof that the conservative ideology the commentators espouse is bankrupt. Their party is bereft of any new ideas, and has nothing to offer 99.9% of Americans. Trump has stepped into this vacuum, and has turned conservative mythology against its perpetrators and its beneficiaries. The elite have only themselves to blame.
6
The truly sad part of this is upon finally realizing that the party elite has lied to them for decades they now turn to a carnival barker who has convinced them that only he is the one to save them from the dire straits they now find themselves in, except that he is the same pack of lies. You can't save low information voters from themselves.
1
It is amazing that so many believe that Mr. Trump grew in a vacuum. He has not. He carries the legacy of Shea's rebellion, Andrew Jackson, the bloody red flag, William Jennings Bryan's cross of gold, Father Coughlin, Storm Thurmond and the Dixiecrats... There has always been tension between the elites of our society and the underclasses. Mr, Trump is merely the most recent.
The attitude of the "federalist" Republicans follows another tradition. The people don't have bread? Let them eat cake! The quoted pieces are ar best contemptuous and demonstrate antipathy. What these individuals lack is compassion and a sense of their political history. They deny the depth of Theodore Roosevelt, the concerns of Edward Brooke, the vision of Nelson Rockerfeller. They believe that there were halcyon days of the guided age which can be recaptured by the mere incantation of a ritualistic formula: lower taxes for the deserving, less government interference economically, sharia law with regards to social issues, keep America cultutally Anglo...
The attitude of the "federalist" Republicans follows another tradition. The people don't have bread? Let them eat cake! The quoted pieces are ar best contemptuous and demonstrate antipathy. What these individuals lack is compassion and a sense of their political history. They deny the depth of Theodore Roosevelt, the concerns of Edward Brooke, the vision of Nelson Rockerfeller. They believe that there were halcyon days of the guided age which can be recaptured by the mere incantation of a ritualistic formula: lower taxes for the deserving, less government interference economically, sharia law with regards to social issues, keep America cultutally Anglo...
5
Why have Republicans been so organized and successful in the past, and still control Congress so completely? They have been like a fraternity. Regardless of actually being let into the club, people have wanted to belong to said club of the exclusionary. Poor white conservatives have always thought they belonged to this club, as an entitlement due to being born white in America.
7
The angriest Republicans should be those who asking how the party leadership managed to turn the reigns of power over to Trump and Cruz, both of whom appear to be unelectable for all the well-published reasons.
5
The GOP and its pundits are always quick to attack the poor and isolated. It's your fault poor people, they shout, pull yourself up, find the American Dream! This makes them feel superior, removes guilt and responsibility, and feeds the trickle-down spin. But, nothing is trickling down. The few rich are getting richer; the poor are growing exponentially. This is how revolutions take root. Remember: Let them eat cake. Remember: the 47%. remark.
7
What else do you expect from a party whose most recent Presidential candidate dissed 47% of Americans? Kudos for recognizing there is no national constituency for the Republican "ideas" of strangling the government, reducing the debt, and servicing the idle rich.
14
If Trump's unfavorability ratings with women are as high as are being reported, I'd say the guy who got the Trump tattoo just severely reduced his chances of ever getting a date. Yet another instance of not acting in one's self-interest.
12
Who comprised the foot soldiers during the Civil War? Were the elites on the battlefield? Were the poor whites who competed with slave labor there? Nothing has changed.
As long as many in the white working class clings to their imagined racial superiority, even though they suffer, they will not open their eyes to the truth. The aristocracy has been playing this game with them since the 1830s.
As long as many in the white working class clings to their imagined racial superiority, even though they suffer, they will not open their eyes to the truth. The aristocracy has been playing this game with them since the 1830s.
12
Give them an "other" to hate and you can lie to them for decades and have them eat it up like a pack of hungry dogs.
1
Despite all the hand wringing about the Republican [and Democratic] political elite, these operatives are only the parasites cleaning up the carcasses.
The real disease which has lead to the dying system is the mass psychosis stirred up by the talk radio and "conservative" commentators on mass media, summed up brilliantly in the phrase "American exceptionalism". The underlying belief that not doing anything, but simply being a "real American" will lead to success. No sacrifice, no discipline, no education, no investment will lead to instant success. When this scenario does not play out, then the angry victims of the scam look to leaders who tell them it is not their fault, but that of the "other", non-white, non-Protestant, non-"American".
This sales pitch is not new and has been used in the past. The current purveyors are obvious - just look at the candidate positions. History will tell if we can use this opportunity to breathe new life into the democratic institutions, or we begin the spiral of the 1930's again.
The real disease which has lead to the dying system is the mass psychosis stirred up by the talk radio and "conservative" commentators on mass media, summed up brilliantly in the phrase "American exceptionalism". The underlying belief that not doing anything, but simply being a "real American" will lead to success. No sacrifice, no discipline, no education, no investment will lead to instant success. When this scenario does not play out, then the angry victims of the scam look to leaders who tell them it is not their fault, but that of the "other", non-white, non-Protestant, non-"American".
This sales pitch is not new and has been used in the past. The current purveyors are obvious - just look at the candidate positions. History will tell if we can use this opportunity to breathe new life into the democratic institutions, or we begin the spiral of the 1930's again.
66
What a disrespectful comment, equivalent to the scourging the poor got in essays from the national review. The poor are not looking for manna from elite heaven. They want jobs and a fair arena in which to prosper.
The lie told by talk radio is that this is a land of opportunity where all you need to succeed are hard work, faith in yourself, and persistence. These are necessary but insufficient in the protectionist oligarchy we enjoy today.
The lie told by talk radio is that this is a land of opportunity where all you need to succeed are hard work, faith in yourself, and persistence. These are necessary but insufficient in the protectionist oligarchy we enjoy today.
1
My comment was not meant to be disrespectful. I agree with you that there is an oligarchy, but it is not protectionist. If there are free markets, then competition is squashed by capital accumulation, not tariffs or protectionism. You may work hard, persist, and have faith in yourself, but if you need more to support yourself than a foreign laborer, she will literally eat your lunch.
The reason for government is to allow pooling of resources and power in an equitable fashion so that individuals can compete with capitalist oligarchies. This requires investment in communities, public utilities and resources, and some element of redistribution of wealth. The oligarchs do not want this for obvious reasons. The hard working individuals who feel that "government is not the answer" are not understanding their competition. It is not disrespect to state that they may be acting against their own interests.
The reason for government is to allow pooling of resources and power in an equitable fashion so that individuals can compete with capitalist oligarchies. This requires investment in communities, public utilities and resources, and some element of redistribution of wealth. The oligarchs do not want this for obvious reasons. The hard working individuals who feel that "government is not the answer" are not understanding their competition. It is not disrespect to state that they may be acting against their own interests.
I was not clear. The oligarchy is protectionist in the sense that they head a system that protects them from competition from the underclass. It looks like we agree on every thing except one: I don't think the Republican party inculcated in poor talk radio listeners a a sense of entitlement. I think talk radio bamboozled them into thinking money and opportunity are declining because immigrants, welfare queens, and big government are gouging them when, in fact, they are being gouged by corporations and the people behind them.
1
One question: why has it taken so long in this election cycle for the "pundits" to write an article examining the root cause for the current situation in the GOP?
3
This article could just as well be written about disaffected Democrats as shown by their amazing rejection of the 'elites' choice of nominee. The are just showing a little more sanity. But, whomever makes it to the whitehouse had better listen up and do something for the people of this country that have been woefully left out of the prosperity supposedly going on in this country.
5
You'd better vote for people down ticket who will help make that a reality, or you'll be disappointed again. Electing a president without like-minded supporters in the House and Senate is what led to the paralysis we see in our government today.
6
These people sound like the descendants of "Reagan Democrats," who abandoned the Democratic party over Civil Rights and Reagan's vilification of "welfare queens." They defiantly voted Republican and bought into the line about Democrats wanting to give "free stuff" to lazy slackers.
In fact it has always been the Democratic Party that has fought for working people like these, even if Bill Clinton did "triangulate" to support Wall Street in the 1990s.
But Trump supporters are so brainwashed that they could NEVER vote for a Democrat because they've been programmed to hate and despise all Democrats. Most of them probably have very little idea what policies the Democrats support; all they know is that they hate "latte-sipping liberals" and "bleeding hearts" who coddle "those people."
And there's the final nail in the Republican coffin. "Those people." Trump supporters hate them, blame them for everything and believe they can simply be walled out of our lives.
Racism is killing the Republican Party. Throw in some sexism and the ugly picture is complete.
In fact it has always been the Democratic Party that has fought for working people like these, even if Bill Clinton did "triangulate" to support Wall Street in the 1990s.
But Trump supporters are so brainwashed that they could NEVER vote for a Democrat because they've been programmed to hate and despise all Democrats. Most of them probably have very little idea what policies the Democrats support; all they know is that they hate "latte-sipping liberals" and "bleeding hearts" who coddle "those people."
And there's the final nail in the Republican coffin. "Those people." Trump supporters hate them, blame them for everything and believe they can simply be walled out of our lives.
Racism is killing the Republican Party. Throw in some sexism and the ugly picture is complete.
8
Credit where credit is due.
Kevin Williamson has the courage to tell us what a large number of movement conservatives really believe about the base of the GOP and he does so without using code or dog whistles.
Kevin Williamson has the courage to tell us what a large number of movement conservatives really believe about the base of the GOP and he does so without using code or dog whistles.
1
I have a different take on the topic of the white, male underclass:
My father was a smart man, well-read. First in his family to graduate from high school (1940) where he took Latin all 4 years. Raised in a coal mining camp & was determined to do better. After 4 years in the Navy in WWII, began work at Mead Paper punching the clock as a machine operator & was able buy a house, raise 2 boys, send them to college, take a week-long beach vacation every year & buy a new car every 5 years without my mother working outside the home.
He was smart, but not the most self-motivated man. Worked 40 years punching a clock out of a sense of duty.
This was what a man did.
You go to work, you do a darn good job while you're there & come home. Mow the yard, change the oil in the car, paint the house, keep the shrubs trimmed.
As a school teacher in a K-8 school, I see LOTS of boys just like my dad. Smart, willing to do the work for good grades, but not that motivated. Actually, they're lazy, but energetic.
The girls are outpacing them.
In the "old days," these lazy but dutiful boys could have found a job that was physically satisfying but dull, that paid a living wage with raises where they could enjoy a middle class life style.
Then the jobs went to Mexico, China...
But the unmotivated, lazy boys are still with us. I think it's the nature of the male animal (and I'm a guy)
Some will prosper, but its THESE boys who need these jobs back.
My father was a smart man, well-read. First in his family to graduate from high school (1940) where he took Latin all 4 years. Raised in a coal mining camp & was determined to do better. After 4 years in the Navy in WWII, began work at Mead Paper punching the clock as a machine operator & was able buy a house, raise 2 boys, send them to college, take a week-long beach vacation every year & buy a new car every 5 years without my mother working outside the home.
He was smart, but not the most self-motivated man. Worked 40 years punching a clock out of a sense of duty.
This was what a man did.
You go to work, you do a darn good job while you're there & come home. Mow the yard, change the oil in the car, paint the house, keep the shrubs trimmed.
As a school teacher in a K-8 school, I see LOTS of boys just like my dad. Smart, willing to do the work for good grades, but not that motivated. Actually, they're lazy, but energetic.
The girls are outpacing them.
In the "old days," these lazy but dutiful boys could have found a job that was physically satisfying but dull, that paid a living wage with raises where they could enjoy a middle class life style.
Then the jobs went to Mexico, China...
But the unmotivated, lazy boys are still with us. I think it's the nature of the male animal (and I'm a guy)
Some will prosper, but its THESE boys who need these jobs back.
7
Seriously? How can anyone be surprised that Republicans would eat their own? This is, after all, the party that loves to jump on the down-trodden. This is the party of Ayn Rand. This is the party that exults individual success and disparages any and all communities. "It takes a village" is Hillary and the Democrats. The truth is that the Republican/Conservative elite believe that everyone and anyone who isn't a big success is a LOSER. Everyone and anyone who needs help is a TAKER. Republicans don't want to help losers and takers. Republicans want losers and takers to go away, to disappear. It's no surprise that Republicans want to abolish Obamacare. Their solution to the health care problem is for anyone without insurance or the means to pay, to go away and die in silence. If that includes poor whites, so be it.
Republicans/Conservatives are just being consistent here. They are the party of winners, not whiners. Their hands are raised in victory, not stretched out to help anyone else. For once, Republicans/Conservatives are telling the truth about what they believe. Seriously.
Republicans/Conservatives are just being consistent here. They are the party of winners, not whiners. Their hands are raised in victory, not stretched out to help anyone else. For once, Republicans/Conservatives are telling the truth about what they believe. Seriously.
8
The demonetization by Republicans of the least among us goes beyond troubling.
I believe that for our country to be truly equal, we would take care of everyone equally, regardless of their economic status, skin color, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. (Add any additional people to the list that I may have missed.)
Republicans, especially those who talk like many of those quoted in this article, have created a system where the well off are courted and feted over the needs of the citizenry as a whole in this country.
Republicans ignore those of us struggling at their own peril. After doing it for so, so long, the chickens are finally coming home to roost. The only real question is how much worse the majority of country will be hurt by the continued Republican dismissal of the rest of us than it already has been to date.
I believe that for our country to be truly equal, we would take care of everyone equally, regardless of their economic status, skin color, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. (Add any additional people to the list that I may have missed.)
Republicans, especially those who talk like many of those quoted in this article, have created a system where the well off are courted and feted over the needs of the citizenry as a whole in this country.
Republicans ignore those of us struggling at their own peril. After doing it for so, so long, the chickens are finally coming home to roost. The only real question is how much worse the majority of country will be hurt by the continued Republican dismissal of the rest of us than it already has been to date.
3
I'm from that hardscrabble upstate New York area and the only thing we never got was help from republican politicians who were in the pocket of big business. I watched good jobs fly out the door and rich investors invest their savings in offshore banks. Have myself to blame - for what? - the greed of corporate America, the foolish wars that drained the treasury and kept the US from helping their own or the republican party enablers who laid the the political and legal path to this country's destruction. Isn't it just like them to blame the victims of their foolishness?
5
I was going to comment about how vile Kevin Williamson and his type are, but why bother. Who really cares about this guy's opinion? What has Kevin ever done to deserve attention to his notions? What has he contributed to society? He's just another gasbag and writing for a limited circulation publication at best. So, lets give him the attention he deserves.ZERO. If he wants then to take his ideas further, he can run for office on his "they must die" platform. I'll bet if his chickens come home to roost, he won't cope nearly as well as those he scorns.
6
Not rage, fear. I believe it was David Brooks who pointed this out on a recent NPR News Hour commentary.
And, yes, they've done it to themselves. At the personal level, by succumbing to many of the behaviors they accuse the liberal underclass of, and not being even aware that _their_ behavior is the problem. At the political level, by returning to Washington and Sacramento political hacks who feed them self-serving sanctimony that magnifies their resentments, while doing nothing to inspire hope or progress.
And, yes, they've done it to themselves. At the personal level, by succumbing to many of the behaviors they accuse the liberal underclass of, and not being even aware that _their_ behavior is the problem. At the political level, by returning to Washington and Sacramento political hacks who feed them self-serving sanctimony that magnifies their resentments, while doing nothing to inspire hope or progress.
1
two observations:
first the term "reverse discrimination" has not been mentioned this election cycle, but the downwardly-mobile whites do feel that they are losing what they are supposedly entitled to by birthright, out-hustled by new and brown/black immigrants and citizens.
secondly, the puzzling question of why these downwardly-mobile people should think that DT would be their champion when he HATES losers...
first the term "reverse discrimination" has not been mentioned this election cycle, but the downwardly-mobile whites do feel that they are losing what they are supposedly entitled to by birthright, out-hustled by new and brown/black immigrants and citizens.
secondly, the puzzling question of why these downwardly-mobile people should think that DT would be their champion when he HATES losers...
2
Bitter medicine. Bravo Edsal!!
In a most unscientific study of the NH Republican primary results in wealthy NH towns, I found that Trump's share of the votes, from 35%-39%, equaled or exceeded his percentages in the less affluent towns. Let's see what happens in Westchester County's upscale neighborhoods.
2
These people need help not disdain or ridicule. Some how the Democratic party needs to reach out and get them back, but not with lies or with hate. A great leader could do this. I hope we get one soon.
2
The Republican Party, formed by a coalition of parties in the 1850s, is currently the party of old rich white guys. The demographics are not on their side and it will break apart in the next couple of decades (if that long).
I wonder what the new party will be named?
I wonder what the new party will be named?
1
I hate to bring this up, because it picks at still festering wounds, but the Trump supporters profiled in this column have long blamed their struggles on African Americans, who are thought to be welfare moochers, gang criminals, immorally undisciplined, and many other assorted evils. The Republican Party pretty much encouraged these feelings, and exploited them, especially in the South and across the Midwest manufacturing states.
I firmly believe that the GOP's mantra of "Let's Take America Back" is meant to incite struggling whites who feel they've been unjustly displaced in a corrupt and venal society where the odds of success are stacked against them due to the "others" in their midst. That's who Trump is talking to, and Cruz, as well, and all the other Republican candidates who have come and gone so far this election cycle. They offer nothing, nothing, to these people except hatred and resentment.
I firmly believe that the GOP's mantra of "Let's Take America Back" is meant to incite struggling whites who feel they've been unjustly displaced in a corrupt and venal society where the odds of success are stacked against them due to the "others" in their midst. That's who Trump is talking to, and Cruz, as well, and all the other Republican candidates who have come and gone so far this election cycle. They offer nothing, nothing, to these people except hatred and resentment.
6
A couple years ago I got into an argument with a group of Tea Partiers led by a sharp right wing lawyer at the State Capital in NM. At one point I said something to the effect that I didn't understand why people were fighting against their own interests. As I went on to explain I noticed that lights were going on behind the eyes of a few TPers in the group. The lawyer had facile answers for every objection or claim that this group on the right had a lot more in common with the left than they imagined. Of course the discussion ended and they all went home to talk radio, but it left me with the distinct impression that there was a real opening there for a left that learned how to talk to these people. And here we are today with Bernie winning some of those minds.
73
"but it left me with the distinct impression that there was a real opening there for a left that learned how to talk to these people."
That's so true. But read the other comments posted here. Liberals can't wait for the opportunity to condemn blue-collar, working-class white people as "ignorant, uneducated, stupid, naïve, racist, homophobic, misogynist, hateful, divisive, theocratic, xenophobic, evil people who vote against their own best interests".
Then, amazingly, these same left-wingers express exasperation and befuddlement as to why these blue-collar, working-class white people don't vote for Democrats as they do. Yes, I wonder why....
That's so true. But read the other comments posted here. Liberals can't wait for the opportunity to condemn blue-collar, working-class white people as "ignorant, uneducated, stupid, naïve, racist, homophobic, misogynist, hateful, divisive, theocratic, xenophobic, evil people who vote against their own best interests".
Then, amazingly, these same left-wingers express exasperation and befuddlement as to why these blue-collar, working-class white people don't vote for Democrats as they do. Yes, I wonder why....
1
I don't think Bernie is winning any of those minds,.....
This is indeed a fight between the haves and the have-nots, and not exclusive to the GOP. Both parties have left everyday working men and women behind, while catering exclusively to the 1%. The voters are slowly waking up, and the changes they will demand of both parties are nothing short of what Bernie Sanders has described-----a second American Revolution. The GOP and Democratic leadership continue to ignore this at their own peril, as the momentum is building daily. Trump and Sanders are just the first wave of candidates who understand the obscene corruption of both parties and the long-overdue need for genuine reform.
3
Although I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s I was surrounded by people who would be Trump supporters today. Family, friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers - all people who constantly blamed THEM (however that term was defined) for all their problems. It was never a personal failure, never a lack of education or skills or ability or motivation or initiative. No, it was always because of THEM. Well, now that THEM (all of them) are getting demographically close to having an absolute majority in this nation (it will occur around 2040-2050) there is suddenly a desperation that the game might be over. Well, in point of fact, the game was over with the social legislation of the New Deal and Great Society that said EVERYONE has a right to participate in our social, economic, and political life. Barack Obama's two elections merely underscored the point, and irrespective of what Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, or the purveyors of right wing talk radio demand, we are not going backwards.
3
There is only one strong, overriding belief held by those who identify themselves as Trump supporters. This belief has been ingrained in their psyche by the republican party since Reagan. That is, there is a large proportion of "them," all of whom constitute the Democratic party living off the "government." Being given "free" everything...food, shelter, healthcare and getting it all while not working and staying home having babies. This is what they believe.
The irony is that the republican "elites", the establishment republicans believe that about them...the Trump voters!
How this evolves, no one can say at the moment but trying to convince either side that their prejudices are simply wrong never seems to work.
The irony is that the republican "elites", the establishment republicans believe that about them...the Trump voters!
How this evolves, no one can say at the moment but trying to convince either side that their prejudices are simply wrong never seems to work.
2
Tom, Kevin Williamson's "The Father Fuhrer" essay appears less an attack on a once reliably acquiescent section of the Republican Party than an astute assessment of the current state too large a swath of America in general, without assuming any whiff of responsibility for the situation. Blaming the victim you created is what traditional Republicans do. A vote is a vote is a vote...until it isn't.
Yes, this section of America has legitimate grievances, and many are at the same time, complicitly if not actively, working against their own welfare. The Republican apparatchik, well aware of this situation, cynically bought their votes with empty promises no better than bald-faced lies, because the vote was the only thing the Party had any use for from these people.
Yes, this section of America has legitimate grievances, and many are at the same time, complicitly if not actively, working against their own welfare. The Republican apparatchik, well aware of this situation, cynically bought their votes with empty promises no better than bald-faced lies, because the vote was the only thing the Party had any use for from these people.
5
Why isn't there an apology to the American workers, students and families for the failed policies of "trickle-down economics"?
This should be an arrow shot repeatedly by Democrats at Republicans and a beating of the chest and promise to do better by the Republican leadership to its hurting constituency.
This should be an arrow shot repeatedly by Democrats at Republicans and a beating of the chest and promise to do better by the Republican leadership to its hurting constituency.
5
Because salesmen won't criticize a product they're still trying to sell.
The irony is that that the disaffected while working class is supporting Trump. They should be falling all over themselves to support Bernie, the only one who actually has their interests at heart.
5
Until working class whites wake up to the fact that they and working class minorities can only thrive if they unite around shared goals of a progressive economic and political system the wealthy and powerful will continue to divide and conquer. Racism is one of the most powerful tools that the oligarchs have. Keep the poor and working class to busy fighting for the scraps to see that they are being duped by the rich.
10
Excellent observation!
The issue is Jobs & Wages, people. Jobs & Wages. The white working class is being turned black. And by that I mean we have sat by while this was happening to black men for decades and never named it for what it was. No jobs. Shame on us. Shame on us. Suddenly a lot more stuff makes sense.
1
The tattoo says it all. In time, it will fade and perhaps the wearer will wonder why on earth he ever got it.
2
How typical of affluent Republicans to blame the white, working class Republicans for their troubles. Have they forgotten - feed a man, he eats for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime? Well, people need jobs that pay a living wage. Stop moving jobs overseas; stop giving tax breaks to CEOs for moving jobs overseas. Here's what we can all do: Buy American. There's one thing that stops business,,, and that is no customers. American business is going down hill because there are fewer customers. Pay workers a living wage, keep jobs in the US, and you will see much of the problems of those living in the lower economy change for the better.
101
Are you implying that Mitt's remark about the 47% wasn't actually a gaffe, but the truth?
Sir Charles. thoughts of wisdom. Thank You.
Because the Republicans have so thoroughly poisoned the Democratic well for decades, the American voters described in this article would never vote for a Democrat, even one who directly voiced and addressed their concerns -- but along comes a putative Republican who does so, and, voila!
7
Trickle down didn't work for these people?
2
News flash: Human welfare outpolls property rights as the critical measure in the final death throes of a major national political party. #NewNationalism
http://lifeamongtheordinary.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-search-for-truth-in...
http://lifeamongtheordinary.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-search-for-truth-in...
We are witnessing nothing short of the moral and intellectual collapse of the Republican Party. The party cannot govern; its world view is coherent only to the extent that it is hypocritical. Its intransigence, deranged animosity to the president, refusal to live in the world of facts, and wrong-headed policies on every issue facing our society disqualify them from being elected to positions of power in America.
2
If our President were not African American, the large majority of Trump supporters described in the article would be voting Democratic. Their economic position makes them natural allies of the Democrats and opponents of big business. Their racism delivers them to Trump.
3
these National Review 'talking heads' are apparently clueless as to their own culpability in the rise of the angry, white, economically strapped Trump voters. they gladly accepted their votes when they fell in line and supported GOP elites like Romney who we know never gave a damn about the poor and those struggling to make ends meet. would these GOP pundits agree with Mr. Sanders that "anybody who works 40 hrs a week shouldn't have to live in poverty "? no, of course not...they would favor abolishing the 'minimum wage' altogether !
1
It never ceases to amaze me the certitude with which the Republican elite, who continue to profit handsomely from the status quo, remains steadfast in their conviction that the economic challenges facing the bottom 90% are a direct result of the social ills of the bottom 90%--and not the other way around.
4
What a great article. The Republicans have worked hard to exploit their core voters - killed and injured them or their children in Iraq; marginalized their economic situation using globalization as the excuse; stolen their pension money; suckered them into mortgages they can't afford and they wonder why there is alienation? What these commentators don't seem to say or see is that a bond of trust between their erstwhile supporters and themselves have been broken. What happens? Read Hannah Arendt's the Rise of Totalitarianism to find out
1
Well written. well researched piece. This is a schism that became inevitable then Trump ended up having legs. The GOP really DOES need to split into two parties, it's tea party-influence basis has become chokingly narrow. Couple three parties survive? Remains to be seen. And I have to laugh at conservatives kvetching over the monolithic front of the Democratic Party. LOL. We used to give more of the impression of herding cats.
To me this has less to do with the election than with maintaining a functioning democracy and a healthy society. The Republican Party abandoned this group of citizens...white and minority...decades ago. The Democratic Party is losing the capacity to communicate with and be of service to this same group because they feel forced to 'talk like Republicans' in order to get elected. It's a terrible mess: a tragedy for citizens left behind and a serious threat to this country. I hope that this election is a turning point for the better...finding a message that 'integrates' rsther than Balkanizes the less well off, and in the process reimagining a country where were all in 'this thing'....a pluralistic society...together. I hear a little of this from Sanders, a little of it from Clinton, but in neither case is the message clear enough or strong enough. I don't see either Clinton or Sanders campaigning in Appalachia or rural Texas and that will have to change.
The reasons these people fell down the economy ladder is the same reason they allow themselves to be taken for a ride by Donald Trump , the possible presidential nominee , and the same reason that allowed Donald Trump to take for a ride the students of Trump University : lack of education and intelligence . They are victims , but they allowed themselves to be victimized . As in any scam the victim has at least part of the blame . Do not denigrate the dumb blonde male but also do not glorified him . They are as dangerous as the Black Panthers were .
1
It is not just a portion of the GOP that shows contempt for lower income whites. It is also true of many Democratic thought leaders as well. I heard Bill Maher take lots of cheap shots at poor whites,the essence was, you are white, what is the matter with you. From my perspective, neither party has paid much attention to poor whites. The GOP caters to wealthier whites, and the Democrats to a variety of groups that often do not include poor whites.
1
How rich to read of Glenn Beck, who, as a Mormon would not be considered a "real" Christian by many evangelicals and mainstream denominations, skewer Trump followers as not really Christian.
If I was a novelist and had thought all this up, I would never have written it, figuring it would be too unbelievable even for fiction.
If I was a novelist and had thought all this up, I would never have written it, figuring it would be too unbelievable even for fiction.
3
The sad part is that all the blue collar white Trump supporters will be disillusioned with the Republican Party that has only taken care of the wealthy donor class.
But they won't recognize that, even Hillary is way better for their economic interests than any of the Republicans with their Paul Ryan fantasy budget of more tax cuts for "the job creators" and more spending on the military and more social program cuts for the rest.
And it doesn't require more than fifth grade arithmetic and to look at the Reagan and Bush tax cuts and resulting deficits to know the deficits will go up.
Supposedly when a supporter told Adlai Stevenson that Stevenson had the support of all thinking voters, Stevenson replied, “I need more than that, I need a majority.”
That is our country's problem.
But they won't recognize that, even Hillary is way better for their economic interests than any of the Republicans with their Paul Ryan fantasy budget of more tax cuts for "the job creators" and more spending on the military and more social program cuts for the rest.
And it doesn't require more than fifth grade arithmetic and to look at the Reagan and Bush tax cuts and resulting deficits to know the deficits will go up.
Supposedly when a supporter told Adlai Stevenson that Stevenson had the support of all thinking voters, Stevenson replied, “I need more than that, I need a majority.”
That is our country's problem.
Now I understand why Paul Ryan confessed the other day to being "just wrong" about the people who struggle in poverty: he needs the "deserving" poor and near-poor (read: white working-class and unemployed) in his voter base. But it's still fair game to stigmatize the "undeserving" poor (read: Reagan's "welfare queens" and "young bucks"). The Southern Strategy is alive and well.
3
Well said.
And many people don't realize how much hypocrisy Ryan has.
Ryan's father died when Ryan was a teenager.
Ryan received Social Security benefits to help get him through college.
And many people don't realize how much hypocrisy Ryan has.
Ryan's father died when Ryan was a teenager.
Ryan received Social Security benefits to help get him through college.
2
My first response to reading Williamson's diatribe was to wonder what the response would be had a liberal columnist penned a piece brimming with that level of undisguised contempt for a large portion of the Republican base? But then I had an epiphany realizing that that would never happen, because Williamson's attitude epitomizes the view of conservative elites, that every individual is responsible for his or her fate regardless of circumstances, the opposite of the view of liberals who are more likely to acknowledge, if not emphasize, the way that circumstances and societal trends affect individuals. In that sense, it's comforting to know that the self proclaimed masters of the GOP universe have such a wellspring of contempt for those who threaten their imaginary "natural" order that their pitiless judgment can be extended towards a large swathe of their own base.
I can't help wondering if the outing of the Republican ruling class may be the most consequential legacy of Donald Trump's bull in the china shop, performance piece? It certainly has exposed the discrepancy between the base and the elites in the ordering of priorities and I say that as someone hard pressed to find anything in the Republican platform or Donald Trump's policy prescriptions to applaud. It's ironic that it has taken a practiced charlatan to expose the inner workings of a seriously corrupted political system; he may be the worst possible choice as remedy, but he did rip down the curtain.
I can't help wondering if the outing of the Republican ruling class may be the most consequential legacy of Donald Trump's bull in the china shop, performance piece? It certainly has exposed the discrepancy between the base and the elites in the ordering of priorities and I say that as someone hard pressed to find anything in the Republican platform or Donald Trump's policy prescriptions to applaud. It's ironic that it has taken a practiced charlatan to expose the inner workings of a seriously corrupted political system; he may be the worst possible choice as remedy, but he did rip down the curtain.
7
Those who denigrate lower-income white Americans as welfare-dependent drug addicts are applying the same type of bigotry that is often applied to blacks. It is true that drug use, especially heroin and opiates, has skyrocketed alarmingly among white Americans. However, this cuts across all social classes. Suicide has also risen dramatically among white Americans, and that is mostly a lower-income phenomenon.
It is not coincidental that these trends occurred after the financial crisis of 2008. These Americans--indeed all Americans except for the ruling oligarchy--should be angry. However, they should not be angry at immigrants. They should be angry about deals that allow huge corporations to avoid paying taxes. They should be angry that Wall Street bankers came very close to destroying the entire global economy, and that many people in the US and abroad have still not recovered. The 99% movement on the left is more accurate than the tea party or Trump movements on the right. However, the anger is real. And its root causes of income inequality and a rigged political system need to be addressed soon or the anger could turn even uglier.
It is not coincidental that these trends occurred after the financial crisis of 2008. These Americans--indeed all Americans except for the ruling oligarchy--should be angry. However, they should not be angry at immigrants. They should be angry about deals that allow huge corporations to avoid paying taxes. They should be angry that Wall Street bankers came very close to destroying the entire global economy, and that many people in the US and abroad have still not recovered. The 99% movement on the left is more accurate than the tea party or Trump movements on the right. However, the anger is real. And its root causes of income inequality and a rigged political system need to be addressed soon or the anger could turn even uglier.
4
Some whites are simply not paying attention. Minorities are becoming better education and moving upward. Whites will notice that very often when they go in for a job, a few of the officers they must convince of their suitability for the job they want will not be white. Whites are dying at a rate more than they are being born. Now as in the past, "The Other" has been used to explain why whites are failing. Perhaps it is time to stop using African-Americans and other minority groups who are becoming better educated and moving up, as the scapegoats for the problems of poor working class whites. It may be time to look in the mirror.
If the GOP could jettison their cheap use of racism and tribalism they could build a strong diverse party of people who support their world views of gradual, cautious change and limited central planning.
They instead chose to fan hate and obstruct a centrist Democratic President who was willing and has adopted middle of the road plans.
Instead of putting country first, they put party first and have ruined their party and stalled progress in our country.
Instead of imagining an exciting future of a diverse nation using ingenuity to solve global problems they obfuscated scientific facts, believed in war first and divided the country on gender, religious and racial lines.
At heart they are pessimists who stand in the way of a better world. In some strange way, Trump has done us all a favor by exposing the rot in the Republican Party.
They instead chose to fan hate and obstruct a centrist Democratic President who was willing and has adopted middle of the road plans.
Instead of putting country first, they put party first and have ruined their party and stalled progress in our country.
Instead of imagining an exciting future of a diverse nation using ingenuity to solve global problems they obfuscated scientific facts, believed in war first and divided the country on gender, religious and racial lines.
At heart they are pessimists who stand in the way of a better world. In some strange way, Trump has done us all a favor by exposing the rot in the Republican Party.
4
Peter Confessore and Thomas Edsall have genuine insight into the middle class, a rare gift among the media types. Listen carefully when they put the shoulder to the task.
1
"These blue-collar white Republicans, ... , are now vilified by their former right-wing allies "
Not "allies", "owner-operators". They are concerned about their minions going off-program.
Not "allies", "owner-operators". They are concerned about their minions going off-program.
3
What's going on in the Republican party is not just that their elite are determined to disempower their blue-collar white base, but that their blue-collar white base is simultaneously trying to disempower the Republican elite. The elite have money and power but, by definition, they lack numbers, hence their hysteria over the chance that Trump will will despite their opposition. Blue-collar Republicans now know beyond the shadow of a doubt that all the elites have to offer them is lies, empty platitudes, and contempt -- so now their only real goal is to burn the elite's playhouse down. I find it hard to fault them for that.
2
A LITANY OF WOES Mario Cuomo, late philosopher of the Democrats, said that the working class will ultimately realize that it's been cheated by people "who are smarter than they are," and will be very angry when they realize it. The plight of the working class was sealed by the greedy demons of corporate takeovers that trashed the resources of the workers, by the offshoring of jobs to low wage countries and the unending war against unions and organized labor. I disagree with the jaundiced, peremptory view that the victims of these attacks have done all this to themselves. Such overwhelming loss as has faced workers since 1980 results in severe trauma and depression. Sadly, many people self-medicate with alcohol, opioids and other toxic substances. But they are suffering from the diseases of trauma and depression. They deserve support and healing, not blame for their hardships. As to Trump, he is medically unfit for office due to a neurological condition, frontal lobe dementia. His wild behavior is due to disinhibition, a prime symptom of dementia. That along with his extremely poor insight and judgment. Trump never has and never will carry the banner for the American working class. But he does mirror the effects of deterioration in brain function that is irreversible and terminal. Sadly, many of his followers seem to suffer from the same problems. Really, it's enough to turn the entire country into one gigantic Twelve Step Program. Trump does not feel their pain.
2
In his weekly columns, Mr. Edsall has performed a valuable service to us all by keeping his focus on the working class voters who have been left behind in the modern, technological age.
Here in Maine, we have had five paper mills shut down over the past two years, throwing thousands of people out of work. The paper industry has been the backbone of the Maine economy for the past 100 years. Entire towns in the northern part of the state have been gutted and decimated, leaving in their wake a cadre of unemployed people, vulnerable to crime, addiction and despair.
Again, I thank Mr. Edsall for his heroic work in drawing the attention of the NYT's readers to the continuing plight of these good, hard-working people, who seem to have no place in the 21st century economy.
Here in Maine, we have had five paper mills shut down over the past two years, throwing thousands of people out of work. The paper industry has been the backbone of the Maine economy for the past 100 years. Entire towns in the northern part of the state have been gutted and decimated, leaving in their wake a cadre of unemployed people, vulnerable to crime, addiction and despair.
Again, I thank Mr. Edsall for his heroic work in drawing the attention of the NYT's readers to the continuing plight of these good, hard-working people, who seem to have no place in the 21st century economy.
4
The Republican myth has always been that people's low social status is their own fault. They have used this argument to fuel racism and hide class divisions. Trump voters bought the Republican racism but have no understanding of class. We have the weirdest situation where working-class whites now vote for a billionaire as a protest against social inequality...
4
"how can a party that is losing ground in virtually every growing constituency — Hispanics, Asians, single women and the young — even consider jettisoning a single voter, much less the struggling white working class?"
Answer: Pretend that there is an epidemic of voter impersonation fraud and enact voter suppression legislation.
Answer: Pretend that there is an epidemic of voter impersonation fraud and enact voter suppression legislation.
6
If you are born poor, never really eat well or have decent clothing growing up and live in a neighborhood where crime and drugs rule, you probably have no idea what a good life is nor how to obtain a job which pays more than minimum wage. To blame the products of our slum neighborhoods for their poverty and crime ridden lives is like blaming an armless child for not being able to feed himself. Donald Trump has been seen and heard by almost everyone in the U.S., including the very poor because cheesy TV is available almost everywhere they go. He's rich, you know, and many TV watchers do not know about his family history and that he comes from wealth. What they do know is that he has a lot of money and lives like a king...and maybe he can get them a better life, because he says so. And there are those who were on their way to a better, richer life or a comfortable if not luxurious retirement who lost it all in 2007-2008 and who will never recover..unless The Donald gets rid of those horrid immigrants. Oh, who are we kidding? The super rich own our country and our lives and will continue to do so until there's a revolution...hopefully in the voting booths.
1
Oddly, I see this entire episode in America as an overdue correction for a political party and a part of American culture that has been ignored for years. Trump and Cruz - good heavens, what a pair of loopy carpetbaggers - but change and correction to a system of democracy that hasn't acted like a democracy, can, and has, come in its own unique style. Donald Trump, the Music Man who sells walls and empty promises, and Ted Cruz who sells fear and exclusion, are actually paying attention to an entire population of Americans who have been patronized, dismissed, and taken for granted. They may not be polite, articulate, and they may even buy into the simplistic nonsense being played out in front of the hungry media, but they are real, they are angry, and they need to be heard. They need to be given more than statistics, and they need to know they are part of the process. When Bush sent their children to war it was based on a lie. When the aftermath of Karina left them in the mud, Bush flew over them but not among them. That was ugly. As was 2008 when the banks were bailed out and the home owners were left homeless, and when Obama dismissed all of this with a wave of his hand. Mitt Romney said over 40% of America wasn't necessary in the last presidential election, and people assumed it was Democrats when it was also these Republicans. Yes, this is a correction, and I can only hope it wakes people up. Is it ugly? Yes, but just as ugly as the airbrushed nonsense of today.
4
I couldn't believe what I was reading. The conservative writers quoted in this article are the true Republican extremists who continue to have a deaf ear to the millions of Americans who are fed up with Washington politicians, the thugs and pimps who run the super-pacs, and the Republican elitist writers who are so far removed from every day life that they are pathetic. My very large group of friends and acquaintances are all retired, or on the verge of retirement, all educated with college degress and higher, are living very comfortably in an upscale community, and are all for the Donald. Why? Who is the alternative? Lyin' Ted who shut down the government and who all Washngton politicians despise? Kasick, the pseudo-goodie two shoes, the Gov who won only one one state out of 27; Hillary, the pathological liar; or Bernie, the Socialist? After 7 years of Obama....Trump couldn't be any worse. We'll give him a chance. If it doesn't work out, he'll be gone in 4 years.
1
That the republican elite are now holding their noses at the rabble that has allowed their party to win so many elections the last 50 years should surprise no one. The republican party elite has had to hold their noses at the very concept of democracy and America.
"We’re not living our Christian faith because no Christian, no real Christian — I don’t mean a judgmental Christian, I mean somebody who’s living their faith — no Christian says, “I want that guy, that guy is the guy for me.” " There is no other kind of Christian in the republican orbit who is not a "judgmental Christian".
Republican elites (which means the party apparatus) have never cared about the needs of their base. Building an economic model that would actually lift all boats was never their intention. Creating enough good paying jobs to put America back to work does not fit their model of stomping on labor thus allowing capitol to reap all the rewards.
Now, it seems, that the republican elite is as desperate as their base, albeit for different reasons. When they steal the nomination from T rump and he runs as a third party and republicans find that there are not enough members of country clubs to keep them at the reins of power, we shall see what we shall see.
"We’re not living our Christian faith because no Christian, no real Christian — I don’t mean a judgmental Christian, I mean somebody who’s living their faith — no Christian says, “I want that guy, that guy is the guy for me.” " There is no other kind of Christian in the republican orbit who is not a "judgmental Christian".
Republican elites (which means the party apparatus) have never cared about the needs of their base. Building an economic model that would actually lift all boats was never their intention. Creating enough good paying jobs to put America back to work does not fit their model of stomping on labor thus allowing capitol to reap all the rewards.
Now, it seems, that the republican elite is as desperate as their base, albeit for different reasons. When they steal the nomination from T rump and he runs as a third party and republicans find that there are not enough members of country clubs to keep them at the reins of power, we shall see what we shall see.
3
My grandfather was a Kentucky coal miner. He moved his family north to work in the Detroit auto factories to improve their financial lot and health [he eventually died of black lung]. My father worked as a gas station attendant, mechanic, truck driver, then automotive test driver, while attending night school. He retired as an automotive engineer, training entry level graduate engineers. He and my mom penny-pinched and saved in order to buy their modest post-war bungalow, pay off the mortgage, and help us through college. My sister put herself through school, took an undergraduate degree, and went on to a career at a blue-chip information tech firm; I went to college, worked my way through graduate school, had a career as an opera singer, and now work for a highly regarded investment firm.
My point here is that jobs in manufacturing and hard labor [note: I do not include trades - these are skilled labor] are NOT the American Dream. They were not meant to create a permanent, uneducated, multi-generational, co-dependent financial middle class. The American dream is about motivation, reinvention, and self-improvement. Change has always been a part of this, and the time to prepare for it is always before it is upon you [saving for retirement, for instance].
Unless and until the so-called "disenfranchised" recognize their interests lie in embracing change and letting go of a past that will never return [no matter what Trump says], they will remain a permanent underclass.
My point here is that jobs in manufacturing and hard labor [note: I do not include trades - these are skilled labor] are NOT the American Dream. They were not meant to create a permanent, uneducated, multi-generational, co-dependent financial middle class. The American dream is about motivation, reinvention, and self-improvement. Change has always been a part of this, and the time to prepare for it is always before it is upon you [saving for retirement, for instance].
Unless and until the so-called "disenfranchised" recognize their interests lie in embracing change and letting go of a past that will never return [no matter what Trump says], they will remain a permanent underclass.
3
Admire your family and happy for their success. It appears not enough Americans have had a similar experience thus the angry populism in the air.
Trump has merely added a loudspeaker to what the GOP has been saying for more than a half-century: "Rally on me, White Folks. We're taking it back. And bring your guns ... everywhere you go, bring your guns." Trump is humming the chords that arose in the South following the Civil War. White males disenfranchised by their defeat formed vigilance committees to regain political power morphed into the Democratic Party. It gave safe haven to white supremacists for the next century. The racial narrowness of southern Dems at state levels and in Congress limited FDR's efficacy in accomplishing his New Deal reforms. But gradually the Democratic Party pulled away from southern pols and, eventually, passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Southern Dems were left without a party, nothwithstanding the Dixiecrat flare-up, until Richard Nixon heard and saw George Wallace's appeal to a broad base of the American citizenry. The GOP that gave the nation Nixon and Agnew opened its doors to simmering whites whose racial ill will dominated their thinking. The GOP is today reaping what it sowed, but now it has added another element that makes things worse: Guns. The GOP has openly shared a bed with the NRA. The GOP has accorded political acceptance to gun-based insanity that is killing many and scaring the remainder. Trump or Cruz ... makes no difference. Either will be defeated this Fall. But the gun-toting mean and angry white men ... they will walk amongst us.
3
The angriest voters are union members who see both parties go hand in hand voting for job killing trade deals like the TPP. Good luck trying for a more civil society with a huge amount of the populous despising whoever gets elected.
1
Perhaps Mr. Edsall will turn his literary talents to an examination of the real differences between establishment Democrats and establishment Republicans. He may find that there is little difference. Other than the two discretionary wars fought by the Bush II administration, the verdict of history indicates that there is no perceptible, nor substantive, difference between Clinton I, Bush II, Obama 1.0 - and Clinton II (or Obama 2.0).
One also might wonder why the FBI is dragging its feet in respect to its investigation o Clinton's misuse of her email server. Is it a coincidence that she has promised to maintain Obama's single legacy item - "Obamacare" - despite a better concept proposed by Sanders? Isn't Mr. Edsall concerned that Clinton has made an overriding issue of "black" and "gender" equality concerns rather than the broader income inequality issue that Sanders is addressing?
Moderate republicans have found a home in the NEW Democratic Party, the "third way," that has overseen financial deregulation, trade deficit creating "trade agreements," the "pauperization" of the American worker, and the maintenance of tax policies that greatly enrich the participants in paper exchanges based on the speculation in existing assets, rather than in the production of useful goods and services.
One also might wonder why the FBI is dragging its feet in respect to its investigation o Clinton's misuse of her email server. Is it a coincidence that she has promised to maintain Obama's single legacy item - "Obamacare" - despite a better concept proposed by Sanders? Isn't Mr. Edsall concerned that Clinton has made an overriding issue of "black" and "gender" equality concerns rather than the broader income inequality issue that Sanders is addressing?
Moderate republicans have found a home in the NEW Democratic Party, the "third way," that has overseen financial deregulation, trade deficit creating "trade agreements," the "pauperization" of the American worker, and the maintenance of tax policies that greatly enrich the participants in paper exchanges based on the speculation in existing assets, rather than in the production of useful goods and services.
1
Williamson, et al are absolutely correct in their assessment regarding the entitlement mentality that pervades the victim class that has been skillfully manipulated by politicians for years. Times changed and they did not. People need to adapt or they wither and die.
I so hope the Trump campaign picks up on this article; they could surely use it to demonstrate what his republican opposition truly feels about the disenfranchised and the poor (not that the donald doesn't harbor similar sentiments - but is savvy enough to leave them unexpressed). The level of hatred revealed by republican sycophants pretending to be "opinion makers' is appalling. The editors of these screeds are equally at fault, publishing these sentiments is more than tacit approval of their contents. What a revolting - and revealing - display of "elite" republican opinion. The fear driving this opinion is the spectre of the revolt of the massive unwashed. What a disaster!
2
For decades, the central message of the republican party has been "You're a victim, everybody!" "Big government" was proclaimed the villain.
That message has been a big lie. Big lies always result in a convoluted mess. Your momma could have told you that.
The mess on the hands of the republican party is 100% of their own making. The disaster to their "brand," as they call it, is one thing; that the lie and its resulting chaos have been very costly to America is quite another.
To cover these tracks, Ted Cruz will start a war. It's the usual republican way to burnish the brand.
That message has been a big lie. Big lies always result in a convoluted mess. Your momma could have told you that.
The mess on the hands of the republican party is 100% of their own making. The disaster to their "brand," as they call it, is one thing; that the lie and its resulting chaos have been very costly to America is quite another.
To cover these tracks, Ted Cruz will start a war. It's the usual republican way to burnish the brand.
3
Plato said people become angry because they are stupid. He explained that angry people cannot see the world as it is. They have a view of how the world should work, and become frustrated when the world does not behave according to their wishes.
If I was Trump, I'd stop my campaign right now and not waste any of my money or my energy for a cause which is doomed from the beginning.
Trump should realize that if his own party is not behind him, especially the true Republicans or the real hard core conservatives who're also in the talk-radio business like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh etc., and also the very hard core Columnists like Kevin Williamson and David French of National Review or Caleb Howe from RedState etc.,who're denouncing and hurling real insults to him and his hard core White blue collar under-educated workers whose support Trump is dependent on , then its time for him to quit his Campaign.
Unless he's into this game only for making money like Ben Carson .
Donald has to understand that he just cannot depend on his hateful bunch of fake disability drawing, OxyContin abusing and less well-off White voters from the Rust Belt factory towns of eastern Kentucky,Tennessee, Kansas or west Texas etc.,who only blame the Mexicans,Blacks and the Muslims instead of blaming themselves.
I know, these dysfunctional,downscale communities churn out Trump's voters but Trump needs endorsements from Cruz, Kasich and Rubio to claim their supporters too because he needs at least 60 million popular votes, especially from the states with higher electoral votes.
The question for him really is , will he get the 270 electoral votes on November 8th without the Republican establishment backed voters .
The answer is a big, NO.
Trump should realize that if his own party is not behind him, especially the true Republicans or the real hard core conservatives who're also in the talk-radio business like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh etc., and also the very hard core Columnists like Kevin Williamson and David French of National Review or Caleb Howe from RedState etc.,who're denouncing and hurling real insults to him and his hard core White blue collar under-educated workers whose support Trump is dependent on , then its time for him to quit his Campaign.
Unless he's into this game only for making money like Ben Carson .
Donald has to understand that he just cannot depend on his hateful bunch of fake disability drawing, OxyContin abusing and less well-off White voters from the Rust Belt factory towns of eastern Kentucky,Tennessee, Kansas or west Texas etc.,who only blame the Mexicans,Blacks and the Muslims instead of blaming themselves.
I know, these dysfunctional,downscale communities churn out Trump's voters but Trump needs endorsements from Cruz, Kasich and Rubio to claim their supporters too because he needs at least 60 million popular votes, especially from the states with higher electoral votes.
The question for him really is , will he get the 270 electoral votes on November 8th without the Republican establishment backed voters .
The answer is a big, NO.
I said it a few days ago, and I'll say it again: the Republican elite are bad at capitalism. They don't understand that this economic system gains its legitimacy from the actual people who operate within it--and who do the work that keeps it going. Instead, these upper crust conservatives see capital as an infallible deity--a Weltgeist to which we must all adhere, committing our bodies, personality, and resources to its perfect apparatus. For them, it is a religion first and a system of organizing materialist reality second.
For years they used scriptural tricks to divert attention away from capitalist failure: trickle-down economics, the bogus Laffer curve (which was originally scrawled on a bar napkin), and anti-tax puffery. But there is only so long these homilies can obscure reality: the economic system and social flourishing are incompatible for a huge section of the population. And I'm not just talking about working-class whites in middle-America.
For years they used scriptural tricks to divert attention away from capitalist failure: trickle-down economics, the bogus Laffer curve (which was originally scrawled on a bar napkin), and anti-tax puffery. But there is only so long these homilies can obscure reality: the economic system and social flourishing are incompatible for a huge section of the population. And I'm not just talking about working-class whites in middle-America.
4
I don't think any supply-side economists knows the first thing about business: if there is demand, supply will emerge.
1
"The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die. Economically, they are negative assets". - Williamson
This is the natural outcome of running government like a business. As a business owner, what do you do to increase profits? Either sell more products or lay off workers. Since government can't lay off non-revenue producing citizens, best to let them just die off. Problem solved.
This is the natural outcome of running government like a business. As a business owner, what do you do to increase profits? Either sell more products or lay off workers. Since government can't lay off non-revenue producing citizens, best to let them just die off. Problem solved.
3
Trump has kindled the hopeless anger of struggling whites into a populist rage against a multiple choice of scapegoats. He will continue to feed and focus that rage throughout the campaign until it explodes with physical violence. Rage with a gun in its hand is a probability.
I understand the anger and sense of betrayal felt by many Americans. I understand why they support an outsider. But if they believe that Donald Trump is the answer then the Republican party should let the "elites" (or at least the adults) step in and find someone else in a contested convention.
Want to vote with your middle finger instead of your brain? Fine. That's what Congress is for. Your newly elected nutcase will feel right at home.
But you do not get to put a profoundly ignorant, emotionally unstable, hateful bigot in charge of the world's strongest military because you are angry. It's a serious job that requires a serious person.
Disdain for Trump supporters is well deserved.
Want to vote with your middle finger instead of your brain? Fine. That's what Congress is for. Your newly elected nutcase will feel right at home.
But you do not get to put a profoundly ignorant, emotionally unstable, hateful bigot in charge of the world's strongest military because you are angry. It's a serious job that requires a serious person.
Disdain for Trump supporters is well deserved.
1
Despite all the troubles of the Republican party and the true face of National Review showing plainly, that party controls 2/3 of the country (by number of states) in fee simple. Its demise has been constantly postponed. Govs. Walker and Brownback, after transparently undermining their states, were re-elected. Maybe this is not the end time for the GOP, either. Think about it.
I noticed that David French was clucking his tongue at his fellow Kentucks about being lazy and unemployed. Trouble is, he and the Republican elite have been demagoguing their problems by ranting that President Obama and the environmentalists are waging a "war on coal" and saying their troubles is Obama's fault. (What else is new?) Truth is that Appalachian coal mining has been in decline for over 50 years, with fracked natural gas underpricing coal big time.
What we have to do is either rebuild Appalachia's economy with industry besides coal mining, or have a large-scale migration out of the region to someplace like Texas which has a more diverse economy.
And the GOP elites wonder why people like Donald Trump
What we have to do is either rebuild Appalachia's economy with industry besides coal mining, or have a large-scale migration out of the region to someplace like Texas which has a more diverse economy.
And the GOP elites wonder why people like Donald Trump
1
I am a well-educated person, having earned a bachelor's and two master's degrees from three prestigious universities. I have done well financially in life. Overall, a resident of "Belmont" and not "Fishtown" if you are familiar with Charles Murray's "Coming Apart."
I support Donald Trump for four principal reasons:
1. We need to stop illegal immigration. This is not racist. It is against the illegality of illegal immigration. My maternal grandparents were immigrants.
2. We need to slam the door on Mohammedans coming to America, at least until they have a huge reformation in the Islamic world. I think of it as a break in the boxing match between the Mohammedan world and the West, which for some reason the former has sought.
3. I am a firm believer in free trade, comparative advantage, and the invisible hand depicted by Adam Smith. However, the pace of globalization (and the looming threat of robotics) has been far too fast for the adjustment to be made by blue collar workers in America. I much prefer a bit of protectionism as a brake on globalization to the alternative, i.e., the growth of the welfare state (we already see calls for lengthened unemployment benefits, vast increase in "disability" claims in Social Security, etc.)
4. We desperately need an outsider to shake up Washington.
I support Donald Trump for four principal reasons:
1. We need to stop illegal immigration. This is not racist. It is against the illegality of illegal immigration. My maternal grandparents were immigrants.
2. We need to slam the door on Mohammedans coming to America, at least until they have a huge reformation in the Islamic world. I think of it as a break in the boxing match between the Mohammedan world and the West, which for some reason the former has sought.
3. I am a firm believer in free trade, comparative advantage, and the invisible hand depicted by Adam Smith. However, the pace of globalization (and the looming threat of robotics) has been far too fast for the adjustment to be made by blue collar workers in America. I much prefer a bit of protectionism as a brake on globalization to the alternative, i.e., the growth of the welfare state (we already see calls for lengthened unemployment benefits, vast increase in "disability" claims in Social Security, etc.)
4. We desperately need an outsider to shake up Washington.
2
Nothing awes me more about some Americans than their blind faith in complete ignorance.
1
While the national review may feel the undereducated whites have no one to blame but themselves, it shows that they are consistent, yet still wrong. The American dream is born of opportunity, and when opportunity is rare, the american family is likely reduced to the hopelessness that has filled our inner cities for years. Poor white america needs to realize that they are now in the same boat as black america. In any society, there will always be some winners, but if there isn't enough prosperity shared around, the crumbling of much of society is the result. Th epeople at the National review ought to take a good hard look in the mirror, and finally acknowledge that thir policies are good ONLY for the well off winners, not the rest of america.
2
As though they're guilty of unforgivable conservative apostasy, Caleb Howe complains that Trump supporters are not behind him out of some sacred concern about the growing national deficit. The fact is that GOP elites are even less concerned about deficit spending, unless we are to believe the hypocrisy of Republican rhetoric that bears no relationship to the reality of GOP fiscal policy when they are actually in power. Deficits mushroomed under the administrations of Reagan and G.W. Bush while disappearing under Clinton and declining under Obama.
The contempt shown toward struggling, white blue-collar males by elitists like Kevin Williamson is utterly astonishing. In a classic "blame the victim" diatribe, he wants these people literally to die. We have not even yet begun to witness the depth of collapse waiting for the GOP.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
The contempt shown toward struggling, white blue-collar males by elitists like Kevin Williamson is utterly astonishing. In a classic "blame the victim" diatribe, he wants these people literally to die. We have not even yet begun to witness the depth of collapse waiting for the GOP.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
4
In this instance, it IS the "victim's" fault. A free market demands that each of us provide value in the marketplace, lest we find ourselves left behind. Those who can find their way will be rewarded. Those who excel within it will be handsomely rewarded. And those who can't make sense of it or who fail to keep up will fail, to varying degrees. The system that allows a Bill Gates to succeed beyond his wildest imagination will counter with tens, even hundreds of thousands who fail miserably. Some, catastrophically so.
Sounds great for some textbook bubble where the actual lives of real folks count for nothing, LCA.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Let me guess - you were raised in a comfortable upper middle class family?
It's kinda weird that these days the ability to "excel" seems to be predicated on the class into which one is born?
It's kinda weird that these days the ability to "excel" seems to be predicated on the class into which one is born?
I think the white working class is finally waking up to how they've been played by their false friends, the Republicans!
They've been manipulated into voting against their own best interests for decades, by playing upon their fear and hatred. A Party whose prime agenda is not much more than greed, had to find SOME way to motivate enough people to vote for them and their otherwise unappealing intentions...so they came up with a "divide and conquer" strategy.
And it worked...until poor whites finally saw the con. And boy are they pissed! Trouble is, they're pissed at the wrong things--once again they're being manipulated by fear and hate--this time, by Trump. Instead of flocking to Sanders, the one candidate in this election who honestly DOES support the interests of working families, they're once again falling for a con!
As the saying goes, "How soon dead; how late wise!"
They've been manipulated into voting against their own best interests for decades, by playing upon their fear and hatred. A Party whose prime agenda is not much more than greed, had to find SOME way to motivate enough people to vote for them and their otherwise unappealing intentions...so they came up with a "divide and conquer" strategy.
And it worked...until poor whites finally saw the con. And boy are they pissed! Trouble is, they're pissed at the wrong things--once again they're being manipulated by fear and hate--this time, by Trump. Instead of flocking to Sanders, the one candidate in this election who honestly DOES support the interests of working families, they're once again falling for a con!
As the saying goes, "How soon dead; how late wise!"
2
There's growing awareness on both the Dem and GOP sides that the system is clearly rigged for all the obvious reasons to the advantage of the 1% and the other usual suspects, hence the popularity of Bernie and Trump - who, I would suggest, are each responding to growing frustrations in their respective camps with messages that are closer on that point in substance than either would be inclined to admit. The difference, I believe, is that generally while those on the Dem side of the divide recognize the rigging of the system, it seems to work well enough for them overall that they will likely get in line with the Democratic nominee come November. Long term, unless addressed with more than lip service, the growing income disparity and all that goes with it will disenfranchise sufficiently the middle class, upper and lower, that you will also see this sort of permanent fracture on the Dem side. Watching worker productivity rise while real wages fall - and the entirety of the surplus going to "return on capital" in the form of under-taxed hedge fund carried interests and the like - is simply not sustainable and will bring us to a long overdue tipping point. Bernie sees this - and Trump shamelessly but cleverly exploits this - each to a degree that continues to surprise only the pundits. This election will not likely see a convergence of the 2 camps - Trump is too crude, alienating and frankly unelectable. But the critical mass is there and someone, someday will capture it.
2
The conservatives have it completely right on this one with one exception; they fail to blame excesses of the top 1% including business executives, corporate chairman of the boards and multimillionaire investors who rather than feel any sense of responsibility for our communities move jobs around without regard, force communities to give them billions of dollars in tax breaks, and still move the jobs. They get away with it because they have Long brought off the government, the judiciary, and worse yet, the national press. I however agree totally with the conservatives decrying the selfishness, the self pity and the recklessness of these lower income whites. They blame minorities for their plight and awe quite willing to gamble the future wellbeing of our country on a loud-mouth,uncouth character with a tendency toward fascism. Good luck with that strategy to solve anything.
2
The Palm Beach Daily News reported that in all precincts of this tony town, Republicans voted for Trump in the FL primary "giving him resounding wins across all seven precincts among registered Republican voters." I'm still trying to find those Palm Beach trailer parks filled with angry white men.
3
"Conservatives who once derided upscale liberals as latte-sipping losers now burst with contempt for the lower-income followers of Donald J. Trump".
They also derided us evil liberals as red wine sipping and cheese nibbling Porsche drivers, a lifestyle I prefer.
The stagnation of blue colour white workers started with the 'dribble down economics' of their very own Saint Ronnie, one who at least wasn't forced to wear his oh-so-Christian bona fides like a shield of honor at that time.
Now they hang on every word of gaudy billionaire who runs for Vularian-in-Chief, thinking he, and only he, can save them from their misery by making 'really great deals'.
That man didn't know what the nuclear triad is, said repeatedly that in order for the US to save billions NATO should be dissolved, and that Japan and South Korea should get their own nuclear weapons, while in the same breath proclaiming that he is against nuclear proliferation.
Welcome to the world of Il Duce Trumpolinini with his word salad, and the ever more dumbing down of America.
With the rise of Trumpism, the rest of the advanced world first looked on in amusement. Now they look on in horror of what is happening on our shores.
On the other hand I am very happy to have learned from a very well informed source, the great Andy Borowitz of The New Yorker, that President Obama will take the nuclear codes home with him should any of the Republicans win the general election.
They also derided us evil liberals as red wine sipping and cheese nibbling Porsche drivers, a lifestyle I prefer.
The stagnation of blue colour white workers started with the 'dribble down economics' of their very own Saint Ronnie, one who at least wasn't forced to wear his oh-so-Christian bona fides like a shield of honor at that time.
Now they hang on every word of gaudy billionaire who runs for Vularian-in-Chief, thinking he, and only he, can save them from their misery by making 'really great deals'.
That man didn't know what the nuclear triad is, said repeatedly that in order for the US to save billions NATO should be dissolved, and that Japan and South Korea should get their own nuclear weapons, while in the same breath proclaiming that he is against nuclear proliferation.
Welcome to the world of Il Duce Trumpolinini with his word salad, and the ever more dumbing down of America.
With the rise of Trumpism, the rest of the advanced world first looked on in amusement. Now they look on in horror of what is happening on our shores.
On the other hand I am very happy to have learned from a very well informed source, the great Andy Borowitz of The New Yorker, that President Obama will take the nuclear codes home with him should any of the Republicans win the general election.
4
These views reflect the divide in the country. The article focuses on the GOP, but to varying degrees the same can be said of the Dem's. At the core of this conflict is the country's shift to neoliberalism.
The promise of the New Deal was that we the people had a social contract with government. Government was supposed to step in to manage imbalances and act for our collective interests. That's why we got the GI Bill, home interest loan deductions, Social Security and Medicare.
The neoliberal philosophy is that government sniffles freedom. That true liberty occurs when both the opportunity and the responsibility for ones economic and civil life rest with the individual. Reagan proclaimed that government 'is the problem.' So from them we got deregulation of banking, workplace safety rules, reduced trade protections, attacks against the EPA and 10 trillion dollars in tax cuts, mostly benefiting the wealthy. The individual is now free to navigate in a market dominated by big corporations and that's what neoliberals call a level playing field.
The white working class seek salvation from Trump because they are buckling under these policies. You hear white men claiming to be America's new oppressed minority. Those in the GOP that attack them are part of the class that has benefited from managing and supporting this neoliberal shift. They are not wealthy, but well off and their real beliefs about the welfare of the majority of Americans are now coming out.
The promise of the New Deal was that we the people had a social contract with government. Government was supposed to step in to manage imbalances and act for our collective interests. That's why we got the GI Bill, home interest loan deductions, Social Security and Medicare.
The neoliberal philosophy is that government sniffles freedom. That true liberty occurs when both the opportunity and the responsibility for ones economic and civil life rest with the individual. Reagan proclaimed that government 'is the problem.' So from them we got deregulation of banking, workplace safety rules, reduced trade protections, attacks against the EPA and 10 trillion dollars in tax cuts, mostly benefiting the wealthy. The individual is now free to navigate in a market dominated by big corporations and that's what neoliberals call a level playing field.
The white working class seek salvation from Trump because they are buckling under these policies. You hear white men claiming to be America's new oppressed minority. Those in the GOP that attack them are part of the class that has benefited from managing and supporting this neoliberal shift. They are not wealthy, but well off and their real beliefs about the welfare of the majority of Americans are now coming out.
1
It is interesting to see the cover torn from the Republican party and have it exposed for the lying sham it has long been. And as an alternative to Trump, the elites now line up behind... Cruz, a guy they clearly despise and who is more dangerous than Trump? Kasich, a bland pol who has no vision and even less ability to communicate it? Romney, already a proven failure? Perhaps the Democrats could revive the lend-lease act and offer a candidate from its own stable for the Republicans to use. It's not like Republicans have any core values to protect.
1
Trump is winning because, on immigration, amnesty, securing our border and staying out of any new crusades for democracy, he has tapped into the most powerful currents in politics: economic populism and “America First” nationalism.
Look at the crowds Trump draws. Look at the record turnouts in Republican caucuses and primaries.
If Beltway Republicans think they can stop Trump and turn back the movement behind him, and continue on with today’s policies on trade, immigration and intervention, they will be swept into the same dustbin of history as the Rockefeller Republicans.
America is saying, “Goodbye to all that.”
For Trump is not only a candidate. He is a messenger from Middle America. And the message he is delivering to the establishment is: We want an end to your policies and we want an end to you.
If the elites think they can not only deny Trump the nomination, but turn back this revolution and re-establish themselves in the esteem of the people, they delude themselves.
This is hubris of a high order.
2
In this very same newspaper, and article appeared stating that the loss of 6 million manufacturing jobs, followed by the gain of 100,000 manufacturing jobs a year, leads to a net benefit for American citizens.
With such disparity in the views of this article and the above mentioned, can anyone argue that there is clarity from atop the high rises of New York? And if there is not, how should the remainder of America respond?
With such disparity in the views of this article and the above mentioned, can anyone argue that there is clarity from atop the high rises of New York? And if there is not, how should the remainder of America respond?
1
The tensions within the Repiblicsn coalition were always there, below the surface. When William Buckley took his fellow Skull and Bones alums out on his elegant but yar yacht, do you think he ever paused to observe the hoi polloi?
Republican establishmentarians were always suspicious of the raw emotions stirred in the mega-churches---not for them the shouting, the spectacle, or anything with a electric musical instrument. Far better a quiet 40-minute Episcopal service, followed by burgers n' Bloodies on the lawn, next to the boathouse. Bring your lucky shuttlecock, because Poppy has a wicked serve.
These people always snickered behind their fists at the dirty yokels who howled at whatever target their pastors aimed them at. All the while the elites tended their tax laws, sent their businesses abroad, and watched their portfolios expand.
Republican establishmentarians were always suspicious of the raw emotions stirred in the mega-churches---not for them the shouting, the spectacle, or anything with a electric musical instrument. Far better a quiet 40-minute Episcopal service, followed by burgers n' Bloodies on the lawn, next to the boathouse. Bring your lucky shuttlecock, because Poppy has a wicked serve.
These people always snickered behind their fists at the dirty yokels who howled at whatever target their pastors aimed them at. All the while the elites tended their tax laws, sent their businesses abroad, and watched their portfolios expand.
1
Bravo, Mr. Edsall, for your insightful article. It is indeed ironic that upscale Republicans are now talking about downscale Republicans in the same way they have long talked about downscale minorities, suggesting that their economic woes are due to moral failings.
3
Ever since the Republican establishment devised the Southern Strategy to get Nixon elected, various splinter-groups of voters have simply been regarded by that establishment as tools to be used and then set aside between elections. That the GOP is now reaping what it has sown may be a bit ironic, but it's not a surprise.
The logical conclusion for the Donald Trump wing of the Republican Party would be to recognize that the only real path back to inclusion for its members is to follow liberal Democratic candidates.
The roots of America's middle class go back to the New Deal. It's never been clearer that another New Deal is needed for our country and its people.
The logical conclusion for the Donald Trump wing of the Republican Party would be to recognize that the only real path back to inclusion for its members is to follow liberal Democratic candidates.
The roots of America's middle class go back to the New Deal. It's never been clearer that another New Deal is needed for our country and its people.
3
A columnist for a blog recently wrote(regarding these angry white voters):
'This (coverage by the media) has been going on for 50 years.The press has been...putting these same people at the center of our elections as if they are the most important voters in the country who have suffered a tremendous indignity by having to put up with.....immigrants,African Americans and women getting any attention at all'
This caught my attention because I live in rural America and employ a lot of "these people" who are white and come from very dysfunctional families. I have encouraged them to vote even though they do not represent my views. They don't vote...don't even care to vote.They tell me they don't understand the issues.There are only two issues that excite them:their right to own multiple guns and the belief that Obama was going to force them to vaccinate their children.Those that do vote ,consistently vote against there own economic interests.The older among them use Medicaid,and strongly favor Social Security and Medicare.They are not clear that these are government programs.I have set up IRA's for them and fund them 100%. Most of my employees immediately take the money out...pay the penalty and spend it on new tattoos or hair colorings.
Deep down I think that the people in my community feel like victims as they should.But,they have no understanding of the role they played in getting there.They support Trump because he is a media celebrity...this they understand.
'This (coverage by the media) has been going on for 50 years.The press has been...putting these same people at the center of our elections as if they are the most important voters in the country who have suffered a tremendous indignity by having to put up with.....immigrants,African Americans and women getting any attention at all'
This caught my attention because I live in rural America and employ a lot of "these people" who are white and come from very dysfunctional families. I have encouraged them to vote even though they do not represent my views. They don't vote...don't even care to vote.They tell me they don't understand the issues.There are only two issues that excite them:their right to own multiple guns and the belief that Obama was going to force them to vaccinate their children.Those that do vote ,consistently vote against there own economic interests.The older among them use Medicaid,and strongly favor Social Security and Medicare.They are not clear that these are government programs.I have set up IRA's for them and fund them 100%. Most of my employees immediately take the money out...pay the penalty and spend it on new tattoos or hair colorings.
Deep down I think that the people in my community feel like victims as they should.But,they have no understanding of the role they played in getting there.They support Trump because he is a media celebrity...this they understand.
4
Not one of the people dissed by Mr. Williamson reads the National Review.
They will never come to realize the complete contempt that the Party regards them with.
It's a shame.
They really deserve to know that they have been played for decades.
They will never come to realize the complete contempt that the Party regards them with.
It's a shame.
They really deserve to know that they have been played for decades.
5
The Evangelical movement should be added to the mix of what went wrong with the Republican Party. For decades, the litmus test for any Republican candidate has been anti-choice and religious "freedom." Nothing else mattered, particularly at the local and state levels. Economic concerns were secondary and meaningless since Republican candidates successfully took over local school districts, state house, and eventually both the Senate and the House. The culmination of these 40 year Republican strategy has been the election, among others, of Pence in Indiana, Abbott in Texas, Brownback in Kansas, and Walker in Wisconsin. While I detest Donald Trump and what he stands for, I do think that, if nothing else, his candidacy has exposed the sheer hypocrisy and intolerance of the Republican Party.
3
So, many on the hard right are espousing that these disgruntled white voters, who they've courted for years via some rather nasty strategies (read Southern), tighten up their bootstraps ... or else. Right, I got it. How they've managed to fool so many, for so long is mind-boggling. These same voters are now falling prey to the next huckster in line. The worm has turned for the mainstream Republican party.
1
As you point out, since 1980, the white working class has been voting majority Republican, putting the R's in power in Congress and in the white house for most of the next 35 years. What they got in return were policies that ignored their concerns in favor of concern of the rich.
1
Maybe this means something, maybe it doesn't... I post a lot of articles that interest me on Facebook. It's a mixture of things; sports, business, the trivial, just kind of my own little newspaper among a select group of friends. I try to keep things pretty "friendly" with few things that could lead to an argument. I post very few opinions about religion and politics. When I do, I try to make sure it is well-thought out in advance so as to take into account what others might think, especially since the majority of this old liberal's friends and family probably skew conservative.
The one area where I have thrown caution to the wind is in the case of Donald Trump. It seems I can post any article or even my opinion and no one gets offended, no matter the article's tone. In the past, I've been "reprimanded" by my conservative friends for pro-Obama articles, so I know they read what I post. Another anecdotal situation: at my family Easter dinner, again with mostly a GOP group of people, the subject of Trump came up, briefly. There was not one person who spoke favorably of him. All remarks made were negative.
This certainly is not a scientific proof positive of the conservative view of Trump, but it does lead me to wonder just how many conservatives might just sit this election out if Trump ends up the nominee. I know my friends would never vote for Bernie or Hillary, but would they vote for Trump?
I wonder, I really do.
The one area where I have thrown caution to the wind is in the case of Donald Trump. It seems I can post any article or even my opinion and no one gets offended, no matter the article's tone. In the past, I've been "reprimanded" by my conservative friends for pro-Obama articles, so I know they read what I post. Another anecdotal situation: at my family Easter dinner, again with mostly a GOP group of people, the subject of Trump came up, briefly. There was not one person who spoke favorably of him. All remarks made were negative.
This certainly is not a scientific proof positive of the conservative view of Trump, but it does lead me to wonder just how many conservatives might just sit this election out if Trump ends up the nominee. I know my friends would never vote for Bernie or Hillary, but would they vote for Trump?
I wonder, I really do.
1
As a senior citizen, I recently attended the opening of Sander's first New York office in Gawanis, Brooklyn. There were over 1,000 people on a last moment announcement -- the majority of which I would describe as millennials. Having talked to a few of them, it is clear that they are -- even with educations -- also the working poor. Along with having to pay for that expensive education, there are few jobs available. And corporations are using the Federal visa program to bring in non-Americans for cheaper pay even when qualified Americans are available and eager. The bosses in both parties only think about their bottom line and profit. (Note the complaints about Costco paying employees too much at the expense of more profits for shareholders.) The difference between Sanders and Trump is that Bernie actually has options that can work. The millennials are our future and neither party seems to care.
2
Great piece - particularly the ironic observations at the end : white is the new black.
I think the key word was "opportunity". Yet programs for getting America back to work have not featured in the current campaigns except perhaps Bernie but only just.
The Trump supporter has surprised politicians of both parties. Now visible, they should be seen not as an electoral challenge, but rather as a failure which needs to be addressed. They clearly do not live the American Dream, but I think it wrong to see this as a matter of choice, rather the lack of one.
Time for the country to start investing in jobs for its people - since the free market has not, the government must.
And we are waiting for a candidate to explain how ...
I think the key word was "opportunity". Yet programs for getting America back to work have not featured in the current campaigns except perhaps Bernie but only just.
The Trump supporter has surprised politicians of both parties. Now visible, they should be seen not as an electoral challenge, but rather as a failure which needs to be addressed. They clearly do not live the American Dream, but I think it wrong to see this as a matter of choice, rather the lack of one.
Time for the country to start investing in jobs for its people - since the free market has not, the government must.
And we are waiting for a candidate to explain how ...
2
The only thing that's new in Kevin Williamson's contempt for the poor and disadvantaged was that it used to be only for the poor people of color and didn't include white people. Then these same people who had faithfully voted for the candidate selected by conservative elites like those at the National Review, had the temerity to go with Trump. Oh the outrage!
While I don't agree with Trump and would never vote for him, it's easy to see why the disaffected poor white people are fleeing the mainstream candidates selected for them by the Republican Party. They realize they have been sold a bill of goods.
While I don't agree with Trump and would never vote for him, it's easy to see why the disaffected poor white people are fleeing the mainstream candidates selected for them by the Republican Party. They realize they have been sold a bill of goods.
3
Having lived in various parts of the world, I have identified something that in the US is taken for granted and not discussed: Legislated Social Darwinism. In the US the laws are designed to reduce the population of less economically capable individuals and thus improve the country's "stock". A minimal social safety net, the laws governing what kinds of houses can be built where, tax structure, mass incarceration, trade deals, draconian drug laws, expensive private healthcare and education, insurance requirements to drive a car, etc. Taken altogether, this would all be highly unusual in other civilized parts of the planet where the laws attempt to help the helpless. In this context, uneducated, poor, white Trumpians are making their last stand on their way out of a system built implicitly to eradicate them. Even though Trump (personality aside) is actually right about many things.
While no one is making lower class whites self-destruct, GOP policies and propaganda set them up to believe the US is "exceptional' ( except in jobs, crime, education, healthcare, for-profit jails ) and now they are adrift. Nice that Republican have comfortable homes and offices from which to critique their voters. Go to your well-stocked refrigerator for a snack now . . . .
For more than a decade I have been puzzled as to why poor white people would support the Republican agenda, especially considering that the so-called red staters receive the majority of government handouts. It seems to me that these poor white people have at long last figured out that the Republicans have been screwing them over for years.
But why follow Trump? Why not align with the Democrats who seem to promise even more social welfare?
But why follow Trump? Why not align with the Democrats who seem to promise even more social welfare?
1
Kevin Williamson's quote is disgusting. Wealthy people have the same problems that poor people have, they just have the money to clean it up.
1
The alienation of Trump supporters is surely a sign that the Republican Party has lost sway with the working class. But there is another key factor. Listen to the rants of those who support Trump and you hear the same language that they have used for the past eight years in attacking Obama. Obama utterly abandoned these folks and they have been letting us know since 2008. Some have dismissed that to racism. I disagree. It's mostly about their economic and political standing, which is widely known to be deteriorating. That is the fuel behind Trump's popularity. Many of these folks used to be the swing voters who decided elections. They have never been core Republicans. The real story isn't that they feel abandoned by Republican regulars. They feel abandoned by America.
2
I am not the first to realize that this phenomenon is a classic rise of the proletariat: the frustrated working class finally rebelling against what they describe as the elite ruling class.
For years, the Republican strategy was to blow whistles and sic the angry voters against Democrats and moderate Republicans. After many years, though, the voters saw through the charade and turned their vengeance on the people blowing the whistles.
For years, the Republican strategy was to blow whistles and sic the angry voters against Democrats and moderate Republicans. After many years, though, the voters saw through the charade and turned their vengeance on the people blowing the whistles.
2
Only thing new here is a possible wider acknowledgement of some age old truth by poor whites. The basic setup has gone unchanged for centuries.
The question is will those on the right after realizing they've been used for political cannon fodder evolve into aware voters and join with all the poor to create an unstoppable voting block? Probably not, these voters are up for grabs and probably few have what it takes to strike out independent of their families, churches, and peers. But one can hope.
Though the overall takeaway here is that the Republican party is a small rudderless craft caught inexorably in the drain spin of time piloted by the spiritual cowards profiled in this column.
McConnell and Ryan are just as clueless as the poor whites they exploit. The GOP has no plan beyond the Koch plan to continue milking the US economy to the best of its ability no matter what.
Then there is the Democrats power structure so proud of their humanism consisting of the throwing of peanuts to the impoverished and using their future as a bargaining tool to negotiate compromises that sell that future out. The Dems have gained almost nothing for working America in decades. Of course you will say Obama Care ironically named the Affordable Care Act that poor people, even not so poor people cannot afford.
The question is will those on the right after realizing they've been used for political cannon fodder evolve into aware voters and join with all the poor to create an unstoppable voting block? Probably not, these voters are up for grabs and probably few have what it takes to strike out independent of their families, churches, and peers. But one can hope.
Though the overall takeaway here is that the Republican party is a small rudderless craft caught inexorably in the drain spin of time piloted by the spiritual cowards profiled in this column.
McConnell and Ryan are just as clueless as the poor whites they exploit. The GOP has no plan beyond the Koch plan to continue milking the US economy to the best of its ability no matter what.
Then there is the Democrats power structure so proud of their humanism consisting of the throwing of peanuts to the impoverished and using their future as a bargaining tool to negotiate compromises that sell that future out. The Dems have gained almost nothing for working America in decades. Of course you will say Obama Care ironically named the Affordable Care Act that poor people, even not so poor people cannot afford.
The Republican Party sowed the seeds of this discontent by using people like the notorious liar and manipulator Lee Atwater, in use by father Regan and those who followed. Atwater created and publicized "social issues" to pull blue collar Democrats, uneasy with the state of things, away into the Republican orbit.
Well, the people who were deceived for so long have finally woken up and the Republican Party is reaping that which it sowed.
Well, the people who were deceived for so long have finally woken up and the Republican Party is reaping that which it sowed.
1
O.K., now it's time to throw out a bone. Besides economics, there are other factors in our current anger in the election cycle. One of them is religion - and its decline and influence on the populace. Much of the religion we see today - at least in the media - is of the extreme variety, just like the election in many ways. Mainstream religion used to emphasize, for example, "The Golden Rule" and personal responsibility. Don't see much of this in today's world.
There is truth in the perspective that our nation is failing many of us, but also in the point that a lot of people hurt themselves. White people who dropped out of high school made a bad choice. They should take responsibility and fix it by getting that GED and then seek some college education. Those who abuse painkillers, think disability payments are an all-purpose entitlement, neglect their children, and drink or smoke much are acting like idiots. That said, our economy is a shell and those without advanced education do not have much of a place in it. That cannot continue to be our reality. Both parties would be well-advised to re-think the mania for "free trade," the abandonment of antitrust enforcement, the hostility to labor unions, acceptance of decaying schools, and the catastrophic rise in college costs. Democracy cannot work if people lack economic security.
1
"The “new Trump voters,” Howe (Of RedState) writes, "aren’t motivated by what makes the Republican Party the Republican Party. They aren’t in this to limit the size and scope of government. They aren’t coming out to Trump rallies because he’s talking about reducing the debt."
So there we have it: a large class of people, largely left out of the economy now for decades with no relief in sight, don't seem to get the main point of life: limit size and scope of government, reduce the debt.
So sayeth the pundit, living his life in ideology and presuming to understand reality, of which he knows probably nothing.
So there we have it: a large class of people, largely left out of the economy now for decades with no relief in sight, don't seem to get the main point of life: limit size and scope of government, reduce the debt.
So sayeth the pundit, living his life in ideology and presuming to understand reality, of which he knows probably nothing.
3
I've long suspected that the problem of racism in this country is inexorably intertwined with classism and the quotes in this article go a long way toward supporting that theory. When the poor were most all people of color it looked a lot like pure racism, but now that whites are making up increasing numbers of the poor, the classism that it's coupled with is becoming much more apparent and impossible to ignore. It also paints a pretty stark picture of how deeply embedded in the 1% the Republican Party really is.
2
If they can't get rich liberals, and they can't get poor conservatives, who exactly will they get? The Trapp Family Singers?
Buy a U haul…find a job. This is the modern equivalent of musical chairs. Good thing the GOP doesn't believe in global warming from the emissions.
2
"The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die. Economically, they are negative assets. Morally, they are indefensible. Forget all your cheap theatrical Bruce Springsteen crap. Forget your sanctimony about struggling Rust Belt factory towns and your conspiracy theories about the wily Orientals stealing our jobs..."Willaimson
This quote took my breath away.
A self appointed judge in who deserves to live....
And people wonder why there are so many who support Trump.
This quote took my breath away.
A self appointed judge in who deserves to live....
And people wonder why there are so many who support Trump.
2
I live in an under-educated, ultra-Red state that's just decided once again to reject Medicare expansion -- which means continuing to kill at least 120 people a year, all so the rich can hoard more money.
We don't fund education. We positively detest teachers. And unions, of course. And the environment, and women, and immigrants (except all the ones cleaning the hotels and mowing the lawns and tending the fields and undercutting wages in what remains of our construction industry).
But here's the thing. The middle class -- yes all of you reading this with your college degrees and decent-paying jobs -- you've gone along with this for 4 decades. Your votes helped Congress and state governments turn into cesspits of millionaires milking the country for money while castigating everyone earning less as "moochers" and moral failures.
Or I should say, your willingness to stay home instead of doing the work of democracy. Not working to find candidates committed to helping the least powerful, and the worst off.
It's the laziness of the middle class that these columnists, and Sanders, should have the courage to excoriate. Yet even now that, as Niemoller said, "they came for the socialists... then the trade unionists..." and of course, the welfare mothers, and the poor without health care and jobs, even now the intellectuals ALL vie at blaming someone else.
Niemoller was writing to YOU, the educated. YOU are the ones too lazy to make democracy work. And now you cry?
We don't fund education. We positively detest teachers. And unions, of course. And the environment, and women, and immigrants (except all the ones cleaning the hotels and mowing the lawns and tending the fields and undercutting wages in what remains of our construction industry).
But here's the thing. The middle class -- yes all of you reading this with your college degrees and decent-paying jobs -- you've gone along with this for 4 decades. Your votes helped Congress and state governments turn into cesspits of millionaires milking the country for money while castigating everyone earning less as "moochers" and moral failures.
Or I should say, your willingness to stay home instead of doing the work of democracy. Not working to find candidates committed to helping the least powerful, and the worst off.
It's the laziness of the middle class that these columnists, and Sanders, should have the courage to excoriate. Yet even now that, as Niemoller said, "they came for the socialists... then the trade unionists..." and of course, the welfare mothers, and the poor without health care and jobs, even now the intellectuals ALL vie at blaming someone else.
Niemoller was writing to YOU, the educated. YOU are the ones too lazy to make democracy work. And now you cry?
1
“The Democrats were the party of the white working class no longer.”
In 1964, the Democratic coalition of affluent white liberals and disadvantaged minorities left the while middle class out. The accepted thinking was that middle class whites didn't need any help, compared to minorities. in 2016, the Republican coalition of the affluent white conservatives and white evangelical Christians left the white middle class out. The Republican thinking now is apparently that the white middle class doesn't deserve any help, compare to the very affluent white conservatives, who apparently need a lot of help.
So who do you think these voters are more angry with--the Democrats, who would help the minorities and the poor before the white middle class, or the Republicans, who would help the bankers, insurance companies and the affluent white people who run them, before the while middle class (in case the white evangelicals hadn't noticed, the Republicans aren't doing anything for them, either). These people (excepting the Ted Cruz group, of course) may not be affluent, but they are not stupid.
In 1964, the Democratic coalition of affluent white liberals and disadvantaged minorities left the while middle class out. The accepted thinking was that middle class whites didn't need any help, compared to minorities. in 2016, the Republican coalition of the affluent white conservatives and white evangelical Christians left the white middle class out. The Republican thinking now is apparently that the white middle class doesn't deserve any help, compare to the very affluent white conservatives, who apparently need a lot of help.
So who do you think these voters are more angry with--the Democrats, who would help the minorities and the poor before the white middle class, or the Republicans, who would help the bankers, insurance companies and the affluent white people who run them, before the while middle class (in case the white evangelicals hadn't noticed, the Republicans aren't doing anything for them, either). These people (excepting the Ted Cruz group, of course) may not be affluent, but they are not stupid.
1
I think Kevin Williamson's quoted comments are the cruelest take on hardscrabble American communities I've ever seen. He thinks people who act like "stray dogs" should be left to die like stray dogs. It takes no imagination to see where that could lead. In a way, though, it is good to have this "conservative" philosophy clearly articulated and on the table for all to see.
4
I guess it's difficult not to get angry when you realize your already morally twisted party has been taken over by "Apprentice Fans".
Now that we have that down "Who Are the Angriest Democrats" as these disruptors are very obvious.
The truth does eventually come out. So it is with the belittling views of the Republican elites toward their unwashed, the ones they've manipulated endlessly for their own purposes. But smoke and mirrors works only so long. These malleables have found a new love even more adept at film-flamery. If the fate of the country didn't hang in the balance, this sorry spectacle would be a joy to watch.
Many of us are still so much in shock by Trump's successes that we are deluding ourselves about who supports him and how many of them there are. Data shows only those who openly support Trump. I suspect there are just as many who secretly support him, those who don't match the "poor, ignorant white underclass" continually described in these articles. Recently, a founding partner in a prestigious law firm responded with ease and conviction, "Trump" when asked for whom he will vote. Another partner, an equally well-educated and affluent white woman, did not respond (probably based on the gasps his response elicited), perhaps because she, too, supports Trump. Many friends and acquaintances who have either a good education or good income, or both, openly support Trump. So we can continue to chide Trump supporters for their ignorance and how different they are from us, or we can remove our rose-colored glasses and recognize how deep and profound is the dissatisfaction and discontent with the current crop of politicians and the policies they enact.
1
These are the same people who have consistently voted against their own self interests by voting for the small-government, tax-cuts-for-the-rich, benefits-cutting GOP for years. Why have they done so? In large part, because of the racially-informed idea of "those people" (i.e., non-white) living on the same government benefits many of them do (but they deserve them, whereas "those people" do not), and "those people" taking the jobs, "those people" getting more rights than they do, etc. In short, the modern GOP's power was built on race, from Nixon's Southern Strategy to Reagan's welfare queens (and Willy Horton) and, now, Trump. And given Trump's blatant racism, it's no surprise they're sticking with the GOP.
1
Who cares what happens to all those Republicans? They deserve what they get. For years they've supported a party that wanted nothing from them but votes, that pandered to them, that gave them empty promises while ignoring them. Now they are all upset and angry, and Trump is playing them for the suckers they are. They're supporting a billionaire member of the same 1% that ruined their prospects and is responsible for the very policies that lead to their decline in the first place, but they can't see what's right in front of their noses. Let them sulk and let the Republican party break apart. We'll all be better off for it it.
1
The biggest lie being told by both the Republicans and Democrats and whatever Trump and Sanders are is that they are going to bring good paying manufacturing jobs back to the US. That isn't going to happen, those jobs are gone forever either through automation, or yes having things made cheaper elsewhere. There is still economic opportunity out there for those who want it but you may have to actually go to school to learn it. The days of getting out of high school and showing up to the local factory for a job are gone. The good news is that many of trades are still viable and can't be outsourced, there are even manufacturing jobs, but ones that require education in the use of highly specialized machinery.
Trump supporters are living in America of the past. This supposed "great businessman" has failed to recognize the number one rule in business, grow and change with the times or die. Our politicians have been for years asking how we can reverse the tide of globalization and have presented a bevy of isolationist solutions. How about we ask the question of how we can compete? Instead of building a ridiculous wall on the border with Mexico, perhaps do some comprehensive immigration reform and start targeting employers who hire these folks. All of this requires thought, not Tump style tough guy talk.
Trump supporters are living in America of the past. This supposed "great businessman" has failed to recognize the number one rule in business, grow and change with the times or die. Our politicians have been for years asking how we can reverse the tide of globalization and have presented a bevy of isolationist solutions. How about we ask the question of how we can compete? Instead of building a ridiculous wall on the border with Mexico, perhaps do some comprehensive immigration reform and start targeting employers who hire these folks. All of this requires thought, not Tump style tough guy talk.
You do realize that un- and under- employment among college graduates is a growing problem, as well as student loan debt? Somehow I doubt that the dissatisfaction of voters with the establishment of both political parties is only felt by white guys who don't have high school diplomas...
Fascinating reporting. So this is what the supply-side, Ayn Rand-reading, no-government elite conservatives sound like when they turn on their own base. "How dare you "vicious, selfish" people go around having no jobs in parts of the country where there's no jobs! What you need is opportunity, and how do you get opportunity? Why, tax cuts, you rapid-breeding morons! Are you listening!"
It appears the answer is no, they are not listening right now. What a shame the Democrats have also lost the ability to talk to these voters. They should be gobbling these voters up like Wheaties, and replacing the GOP in the statehouses around the country, and the Congress. That is what Sanders would like to do, or so he says. But Democrat elites are telling us to wake up and listen to common sense.
I'm sorry, what was that you said again, Mrs. Clinton?
It appears the answer is no, they are not listening right now. What a shame the Democrats have also lost the ability to talk to these voters. They should be gobbling these voters up like Wheaties, and replacing the GOP in the statehouses around the country, and the Congress. That is what Sanders would like to do, or so he says. But Democrat elites are telling us to wake up and listen to common sense.
I'm sorry, what was that you said again, Mrs. Clinton?
2
For decades, the GOP used wedge issues like race to convince the white working-class to vote against their economic interests. They won't anymore. Go figure.
1
Where are the Democrats in all this? I'm old enough to remember when precisely the demographic described here voted Democratic, because they recognized the Republicans as ... wait for it ... "the party of big business." It's far, far too easy to ascribe the desertion of this demographic to the Republicans as the result of racism, though that certainly played a role. More relevant is the fact that the Democrats deserted [ital.] them, and became the party of Plutocracy Lite, as exemplified in its current front-runner for the pres. nomination. The anger comes from [ital.] both parties having abandoned them, and the belated recognition by the white working class that they've been conned by the party they supported as the Democrats abandoned them. Yes, the Democrats should never embrace racism. But is HRC and her Third Way, middle-of-the-road, neoliberal incrementalism really the best we've got?
4
The Republican base of lower-educated white males is the segment of America most harmed by Republican policies. They just did not know it. Until Trump came along and directed their anger at Mexicans and Muslims, this segment of white males followed the Republican elite directing their anger and resentment at gays, pro-choice and gun-control advocates. To Trump's credit, he has loosed the hold the Republican elites have had on lower-educated white males. When Trump is finally denied the Republican Party nomination, his followers may stop voting against their own interests and return to the Democratic Party.
2
Great article, and a defining analysis of the Republicans self created dilemma.
The Republican model has been broken for a long time, and the Trump phenomenon is a pitchfork vote of protest. Trump just stumbled into the moment, and released the hounds.
Even hate radio doesn't quite know how to handle this; proscribed talking points are bouncing off Trump like a science book shot out of a canon.
The Republican model has been broken for a long time, and the Trump phenomenon is a pitchfork vote of protest. Trump just stumbled into the moment, and released the hounds.
Even hate radio doesn't quite know how to handle this; proscribed talking points are bouncing off Trump like a science book shot out of a canon.
69
When you think about it, the opioid plague is a pretty good metaphor for the Republican plague. The elites started out with prescribing political Oxycontin for every condition (gun "grabbers", homersexuals, licentiousness not attached to a Y chromosome, birth control, free stuff for THOSE people, uzw). Then the donald came along, emulating the Mexican model, and delivering political black tar heroin like pizza, as a cheaper alternative to feed their addictions.
Ironic that Rush Limbaugh would be one of the spokespersons for both delivery models, given his recreational proclivities.
Ironic that Rush Limbaugh would be one of the spokespersons for both delivery models, given his recreational proclivities.
2
Just a question about the photograph accompanying this article: How drunk does one have to be to wake up with a Trump tattoo?
At least he didn't put on his forehead.
At least he didn't put on his forehead.
8
According to the Public Opinion Strategies poll shown in this article's graph of "angry republicans", the cohort is male, High School or less & under $50K.
Isn't this the same cohort that followed der Rattenfänger von Hameln ?
Isn't this the same cohort that followed der Rattenfänger von Hameln ?
It is sad to see the desperation that has led poor whites to fall for shallow, ostentatious, incompetent Trump. Their voices have been forgotten and maligned and they are looking for someone to fight the battle for them. Ironically, the more the media calls Trump a "racist" the more angry and fired up this group becomes. He is no more a racist than anyone else. He is only willing to set firm boundaries and some people object to this. The real problem is that he is super wealthy and disdainful of the poor. The class divide is killing America.
3
In 1980, Reagan collected many votes fro formerly lifelong Democrats by striking the right nerves among white Southern and rural voters. Since then, the Republicans have played the Rush Limbaugh crowd like a violin, rousing white anger about chimerical issues like gun control, public assistance and immigration - all of which are political third rails that at best will only be tweaked, and only by the bravest politicians, of which we have very few at present. They now command many former Democrats in what are now solidly "red states".
But they don't own them outright. Someone who knows how to push their buttons even harder with emotionally charged bloviations, while scrupulously avoiding confusing the crowds with facts or plans, now has taken away a huge chunk of those angry white people from the GOP mainstream.
The odd part is how theatrical all the Republican candidates have been in response. This is a national election for a position of great power, not a reality show where insults and wisecracks are as substantive as it needs to be. I foresee a disaster for our country if we don't snap out of this. No election where the candidates appealed to the worst elements of human nature, particularly ethnic resentments and hatred, ever led to anything good.
But they don't own them outright. Someone who knows how to push their buttons even harder with emotionally charged bloviations, while scrupulously avoiding confusing the crowds with facts or plans, now has taken away a huge chunk of those angry white people from the GOP mainstream.
The odd part is how theatrical all the Republican candidates have been in response. This is a national election for a position of great power, not a reality show where insults and wisecracks are as substantive as it needs to be. I foresee a disaster for our country if we don't snap out of this. No election where the candidates appealed to the worst elements of human nature, particularly ethnic resentments and hatred, ever led to anything good.
4
I'm amazed that the delusions of working people about Reagan survived his mass-firing of the air traffic controllers whose working conditions were mired under stupid Congressional mismanagement.
I am trying to find adequate words of contempt to express what I think of people who thwart everything another person tries to do and then blame him or her for incapacity to do anything. Nothing they allow here comes to mind.
4
Two points. First, a college degree is not what it used to be. College educated people of the 40s, 50s, and 60s, for example, are on the whole more likely to be among the so-called educated elite described in this article. College educated people of the last 30 years are on the whole more likely to include among them many people who formerly would have been happy to join the work force after high school. The two groups are qualitatively different. Second, enough with the false equivalences. Both parties have not ignored the plight of the poor whites. Democrats have supported unions, good wages and working conditions, and health care all my 69 year life. Republicans have pushed the interests of the business elite. It's true that Democrat support for civil rights angered many white workers, especially in the south. Republicans saw that as an opportunity to gain power and exploited racial resentment, just as they arenow expoliting resentment against immigrants. The less educated white class would do a lot better under Democrats than under Trump or the Republicans.
11
This insanity traces back to Buckley, Weaver, Kirk, and the other demigods in the Right's plaster Mount Rushmore. In our own time the GOP lost its way in 1996, when Newt Gingrich’s GOPAC issued “Language: A Key Mechanism of Control” and when Frank Luntz's hot air machine ran full-blast with inductions and catch-phrases to drown out that they weren't actually getting any results. They viewed their own voters as cattle to be herded, not citizens to be cultivated or minds to be developed. They haven’t seen or fixed the problem. In fact they’re embracing it as it damages them further--Luntz and Gingrich are still the go-to propagandists and the likes of Paul Ryan and Reince Priebus still insist that their reasoning is sound, it's just that the people aren't hearing the message.
Conservatism inevitably emerged from forty years of this weaker, angrier, confused and undefined. Trump's not an anomaly. He's their ultimate practitioner. He's showing Republicans how to strip the shame off of ignorance and mendacity and shout it loud and proud. The voters listen to him because he doesn't spin or rationalize or focus-group his lies. He respects them enough to lie right to their faces.
Conservatism inevitably emerged from forty years of this weaker, angrier, confused and undefined. Trump's not an anomaly. He's their ultimate practitioner. He's showing Republicans how to strip the shame off of ignorance and mendacity and shout it loud and proud. The voters listen to him because he doesn't spin or rationalize or focus-group his lies. He respects them enough to lie right to their faces.
5
Many of those dying communities are farming communities, places that provided the labor for family farms.
The family farm has become the corporate farm and their needs included the itinerant farm worker, most likely a latino, so the community is no longer needed and no provisions were made to help these places - Republican thought didn't allow for that - so the GOP says "die" to these people, and "good riddance".
There are a few who claim that they're the injured party here, they aren't christians, just conservatives, so they're bewildered.These people didn't object to the lies and deceit that their party used for decades to divide the country. They went right along with it.
The demise of the Republican Party and the Southern Strategy is a welcome event. The damage these people have done so they could rake in the cash is so great that we may never recover. The confusion and intra-party fights are too long in coming.
The family farm has become the corporate farm and their needs included the itinerant farm worker, most likely a latino, so the community is no longer needed and no provisions were made to help these places - Republican thought didn't allow for that - so the GOP says "die" to these people, and "good riddance".
There are a few who claim that they're the injured party here, they aren't christians, just conservatives, so they're bewildered.These people didn't object to the lies and deceit that their party used for decades to divide the country. They went right along with it.
The demise of the Republican Party and the Southern Strategy is a welcome event. The damage these people have done so they could rake in the cash is so great that we may never recover. The confusion and intra-party fights are too long in coming.
3
Perhaps more average Americans should visit Denmark, Sweden, Canada etc. in order to see that the socialist boogeyman can actually thrive and be reasonably happy. American Exceptionalism has been selling a bag of goodies that quite frankly need overhauling. Not everyone is capable of being a self styled entrepreneur. The land of opportunity doesn't seem to be open to many any longer. Time to get real, time to realize that America is no longer at the epicenter of all the good ideas. Time to figure out the old model is tired, worn out and no longer works in the best interests of the general population. Reagan's myth no longer seems viable for most of us. Too bad some of the poorest souls among us can't seem to clue into that. They keep supporting leaders who quite frankly aren't interested in their plight.....except, maybe to help themseves get elected. Too bad.
8
I am truly appalled that some in the Republican Party are still blaming the victim, even the white folk. No wonder Trump is thriving. The quote from King is so appropriate as the external conditions have changed for many in the United States. The party can no longer blame all the problems on the "other" If the party does not understand this group of people now, I can not imagine what will introduce them to reality except a major electoral loss.
2
The GOP's incessant derision of everything Obama since the beginning of his presidency created this angry misinformed group of fear mongering hateful Trump supporters. Even Cruz's magical thinking bigots have shown the true face of today's Republican Party. The GOP's stranglehold on Oklahoma has created huge budget deficits because of tax cuts its upper income and subsidies to the oil and gas industry. Oklahoma's refusal to set up an ACA exchange has left our neediest citizens out in the cold. And, as if that isn't enough, Oklahoma has instituted a ban on banning fracking making us an earthquake capital of the US. The only good thing tight now about Oklahoma is we only have 7 electors, so we can't damage the nation as a whole much, only make life more difficult for our own states citizens.
3
The republican party, exclusionary and elitist as it has demonstrated to be, has itself to blame, now that it's lower class is rebelling against its upper class (the so-called "privileged establishment"), and supporting an arrogant, ignorant and prejudicial bully that promises a reversal of their fortunes. As empty as he sounds, this demagogue's 'virtue' consists of having unmasked a corrupt electoral system, and a privileged few in Congress, with their hand in corporate pockets, and lobbyists and lawyers exploiting the status quo and become rich in the process. Given this sad state of affairs for so many in the dumps (some, but not all, of their own making), abandoned by the G.O.P. elite except for demanding allegiance in their vote, is it any wonder the assault to any reasoned approach, the raw demand of an emotional crowd for justice? Or republican home-made Trump's upheaval, by way of fueling fear and anger. to seal the deal?
The types of jobs that have disappeared for the white working class were the ones that kept them in a livable wage and happy.
But in recent years, corporations have been downsizing, replacing humans with robots or moving the jobs overseas (manufacturing and service) and Republicans have been in the forefront in supporting this change.
In addition they have been against unions where the employee was able to have some power and continued employment without going bankrupt.
Again Republicans (as in the case of Wisconsin's governor) have been against unions and have sought to dismantle them if possible. And Wisconsin is not the only state.
So where do these citizens turn to?
Republicans want to reduce taxes for the rich; don't support healthcare for the uninsured or uninsurable; are against any types of increases in minimum wages; seem disinclined to hold any CEO's responsible for the financial collapse; are never anxious to assist the unemployed or laid off worker with any type of temporary assistance and in short if the disenfranchised citizen is not related to them, they won't lift a finger to help.
It's no wonder, they are angry.
Say what you want about Democrats, but they usually supports programs that lift all citizens alike and not just focus on the wealthy.
The shame about what is going on now is that these disillusioned people think Trump is the answer and they could not be so wrong. Think, the Emperor's New Clothes, and perhaps you'll see.
But in recent years, corporations have been downsizing, replacing humans with robots or moving the jobs overseas (manufacturing and service) and Republicans have been in the forefront in supporting this change.
In addition they have been against unions where the employee was able to have some power and continued employment without going bankrupt.
Again Republicans (as in the case of Wisconsin's governor) have been against unions and have sought to dismantle them if possible. And Wisconsin is not the only state.
So where do these citizens turn to?
Republicans want to reduce taxes for the rich; don't support healthcare for the uninsured or uninsurable; are against any types of increases in minimum wages; seem disinclined to hold any CEO's responsible for the financial collapse; are never anxious to assist the unemployed or laid off worker with any type of temporary assistance and in short if the disenfranchised citizen is not related to them, they won't lift a finger to help.
It's no wonder, they are angry.
Say what you want about Democrats, but they usually supports programs that lift all citizens alike and not just focus on the wealthy.
The shame about what is going on now is that these disillusioned people think Trump is the answer and they could not be so wrong. Think, the Emperor's New Clothes, and perhaps you'll see.
5
Wow. What a really great analysis. A number of years ago, Thomas Frank, in the title of his book, asked "What's the Matter with Kansas?" That question is being answered by the Trump phenomenon.
2
Concerning ISIS members, Friedman writes today: "Or, they were more impoverished Sunnis who saw joining ISIS as a way of gaining power over wealthier, upper-class Sunnis."
Wow - that's us. Edsall's details fit with that particular picture.
The GOP as Sunnis, with their own flavor of Wahhabi extremists, and Trump as their ISIS offshoot. A battle for the Middle West rather than the Middle East...
Wow - that's us. Edsall's details fit with that particular picture.
The GOP as Sunnis, with their own flavor of Wahhabi extremists, and Trump as their ISIS offshoot. A battle for the Middle West rather than the Middle East...
3
A Republican operative and longtime acquaintance of mine has repeatedly said over the years, “There is room in our tent for a lot of different people.” So now the mega-rich, through their spend-with-no-limits fear-mongering to a group of disenfranchised Americans, are startled?! Can’t control them, ha? Well, let me tell you, there are a lot more of THEM then there are of you. Best I know -acknowledging these “rules are for everybody else” super richies' ongoing attempts to suppress and control voter turnout in every way possible- it’s still ONE vote per person…..regardless whether that person is young or old, white or black, catholic or muslim, first generation or fifth generation, rich or poor. Think on these things ye super control freaks with your super endowed foundations and super packs. You’re really not super after all. November is a-comin’ and the masses will be marching to the polls.
3
Nothing new to see here, the Republican elite has always had very little interest in people who actually do the work of running and defending our country, Even support for "First Responders" and Law enforcement is only in the interest of shifting problems to some other peoples back yard.
Locally there has been a tremendous struggle to create a rural ambulance service. They seem to think that the cities should just provide this free to their exurban, free of city taxes exurban residences. They voted down additional taxes for the service.
Locally there has been a tremendous struggle to create a rural ambulance service. They seem to think that the cities should just provide this free to their exurban, free of city taxes exurban residences. They voted down additional taxes for the service.
3
""First Responders" and Law enforcement"
"First Responders" and "LEOs" are only people to shuffle some of teachers' benefits toward to show they don't hate all public servants.
"First Responders" and "LEOs" are only people to shuffle some of teachers' benefits toward to show they don't hate all public servants.
Yes, all the non-history, non-civics, non-understanding of the world, non-understanding of much of anything, or more simply put, all those Americans that vote against their self interests.
1
Is "the Democratic Party in power"? I hadn't noticed.
1
There is, as you point out, a logic to what is going on in the Republican party this election cycle. Trump shares characteristics with both Mitt Romney and George Wallace. The considerable internal stresses produced to hold together such an unnatural coalition have heretofore been held in check by party discipline and electoral successes.
Trump's open appeal to class as well as racial resentments seems to have also breached the doors to the smoke-filled rooms. Williamson, Howe and Beck, etc. call to mind Stanley Kubrick's HAL 9000 whose honesty increases as his internal logic is systematically dismantled.
As the number of have-nots continues to grow, the appeal of a Trump will likely grow and stabilize. It is perfectly logical that the weakest and poorest party constituencies will join the ranks of the scapegoated. As we can see from recent polling delays and i.d. laws, voter suppression is a key Republican strategy. One of the last remaining in the tool box. Maybe it will be on the many five-hour voter waiting lines that the revolution will take shape.
Trump's open appeal to class as well as racial resentments seems to have also breached the doors to the smoke-filled rooms. Williamson, Howe and Beck, etc. call to mind Stanley Kubrick's HAL 9000 whose honesty increases as his internal logic is systematically dismantled.
As the number of have-nots continues to grow, the appeal of a Trump will likely grow and stabilize. It is perfectly logical that the weakest and poorest party constituencies will join the ranks of the scapegoated. As we can see from recent polling delays and i.d. laws, voter suppression is a key Republican strategy. One of the last remaining in the tool box. Maybe it will be on the many five-hour voter waiting lines that the revolution will take shape.
3
There seems to be almost perfect agreement in this article and the comments I read on how the Republican Party conned lower middle class, white, voters. Bigotry was the hook; Reaganomics was the sting. These people, who are now showing up as Trump voters, have been abused badly by the Party that got their votes. The problem is how to get them to stop voting for even more outrageous Republicans and go back to voting for Democrats who would at least try to alleviate their economic plight. They've gotten nothing from the Republican Party, but they keep voting for them because Republicans continue to validate their bigotry. What we need I fear is a prophet, in the biblical sense of the term, who will call these voters out to confess their sins, repent, and start on a new path. The punishment they have received since 1980 is their righteous due, and somebody needs to have the nerve to tell them.
5
Two groups are keeping the Republican Party alive and you know them by their bumper stickers-" I'm the NRA and I vote and "I am Pro-Life and I vote" All else is immaterial to these simple minded folk who are depended on to keep voting for those dim bulbs in Republican dominated legislatures.
1
Upperclass Republicans have been hoodwinking uneducated racists for decades, promising them whatever it takes to get elected, and then playing a shell game with their expectations. Now the rubes know they've been used.
And if they elect Trump, they'll get used some more, and get insulted and mocked if they don't like it.
Someday, the Morlocks are going to collect. And since one of the ways they've been pandered to is via their love of guns, I imagine it is likely to get very ugly indeed.
And if they elect Trump, they'll get used some more, and get insulted and mocked if they don't like it.
Someday, the Morlocks are going to collect. And since one of the ways they've been pandered to is via their love of guns, I imagine it is likely to get very ugly indeed.
3
I am stunned when Republicans put down people on disability and welfare, claiming they are people of color in blue states. In actual fact, the majority of welfare recipients in the USA are poor, white and uneducated -- living in red states. They have been voting Republican in the south, only to find out their elected officials are actually working AGAINST them. I wondered how long it would take for them to figure it out. They have. And now they are voting for Trump.
7
Wow, if you are too old, too sick or too young to move then the republicans just want to disown you. But one thing they forget, I can still vote.
8
One of the many signs that we have lost our way as a country is the implicit assumption that whoever seems angriest should get what they want. We know not to reward a toddler's temper tantrum. We need to use the same approach with angry voters and politicians.
2
Oil is no help to broken bearings.
Part of the problem is the definition of the white working class....
What they really mean is white factory workers or laborers. The majority of whites are working...usually in office jobs and in jobs that may require a degree. Many of these working class whites come from blue-collar families but are no longer blue-collar.
What they really mean is white factory workers or laborers. The majority of whites are working...usually in office jobs and in jobs that may require a degree. Many of these working class whites come from blue-collar families but are no longer blue-collar.
2
The Republican establishment calling liberals "elitists" is like Ted Nugent calling President Obama a lowlife (which he has done). Are they really in that much denial?
www.newyorkgritty.net
www.newyorkgritty.net
2
The two leading GOP candidates basic appeal is to disaffected groups of voters. One wants them to blame their economic problems on non-whites. The other wants them to blame their problems on those who don't follow the same Christian dogma as they do. In other words, the party of personal responsibility has abandoned that completely and is now based on the mantra - it's not your fault, it's those people.
1
It is a fascinating look at an internal conflict in which it does appear the Republican elites believe themselves better off with Democrats in control of the White House. Maybe that is solely because those elites have decided they don't need the White House, as long as they have the House and enough influence in the Senate. It has certainly worked well for the Republican elites since the last Republican in the White House crashed the economy.
3
There is another shade of voter who would vote for Trump if he was on the ballot in November. I can't believe that there aren't many Reagan Democrats, like myself, who are educated, comfortably retired, and thoroughly disgusted with a do-nothing but obstruct everything federal government. If a strong Trump showing, or a slight victory, will help bust up the dam that is Congress I am ready, as are countless others, to hold my nose and vote for Trump.
2
Oh dear Lord, am looking at the photo that accompanies this report, and I do hope that the white-bready tattoo of Donald Trump's empty face, inked into the bicep (is that a bicep? deltoid? tricep?) of a proud young Trump supporter, is not permanent. Please, let it be washable-offable.
Where is his mother? Where is his girlfriend? Do they know?
In time this young man will grow up. Perhaps. I'm trying to imagine whether that image could be revised, with needles and ink, to portray ... Henry James? Zora Neale Hurston? Hillary Clinton? Abraham Lincoln?
Where is his mother? Where is his girlfriend? Do they know?
In time this young man will grow up. Perhaps. I'm trying to imagine whether that image could be revised, with needles and ink, to portray ... Henry James? Zora Neale Hurston? Hillary Clinton? Abraham Lincoln?
The stencil is probably another campaign doo-dad for sale, printed in Mexico.
That would actually make me feel a lot better. I hate to think of a lot of guys, in a tattoo parlor, in Ohio (a swing state), discussing how best to print Trump's mug onto their arms or legs. But, of course, I am maternally opposed to tattoos of all kinds. Do you really think it's a stencil? Will a couple of long baths erase it? (As a teen, I briefly dyed my hair red ... then stepped into the shower.) I hope you're right.
There are some of us who have been well aware of the growing rage of white, less-educated, less sophisticated voters, but to the extent they've been ignored, I think it was out of a desire to be polite, the way you'd ignore someone who passed gas at a dinner party. I don't think that Trump voters are going to be any happier if they stop being ignored - part of their rage is from being told that so much of what they think, feel, or say is inaccurate, inappropriate, illogical or irrational. Another part of their rage is being told these things by people they would prefer to look down on - the better educated, women, gays, blacks, Hispanics.
Bottom line - this isn't going to get any better until Trump voters become more upset about BEING inaccurate, inappropriate, illogical or irrational than they are about BEING TOLD they're inaccurate, inappropriate, illogical or irrational.
Bottom line - this isn't going to get any better until Trump voters become more upset about BEING inaccurate, inappropriate, illogical or irrational than they are about BEING TOLD they're inaccurate, inappropriate, illogical or irrational.
1
A story by Flannery O'Connor comes to mind, "The Displaced Person." In this story, a family of poor white tenant farmers in the South are filled with righteous indignation when a family of displaced Polish immigrants move to the farm adjacent to theirs and gain the favor of the landlord. Never mind that the Poles are hard working, clean living folks; and the American family is lazy and slovenly. The American family feels it has certain privileges, by dint of being American. Anyway, the story is by Flannery O'Connor, so the result is dark and tragic. I recommend it. (I hope I remembered it accurately.)
2
Tired of self serving corrupt politicians like Paul Ryan and the GOP elite. They sell America out to Super Pacs and Special Interests. If we continue down the path of having a government sold to the highest bidder God help us all. I will not vote for anyone who takes money from special interests....
4
Mr Edsall demonstrates once again why he is the single best writer for any major news media organization in the country.
1
i am vey sympathetic to the plight of the working class Black or White. They have paid an awful price the last 40 years. I wish the White working class had chosen a better champion than Trump. They would be far better off voting for Bernie Sanders. If only they would listen to what he was saying. His call for economic justice would resonate.
2
Perhaps what the country needs is a new myth to replace the American Dream: no matter how honest and hard working you (yes, even you, Kevin Williamson) may be, you're always at risk of falling into an underclass. Maybe then the political mania for cutting taxes and further empowering money will be replaced by some sane social and fiscal policies.
8
Or you know, it could just be as simple as voters wanting Trump and the media and establishment who do not. Seems like there is an over analysis on the subject. In turn, the voters hate Hillary, but she has the full support of the media and the establishment.
I read an article yesterday, which is probably soon to gain more traction about Hillary's ties to Loretta Lynch's previous employer/law firm. They represented the Clinton's and now Lynch is the decider on Hillary's possible federal crime concerning emails and the email server. It's a corrupt system, no doubt.
Recently, I was at a business seminar and some crazy middle aged White lady blurted out something about a Trump rally and most people seemed to want to shove their foot down her throat. You'll be surprised how many people are for Trump I think, but are not yet ready to say so. Hillary can keep her mismatched clothes wearing crazy +50 feminist crowd. Their dwindling relevance in today's society holds no value. They can't even grandma well anymore..
I read an article yesterday, which is probably soon to gain more traction about Hillary's ties to Loretta Lynch's previous employer/law firm. They represented the Clinton's and now Lynch is the decider on Hillary's possible federal crime concerning emails and the email server. It's a corrupt system, no doubt.
Recently, I was at a business seminar and some crazy middle aged White lady blurted out something about a Trump rally and most people seemed to want to shove their foot down her throat. You'll be surprised how many people are for Trump I think, but are not yet ready to say so. Hillary can keep her mismatched clothes wearing crazy +50 feminist crowd. Their dwindling relevance in today's society holds no value. They can't even grandma well anymore..
4
Gorgeous piece of writing, the truth, in times of confusion, is always thrilling.
Ironically of course no angry white republican reading this would recognize themselves. Even more ironic, these folks hiding out in their psychological caves are one or two election cycles away from supporting a populist that might win, ie a Democrat.
Ironically of course no angry white republican reading this would recognize themselves. Even more ironic, these folks hiding out in their psychological caves are one or two election cycles away from supporting a populist that might win, ie a Democrat.
3
The town I'm from, a former rural farming town now gone upscale, has a median household income of $85,791. In the primary they voted overwhelmingly for Trump who received far more votes than Sanders/Clinton combined. Obama lost both elections by extreme margins. Elizabeth Warren suffered a similar loss. We have a large population of professional well-educated people and one of the best performing public school systems in the state. They support Trump because, in their uninformed ignorance, they believe all of the bombast. They drive their expensive SUV's, take their yearly cruises, live in their 400K, 3,000 square foot houses, yet still believe that they are among the downtrodden. They fear illegals taking their jobs in a town that is 99% white, they fear ISIS attacks even though we have no industry or anything of value that ISIS WOULD attack. They believe Obama is anti-Christ and is coming for their guns, ie freedom, any day now. We have a strong Catholic population so they support any "R" on the ticket since they are so opposed to gay marriage and reproductive choice, even if the candidate is admittedly pro-choice like Scott Brown. We are as small minded small town America as one can get except for our affluence. The indoctrination is complete. While there is no evidence to be fearful of ISIS, of gays undermining their marriages, of illegals taking their professional jobs or any other fallacy that Trump, hate radio and the R's foment everyday, they are true believers!!
15
You broke it, you own it. You might not like the hoi polloi of your party, but they're yours - you harnassed their xenophobic, racist bigotry to suit your needs, but now that they're demanding their share of the loot enjoyed by your 1% masters, you denigrate them. Like it or not, you're in bed with them - now go to sleep.
11
How would this analysis change if Edsall simply talked about "the working class," rather than "the white working class." Aren't black and Hispanic working-class men and women enduring the same frustrations Edsall describes? How are they responding to Trump's appeal? And is the Democratic Party representing their (the working class's) interests any better?
8
The angriest Repulicans could get immediate help if they would realize the problem is the Republican congress. No to infrastructure, no to tax increases, no to education assistance, no to healthcare, no to well about everything that could help them. It's time for these folks to wake up. Trump is not their savior. Unless there is a groundswell to throw out these arrogant non caring oafs we call senators and congressmen no help will be coming.
21
The Republicans have convinced these folks that government just burns money to explain why it all disappears into their pockets.
It looks like another Republican autopsy is underway, but with an odd sorting out of so-called Christians, many of whom are now Trump supporters.
Trump does seem like the remake of a vintage monster movie to me, but no longer Frankenstein. Now he seems more like Godzilla perched on top of the Trump Tower with a cheesecake woman in his hand while he pounds his chest and roars before his inevitable fall.
Godzilla is primitivism vs. urban modernism, but Trumpzilla has pulled together all the fears that Republicans have deliberately stoked for years, especially during the presidency of Pres. Obama - racism, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, etc. So the "conservatives" are splitting off and ranting, while insulting their base.
Popcorn time!
Trump does seem like the remake of a vintage monster movie to me, but no longer Frankenstein. Now he seems more like Godzilla perched on top of the Trump Tower with a cheesecake woman in his hand while he pounds his chest and roars before his inevitable fall.
Godzilla is primitivism vs. urban modernism, but Trumpzilla has pulled together all the fears that Republicans have deliberately stoked for years, especially during the presidency of Pres. Obama - racism, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, etc. So the "conservatives" are splitting off and ranting, while insulting their base.
Popcorn time!
3
You can add interior Maine, where they've elected a dense governor who refers to a public health crisis as the "Ziki fly," to the angry white trash list.
9
Maybe "white trash" is not a good choice of words. Using this kind of terminology to describe fellow humans is part of this whole problem.
1
Perhaps "people mired in a cycle of hereditary poverty" would be more politically-correct.
So it took a braggart real-estate developer to get American elites of both parties to finally talk about class?
For all its ugliness, it must be said that the current conversation is at least an advance over the usual vacuous campaign palaver.
For all its ugliness, it must be said that the current conversation is at least an advance over the usual vacuous campaign palaver.
7
Is it possible to infer from this essay that Ms. Clinton may face significant hurdles if she is the Democratic nominee because Sanders appears also to be carrying the votes of working class whites whereas she is not trusted by them?
4
The GOP continues to reel from the negative impacts of having gotten in bed with white southern racists and evangelicals in order to win elections. Their party created the anti-government hatred that permeates our society and makes such unbridled anger possible.
3
ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO PRINT
All the news that's fit to print
All Trump is fit to pillory.
All the Trump that fits will print
No room for the crimes of Hillary.
Will the Trump profusion be Hill's elixir?
Or will the FBI finally nix her?
The Times spins like a Cuisinart mixer
It's just another Clinton fixer.
No stories about FBI "interviews"
Of Huma, Cheryl, Hillary et al.
Comey's perjury trap is not the news
Fit to print by the Clinton Cabal.
2
I've long joked that Republicans appear to simply hate people, as in great swathes of people. I guess I wasn't too far off.
4
Its easy to criticize any group of Republican voters....they are haters trying to hold onto whatever they think they have and whomever will pander to them by calling Democrats names....will do well enough. I guess this specific group of voters has finally figured out that the evangelical ministers, foreign policy hawks and top 1%ers have only been interested in their votes, not their issues for many, many election cycles and in my opinion, Trump restores the traditional American populist candidate. Republican pundits and leaders were happy to have their votes as long as they could be had by just hating Hilary or Kerry or Obama....but now that a magnetic guy like Trump has shown up, they are going to have to actually address their issues as Trump says he will...and the Republicans are unwilling to do that.
On a separate note, Glenn Beck deciding who is a Christian and who is not is comical....does he think before he speaks?
On a separate note, Glenn Beck deciding who is a Christian and who is not is comical....does he think before he speaks?
1
Mr. Edsall's piece is a powerful consciousness-raiser. If you were to delete the words "white," "Trump," "Bruce Springsteen" and "Rust Belt factory towns"and replace with "black," "Clinton," "rap" and "inner cities" in the excerpts from Kevin Williamson you could have an article that might be published in "The Daily Stormer" rather than a respectable conservative source (National Review).
Mr. Edsall's quote from Dr. King captures the irony and the tragedy of our current situation.
Mr. Edsall's quote from Dr. King captures the irony and the tragedy of our current situation.
Obesity is way too high in America and much of this is due to foods that have poisoned the population. The total body load of chemicals and pesticides from GMO corn to arsenic in chicken is poisoning all of us.
During the civil war the average weight of solders was 140 pounds. Take a hard look at our population now next time you are in a crowd.
This is what the FDA has done to Americans and we wonder why they are angry.
ps, Building and filling 5 times the number of prisons we had in 1970 did not help either.
During the civil war the average weight of solders was 140 pounds. Take a hard look at our population now next time you are in a crowd.
This is what the FDA has done to Americans and we wonder why they are angry.
ps, Building and filling 5 times the number of prisons we had in 1970 did not help either.
3
Juuuuuust wait a second there, Mr. Edsall. Please tell me why you choose to write about "Angry Republicans"? Is that all you see out there?
Have you not listened to Bernie Sanders lately--or at any point in his 30 year career--railing about Wall Street, Oligarchs, Plutocrats, the One Percent or the Koch Brothers? Specifically, have you ever heard him talk positively--about anything? He is one non-stop diatribe about America. In fact, he is the quintessential Angry Old Hippy--mad at the very country that has treated him so well.
And how about Hillary--railing against Wall Street, and the Republicans--in her Monotone Yell? Nope--nothing positive there either--and not a single hopeful solution to our nation's problems.
And what about all those angry Republican protestors? Wait...I correct myself--they're all angry left-wingers--the ones who scream--in an attempt to interrupt Trump rallies--the ones who block major highways to keep people from hearing his message--the ones in Chicago who managed to cancel a rally--because their demeanor and tactics threatened to turn violent?
All well and good to talk about "Republican Anger", sir--but peek under the sides of your own tent first. You had a choice, Mr. Edsall--to write about Republican anger, Democrat anger--or all of the anger in America. You choses just one side. It's a disappointing thing about the NY Times--it can no longer even feign balanced commentary. Sad. Just sad.
Have you not listened to Bernie Sanders lately--or at any point in his 30 year career--railing about Wall Street, Oligarchs, Plutocrats, the One Percent or the Koch Brothers? Specifically, have you ever heard him talk positively--about anything? He is one non-stop diatribe about America. In fact, he is the quintessential Angry Old Hippy--mad at the very country that has treated him so well.
And how about Hillary--railing against Wall Street, and the Republicans--in her Monotone Yell? Nope--nothing positive there either--and not a single hopeful solution to our nation's problems.
And what about all those angry Republican protestors? Wait...I correct myself--they're all angry left-wingers--the ones who scream--in an attempt to interrupt Trump rallies--the ones who block major highways to keep people from hearing his message--the ones in Chicago who managed to cancel a rally--because their demeanor and tactics threatened to turn violent?
All well and good to talk about "Republican Anger", sir--but peek under the sides of your own tent first. You had a choice, Mr. Edsall--to write about Republican anger, Democrat anger--or all of the anger in America. You choses just one side. It's a disappointing thing about the NY Times--it can no longer even feign balanced commentary. Sad. Just sad.
2
The idea that Bernie or Hillary or their supporters are "angry" they way Republicans are is pretty ridiculous, claiming they are as angry as the Trumpers are is idiotic
"The white American underclass is in thrall to a vicious, selfish culture whose main products are misery and used heroin needles."
And what is the hoarding culture of the .01%, who buy the political system in order to further rig it for themselves, if not vicious and selfish? What is their main product, if not misery for those they have exploited? At least the mill owners of the 19th century salved their consciences by building villages and schools, even as they exploited their workers.
Buying into the Calvinist belief that if you are rich it's because God loves you, and if you're in the gutter, that's where God wants you to be makes it so much easier to look at themselves in the mirror. "He who dies with the most toys, wins", was a bumper sticker in the '80s. That was the real genesis of this whole orgy of avarice, in my opinion.
Every young man wanted to get an MBA so he could go to Wall St. and make a killing (a phrase that is very telling.)
And what is the hoarding culture of the .01%, who buy the political system in order to further rig it for themselves, if not vicious and selfish? What is their main product, if not misery for those they have exploited? At least the mill owners of the 19th century salved their consciences by building villages and schools, even as they exploited their workers.
Buying into the Calvinist belief that if you are rich it's because God loves you, and if you're in the gutter, that's where God wants you to be makes it so much easier to look at themselves in the mirror. "He who dies with the most toys, wins", was a bumper sticker in the '80s. That was the real genesis of this whole orgy of avarice, in my opinion.
Every young man wanted to get an MBA so he could go to Wall St. and make a killing (a phrase that is very telling.)
5
The National Review can insult the Republican base all it wants, and it won't make a difference: those people never read anything but comic books and Drudge. But can we get Mr. Williamson a nightly show on Fox?
3
Edsall's analysis is good, as usual. It's clear from Thomas Frank's recent book that the Democratic liberal establishment has rejected this demographic, and one reads daily vituperation of it in this paper, and now the Republicans have rejected them as well. However, the viciousness of the invective that the Republican Brahmans are using against them exceeds anything I've seen in the Times (at least since Frank Rich left). For both the right and the left, it seems to be matter of class.
2
Since the civil rights movement the GOP has told the white working class that if they vote Republican then their lives would be better, because the real problem in America was “the other”: blacks, the peace movement, abortion rights, gays, environmentalists, foreign terrorists, or immigrants. An entire irrational “belief system” was designed around protecting the white class from “the other”.
In return, Republicans made promised that the white working class get “shared prosperity” through fictitious economic plan called “trickle-down” economics through foreign trade deals and tax cuts.
All the while the true problem was not "the other" but the core GOP philosophy of putting the rich and the corporations ahead of the people and, predictably, the rich and corporations made sure nothing “trickled down” to the working class…money simply remained in the pockets of the rich and corporations and they got the tax cuts. The American people were rewarded with the Great Recession.
Nothing will change for the white working class because their elected Tea Party representatives continue to have them believe that the advancement of “the other” must be stopped despite the fact those “beliefs” are against their direct economic interests.
"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you." -Lyndon B. Johnson
In return, Republicans made promised that the white working class get “shared prosperity” through fictitious economic plan called “trickle-down” economics through foreign trade deals and tax cuts.
All the while the true problem was not "the other" but the core GOP philosophy of putting the rich and the corporations ahead of the people and, predictably, the rich and corporations made sure nothing “trickled down” to the working class…money simply remained in the pockets of the rich and corporations and they got the tax cuts. The American people were rewarded with the Great Recession.
Nothing will change for the white working class because their elected Tea Party representatives continue to have them believe that the advancement of “the other” must be stopped despite the fact those “beliefs” are against their direct economic interests.
"If you can convince the lowest white man he's better than the best colored man, he won't notice you're picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he'll empty his pockets for you." -Lyndon B. Johnson
6
while the focus of this piece are white men, clearly you could add blacks as well but that would b racist.
In fact the real truth is, as the current trajectory of the System continues, you will be able to add everyone - men, women , children to the list regardless of color below the top 10% of the population. So 30 million are keepers and the rest blue or white collar can be off shored with "ease".
All the rules necessary to eliminate those of every description are almost in place.
Those smug white people who believe they cant be touched are smoking something - The Clintons eliminated 10 million jobs in their last tenure when Ross Perot told everyone just before they were elected 25 years ago the great " sucking sound" would hit "everyone" sooner or later.
People are amazingly myopic and arrogant.
In fact the real truth is, as the current trajectory of the System continues, you will be able to add everyone - men, women , children to the list regardless of color below the top 10% of the population. So 30 million are keepers and the rest blue or white collar can be off shored with "ease".
All the rules necessary to eliminate those of every description are almost in place.
Those smug white people who believe they cant be touched are smoking something - The Clintons eliminated 10 million jobs in their last tenure when Ross Perot told everyone just before they were elected 25 years ago the great " sucking sound" would hit "everyone" sooner or later.
People are amazingly myopic and arrogant.
5
Upper class or comfortably middle class whites tend not to realize that they are usually one well-paying job (or illness) away from being a working class or poor white - something that working class whites instinctive know by dint of their working class identity.
A good analysis of this angry, spiteful- yes and often justified- surging demographic that has taken the microphone and the spotlight away from the Republican/Corporate main office.
So many- rightly sick of the same old dumb political show- disgusted by the oh so politically correct and meaningless appeals to prejudice and ignorance have for the moment, put aside the pill and bottle and are enjoying a new sense of entitlement and power, courtesy of Donald Trump.
Like it or not, the cat is out of the bag and there is no litter-box.
So many- rightly sick of the same old dumb political show- disgusted by the oh so politically correct and meaningless appeals to prejudice and ignorance have for the moment, put aside the pill and bottle and are enjoying a new sense of entitlement and power, courtesy of Donald Trump.
Like it or not, the cat is out of the bag and there is no litter-box.
"On March 14, 1968, less than a month before he was assassinated, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech, “The Other America,” in which he contrasted white America with black America." Mr. Edsall, you seem to have misread or misinterpreted Dr. King's speech and purposes. The speech was not making a point about the two races, but rather about class in America. It was given just before the garbagemen's strike in Memphis and it's well known that he was enlarging the sphere of his concerns to a more inclusive one of social justice for everyone. That's one more reason his death was/is tragic. He was rising to become our Nelson Mandella.
Today, while Trump marshals the anger of those disadvantaged and Hillary stokes their fear, Bernie Sanders offers them hope.
Today, while Trump marshals the anger of those disadvantaged and Hillary stokes their fear, Bernie Sanders offers them hope.
6
This is an excellent article, and highlights something that I have often thought and mentioned before: that the Republican party is full of contradictions, and is unlikely to remain unified in the long run.
Real Christians (or people of any main religion), those who follow the kindness, mercy and love for others, must have a hard time standing by those who use their faith as a shield behind which they spout only hatred, in forms of racism, xenophobia, etc.
Likewise, true libertarians would be horrified at the Patriot act, the needless wars, or the idea that a government can dictate what to do with your own body or whom you can marry.
Fiscal conservatives must cringe deep inside every time they read the costs of the Iraq war and the consequences that have stemmed from that mistake.
How can you join the Christians and the racists, the libertarians and the authoritarians, the fiscal conservatives and the foreign policy hawks under one banner? The party needs to break up, and soon.
With hundreds of millions of people in the US, how long can you pretend that a two party system can adequately address the needs of the majority of the population?
Real Christians (or people of any main religion), those who follow the kindness, mercy and love for others, must have a hard time standing by those who use their faith as a shield behind which they spout only hatred, in forms of racism, xenophobia, etc.
Likewise, true libertarians would be horrified at the Patriot act, the needless wars, or the idea that a government can dictate what to do with your own body or whom you can marry.
Fiscal conservatives must cringe deep inside every time they read the costs of the Iraq war and the consequences that have stemmed from that mistake.
How can you join the Christians and the racists, the libertarians and the authoritarians, the fiscal conservatives and the foreign policy hawks under one banner? The party needs to break up, and soon.
With hundreds of millions of people in the US, how long can you pretend that a two party system can adequately address the needs of the majority of the population?
11
Ah, the poor again. The poor and the stupid ... er, uneducated, angry folk who follow Trump. These poor are so dumb that they actually bought into the "American Dream". They probably also bought into the notion that if you work really, really hard, you can do anything, rise above, be a success in life, and blah-de-blah. How dumb as that?
It's their own fault that they now live in ramshackle trailer houses, down a lot of cheap beer and oxycontin, listen to right-wing talk radio and "whelp" as many brats as fast as possible. It couldn't possibly be the fault of the stacked-deck system. Couldn't possibly be the fault of a cruel capitalistism that puts health care, education, even decent food out of reach for them. And a great number of their not- quite-white fellow citizens, by the way.
What's really their fault is buying into such an obvious fraud and faker as Trump. Trump, a billionaire, for pity's sake, who takes advantage of these people, reinforces the stereotype: the Harleys, muscle-bound, teeth-missing, hayseeds who live in unsavory parts of the country, and aren't gonna take it anymore. The same awful notions about these people articulated by the Williamson comments here.
I have no love for them, and fear they might actually get Trump elected and destroy our country. But try as I might, I don't think I could be as unfeeling as Williamson and fail to sympathize just a little. Because lefties have always been angry with the republican establishment.
It's their own fault that they now live in ramshackle trailer houses, down a lot of cheap beer and oxycontin, listen to right-wing talk radio and "whelp" as many brats as fast as possible. It couldn't possibly be the fault of the stacked-deck system. Couldn't possibly be the fault of a cruel capitalistism that puts health care, education, even decent food out of reach for them. And a great number of their not- quite-white fellow citizens, by the way.
What's really their fault is buying into such an obvious fraud and faker as Trump. Trump, a billionaire, for pity's sake, who takes advantage of these people, reinforces the stereotype: the Harleys, muscle-bound, teeth-missing, hayseeds who live in unsavory parts of the country, and aren't gonna take it anymore. The same awful notions about these people articulated by the Williamson comments here.
I have no love for them, and fear they might actually get Trump elected and destroy our country. But try as I might, I don't think I could be as unfeeling as Williamson and fail to sympathize just a little. Because lefties have always been angry with the republican establishment.
3
The gloss of gold on Trump is only a couple of dozen atoms thick.
The many problems of angry, lower income, uneducated, white republicans, have been realized by voting republican against their own interests. They lower themselves with every republican vote they cast and every time they tuned into Beck, Limbaugh, and Falwell. Now they think The Donald words are somehow different? He is just a louder more obnoxious form of Limbaugh, Beck and Falwell.
Their vote, not only for Trump but any republican, is just another vote for less education, lower wages, fewer jobs, less healthcare, less culture, less affluence, and less influence. Another vote to be less.
Their vote, not only for Trump but any republican, is just another vote for less education, lower wages, fewer jobs, less healthcare, less culture, less affluence, and less influence. Another vote to be less.
5
A mistake that Democrats have made is feeling the pain of the left out white voter, but doing little about their struggle. The big picture strategy, which the President followed was, support me now, and I get around to addressing your problems. What he and his party should have been doing is pounding away at an opposition party that long ago as played this group for suckers. Both parties still suffer from a trickle down mentality---first we get Wall Street on our side and then we start passing laws to help the middle class. The problem is that both parties never get around to step two.
2
These people have ben voting for the right wing nuts for decades. They are waking up a little. Maybe they will wake up completely and vote for their interests-Democratic. The publicans have no intellectual honesty or principles.
5
Tom, make it easy on your readers. This column might better have contained just 14 words: "See the film 'All the King's Men' or, if you can, read the book."
1
The republicans have learned how to nurse hatred for so long that they have forgotten about compassion except as a campaign slogan. Now that hatred is hale and hardy and camped out in their living rooms. They could have predicted this if they'd been doing something other than raking in the cash.
3
Well in the words of the immortal Church lady, Isn't that special. It was only a matter of time before this white working underclass revolted from the republican Party which is ruled by the rich overlords.
But what will the Trumpists really do now? Trump's movement is wide, but not deep. Trump is not followed by any Republican congressional representatives of his view. Republicans still rule their districts and do not represent their interests and democrats though representing their economic interests are not racist enough. So all they have is the crazy man Trump who has declared his intent to bolt the Republican Party if he is not nominated.
So like an out of control watch which seemed to look nice, the Republican Party is shattering into a million pieces unable as it has done for decades to admit its anti people policies. And all the king's horses and all the king's men can not put humpty together again.
But what will the Trumpists really do now? Trump's movement is wide, but not deep. Trump is not followed by any Republican congressional representatives of his view. Republicans still rule their districts and do not represent their interests and democrats though representing their economic interests are not racist enough. So all they have is the crazy man Trump who has declared his intent to bolt the Republican Party if he is not nominated.
So like an out of control watch which seemed to look nice, the Republican Party is shattering into a million pieces unable as it has done for decades to admit its anti people policies. And all the king's horses and all the king's men can not put humpty together again.
79
Trump is obviously inspirational to all who want to believe one can just bluster one's way over all obstacles.
1
Many of us want to think the Republican Party has no future thanks to the artificial divide of the culture wars and trickle-down economics started by Ronald Reagan and defended and promoted all these years by the right-wing think tanks and right-wing media.
But a lot of state legislatures will remain in the hands of Republicans. Gerrymandering will continue to give them a disproportionate number in the US House and the number of small Republican states will continue to give them 40 US Senate votes to filibuster.
Most of those Republican politicians and their Tea Party and Evangelical voters have no need to change just because Republicans can't win the presidency.
But a lot of state legislatures will remain in the hands of Republicans. Gerrymandering will continue to give them a disproportionate number in the US House and the number of small Republican states will continue to give them 40 US Senate votes to filibuster.
Most of those Republican politicians and their Tea Party and Evangelical voters have no need to change just because Republicans can't win the presidency.
Sanders’ message is that the system is broken and why, Trumps message is that ‘they’ have done this to you, but his ‘this’ is not far from Sanders’ emphasis on who has benefited and distorted in recent years.
It is pleasing to see the NYT starting to see the stories developing and slowing filling in the picture. If nothing else these two men are running outside of the establishment and filling in the concept of Reality in recent years. The status quo will be roughed up it seems.
It is pleasing to see the NYT starting to see the stories developing and slowing filling in the picture. If nothing else these two men are running outside of the establishment and filling in the concept of Reality in recent years. The status quo will be roughed up it seems.
50 years ago The Republican Party created the Southern Strategy, the conscious effort to appeal to the segregationist Strom Thurmond and George Wallace Democratic voters.
In the 1980’s the Republican Party gave us the culture wars and Reagan and the dog whistle politics of welfare queens and States Rights and created the Reagan Democrats.
In the 1990’s we got the Newt Gingrich House of Representatives take no prisoners confrontation, the Clinton impeachment, Whitewater, and Vince Foster murder conspiracy.
With Obama, they created the Tea Party and gave us the birthers, death panels, and support of the Confederate flag.
And all these years, the Republican politicians have been using the Reaganomics talking points of small government and tax cuts for the job creators coming from the right-wing think tanks.
And the Republican establishment is sick, just sick I tell you, to think of Trump representing the Republican Party.
They can’t understand how the Republican voters, who have been losing their manufacturing jobs all these years and who have been listening to talk radio all these years, can blindly follow Trump and not listen to reason.
In the 1980’s the Republican Party gave us the culture wars and Reagan and the dog whistle politics of welfare queens and States Rights and created the Reagan Democrats.
In the 1990’s we got the Newt Gingrich House of Representatives take no prisoners confrontation, the Clinton impeachment, Whitewater, and Vince Foster murder conspiracy.
With Obama, they created the Tea Party and gave us the birthers, death panels, and support of the Confederate flag.
And all these years, the Republican politicians have been using the Reaganomics talking points of small government and tax cuts for the job creators coming from the right-wing think tanks.
And the Republican establishment is sick, just sick I tell you, to think of Trump representing the Republican Party.
They can’t understand how the Republican voters, who have been losing their manufacturing jobs all these years and who have been listening to talk radio all these years, can blindly follow Trump and not listen to reason.
4
The 0.1% have killed the goose that laid the golden eggs. Not content with accumulating wealth and power from a system that was built on the flow of capital, they have become so greedy as to undermine the system that provides that wealth in their ever-increasing quest for more of what they don't need and can't spend. Unfortunately, they took along many voters with dog-whistle politics and diatribes against "those people", seeking to divide and conquer.
Trump and Cruz are the golems this system has created.
Trump and Cruz are the golems this system has created.
5
"Republicans captured the House that year and maintained control in 8 of the next 10 elections." Perhaps a minor point, but in how many of the elections did Republicans gain or maintain control with a minority of the overall votes cast in congressional elections?
2
The Republican elite has always held the working working class in contempt. The only difference now is that the white working class have their own champion who is not under the control of the elites. Republican policies of tax cuts for the rich, unleashing of the banks and polluters and destruction of Social Security have hollowed out the working class. It was all sold by racist appeals and social issue pandering. The white working class is starting to wake up and see that they have been played for suckers. The Republican elite, and their supporters, have moved the working class's jobs overseas, stolen their pension, and polluted their rivers. Mr. Trump is also playing them for suckers, but he is speaking to their real problems. What he lacks are real solutions.
133
"Republican policies of tax cuts for the rich, unleashing of the banks and polluters and destruction of Social Security have hollowed out the working class. It was all sold by racist appeals and social issue pandering. "
And yet Trump isn't actually offering to change any of that. Maybe he's less strident about gutting social security and medicare.
And yet Trump isn't actually offering to change any of that. Maybe he's less strident about gutting social security and medicare.
Chazak, that is a fine short summary, right down to the last sentence.
Excellent column Mr Edsall you expose the elephant in the living room con job that has unified the Republican Party since Reagan,
2
Added to the sad history explained in this article is the recent "conversion" of some like Paul Ryan who have discovered the need to actually address poverty in America. Their cynicism knows no boundaries. Their world view, whether it be the deviant evil of Dick Cheney as he sees our place in the world or the even more deviant evil of Ted Cruz as he envisions the role of government in the U.S., speaks volumes about an out of touch elite with no regard whatsoever for the day to day struggle of the "thousands and thousands of people, men in particular, (who) walk the streets in search for jobs that do not exist."
How sad are the writers for the "National Review" that they cynically portray the working poor as a group who just needs to grow up or go away. Would that the "conservative" elite would do the same. Then the "other America" will have a chance at improving their lot.
How sad are the writers for the "National Review" that they cynically portray the working poor as a group who just needs to grow up or go away. Would that the "conservative" elite would do the same. Then the "other America" will have a chance at improving their lot.
2
Having come to the GOP looking for a job, or at least one that pays well enough to live on, (all those jobs that were promised if yet another tax break was given to the "jobs creators") what the Trump supporters are now receiving is a scolding for being lazy, entitled, morally dissolute rabble who refuses to hire a U-Haul truck and go to where? Trump's supporters have awakened to the fact that they are a part of the 47% to which Romney referred. Many are probably aware of how adamantly the GOP opposes an increase in the minimum wage.
There may be nobody more surprised than Cruz that his promise to carpet bomb ISIS and make the sands in the ME glow failed to move Trump's supporters to his side. Jingoism failed with them. How can that be?
And, it is hardly a secret that that the RNC is planning to take the nomination away from Trump at a contested convention. Trump suggested that riots may ensue and his supporters, judging from their behavior at Trump's rallies, appear to be in the mood to riot. Since Trump's rivals are hedging on their pledge of supporting the party's nominee, it is hardly surprising that Trump is doing the same. Will we see a third party?
So, who is more angry? Movement conservatives or Trump's supporter? Stay tuned.
There may be nobody more surprised than Cruz that his promise to carpet bomb ISIS and make the sands in the ME glow failed to move Trump's supporters to his side. Jingoism failed with them. How can that be?
And, it is hardly a secret that that the RNC is planning to take the nomination away from Trump at a contested convention. Trump suggested that riots may ensue and his supporters, judging from their behavior at Trump's rallies, appear to be in the mood to riot. Since Trump's rivals are hedging on their pledge of supporting the party's nominee, it is hardly surprising that Trump is doing the same. Will we see a third party?
So, who is more angry? Movement conservatives or Trump's supporter? Stay tuned.
2
The cold blooded contempt voiced by Williamson and French for the alienated blue collar American worker beggars belief and underscores the racial analogy given by Edsall at the end of this article. As appalling as Trump is he is really driven by narcissism and not malevolence. If the these ruthless social Darwinist sentiments are indeed the core beliefs of the Republican elites then maybe they should be doomed to become an irrelevant political offshoot. Except for the fact that so much money is unfortunately controlled by their supporters. Where will that money go?
3
If you want to blame the anger on someone blame President Obama for his failed policies. Obamacare, higher welfare rolls, lower wages and immigration policies. He refuses to say terrorists and admit that there is a problem. People were promised that they could keep their doctors and would be paying less but that has been false. More people are getting free "stuff" while the middle class is paying the price and they are fed up. He has divided the country along racial lines and it is worse than ever before.
Do not blame Republicans but the Democratic Party. We must vote them out and I plan on voting Republican this November. We have had enough and we must return America to greatness. We can achieve this goal but not with the democrats in office. I cannot wait until this president is out of office and it will not be too soon for many of us.
Do not blame Republicans but the Democratic Party. We must vote them out and I plan on voting Republican this November. We have had enough and we must return America to greatness. We can achieve this goal but not with the democrats in office. I cannot wait until this president is out of office and it will not be too soon for many of us.
I think this whole mess comes down to Mitch McConnell. One day after Obama was elected the first time, McConnell said he "would get rid of Obama by the end of his first term". McConnell has led obstructionist policy ever since the Republicans took over the Senate after the first two years. I absolutely wish Obama had been more aggressive in implementing national infrastructure projects within that first two year period. But I believe he was trying to bring both sides of the party together and listen to everyone. After the Republicans took over the Senate, all infrastructure projects were stalled. This would have been a big boost to employment and the economy. My fear is that as lower income groups grows larger, and women's rights to control their own bodies gets eroded (and thus have the ability to work if they need to), we will have the makings of a true revolution. If you look at history, revolutions occur when the divide between the haves and the have nots gets too wide.
4
Williamson's tirade is nothing new. This is how the GOP elite has always felt about low income whites. The difference is that, in the past, they manipulated this group for their votes so they could never articulate their deep seated contempt for them publicly. Ironically, if you study their legislation (tax laws, education, public health, social funding), any objective person would conclude that the GOP specifically targeted this group for punishment. Really, white Democrats, who tend to be well educated professionals, are loathe to admit it but those same laws benefitted them financially, even if they are repulsed by them morally. Yes, the poor whites that gave the GOP their power, got the shaft in return.
3
I have no statistics and I can't speak for how much anger is fueling some ELDERLY Trump supporters, BUT we I live in a retirement community and I know some whie, not poor, probably lifelong GOP voters - for Trump. Though many people are horrified enough by him, that a Halloween "Trumpkin" won the prize for the "scariest" pumpkin, some folks are now voicing support.
Educationally, I'd agree that these folks lack a college degree, but they are well off enough to have chosen a retirement community. One man is very wealthy, an inventor who owns factories around the world. He believes Trump will protect him from inheritance taxes and that decides it for him - which shocks me as he's a religious man. Others, even elderly women in their 80's and 90's seem to have been heavily influenced by right wing TV propaganda, rather than Trump himself. They believe Itaq/Sadaam attacked us on 9/11. They imagine Hillary was in charge of Benghazi. If there's anger among these folks it is longstanding anger at terrorists and a strange belief that Democrats are to blame somehow. They lack an understanding that most US terrorist events were caused by white supremacists. Instead, they view Muslim immigrants as the source. They feel endangered.
So while there are many Trump supporters who are poor, uneducated, jobless or with few prospects of a better financial future, there are these othe VOTERS too old to attend rallies, believing a lot of right-wing TV propaganda and nonsense.
Educationally, I'd agree that these folks lack a college degree, but they are well off enough to have chosen a retirement community. One man is very wealthy, an inventor who owns factories around the world. He believes Trump will protect him from inheritance taxes and that decides it for him - which shocks me as he's a religious man. Others, even elderly women in their 80's and 90's seem to have been heavily influenced by right wing TV propaganda, rather than Trump himself. They believe Itaq/Sadaam attacked us on 9/11. They imagine Hillary was in charge of Benghazi. If there's anger among these folks it is longstanding anger at terrorists and a strange belief that Democrats are to blame somehow. They lack an understanding that most US terrorist events were caused by white supremacists. Instead, they view Muslim immigrants as the source. They feel endangered.
So while there are many Trump supporters who are poor, uneducated, jobless or with few prospects of a better financial future, there are these othe VOTERS too old to attend rallies, believing a lot of right-wing TV propaganda and nonsense.
3
The irony is beyond description. Throughout American history, the poor white working class has been used by the elite to fight it's wars wit patriotic anthems and calls of victimhood at the hands of immigrants. For example, the wealthy could literally buy their way out of military enlistment for $300. The white poor working class had to pick up the slack and did so thanklessly. Now the answer for this sizable group of people is the pure embodiment of the spoiled rich kid who has essentially guaranteed that yet another war in the Middle East is coming if he's elected. And who do you think is going to fight those wars?
A couple of thoughts -
I'd be careful about casting aspersions of haughty disdain at anyone. Read the comments section, and you will see haughty disdain in all its glory.
The problem no one has solved yet, it that the Trump supporters are numerous and they vote. They have now had a taste of power and we are going to have to deal with them for a decade or more. It would behoove progressives to learn how to talk to people in cowboy boots who drive Chevy Pickups.
I'd be careful about casting aspersions of haughty disdain at anyone. Read the comments section, and you will see haughty disdain in all its glory.
The problem no one has solved yet, it that the Trump supporters are numerous and they vote. They have now had a taste of power and we are going to have to deal with them for a decade or more. It would behoove progressives to learn how to talk to people in cowboy boots who drive Chevy Pickups.
1
As Edsall well points out, the Trump phenomenon is like lifting a heavy curtain on the despair and hopelessness and anger that marks so many American lives; and the responses of the privileged editors and observers of the National Review and similar conservative publications only exposes that they are the official defenders of the wealthy and vicious critics of the truly poor. The Democratic party, however, is not to be excused either. I took pride for years in the accomplishments of Bill Clinton, but it is now increasingly clear that under his presidency also he endorsed and signed deeply damaging bills, particularly in trade. Of course he swam in the same ocean, as does his wife -- but I will vote for her as the least of the evils. Much as I deplore Trump, at least he has lifted the curtain on our reality of radical inequality. It will be years before that curtain is, sadly, lowered again.
I think the angriest Republicans are mainstream Republicans like me, who have seen their party co-opted by religious conservatives since Reagan. This began with Watergate and the decimation wrought by Dems on the moderate Republican Party of Richard Nixon. In 1976 it was a bloodbath. What crept in to dominate the party was a far-right fringe we’d never before taken seriously. They’re still with us.
It’s not true Conservatives, who still hold the whip hand in Congress as well as the many state legislatures and governorships under Republican control, angry in Tom’s eyes at the lower-income base that’s rebelling (rightfully, perhaps) against what has become establishment politics on BOTH Republican AND Democratic sides that can’t seem to DO anything. It’s … me. Why can’t the Party again be more … like me? Perhaps it will again, once the antiestablishmentarian base – on both the right AND the left – finish kicking out the rascals. One can only hope.
We’ve tried the far-right, and under Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi we tried what passes in America for the far-left. Time for a sweeping change because none of it has worked for America. That sweeping change may well be Donald Trump, a man whose convictions clearly lie in BOTH camps and who likely would give us a technocratic presidency rather than one driven by EITHER the insistent right or the unchained, potted liberati.
We did this to ourselves, folks. Time to bet on a roll of the dice; and if we’re wrong, time to pay the piper.
It’s not true Conservatives, who still hold the whip hand in Congress as well as the many state legislatures and governorships under Republican control, angry in Tom’s eyes at the lower-income base that’s rebelling (rightfully, perhaps) against what has become establishment politics on BOTH Republican AND Democratic sides that can’t seem to DO anything. It’s … me. Why can’t the Party again be more … like me? Perhaps it will again, once the antiestablishmentarian base – on both the right AND the left – finish kicking out the rascals. One can only hope.
We’ve tried the far-right, and under Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi we tried what passes in America for the far-left. Time for a sweeping change because none of it has worked for America. That sweeping change may well be Donald Trump, a man whose convictions clearly lie in BOTH camps and who likely would give us a technocratic presidency rather than one driven by EITHER the insistent right or the unchained, potted liberati.
We did this to ourselves, folks. Time to bet on a roll of the dice; and if we’re wrong, time to pay the piper.
Trump's convictions clearly lie in whatever camp his dislodged mind passes through on the way to ... god only knows. He's as astounded as anyone to be where he is and clearly has no clue what to do about it.
It hardly matters. The angry mob has finally found their stooge. They will run him over when they've used him to get what they want - a real chance to live a decent life.
I rather doubt your anger at having your exclusive country club crashed by the great unwashed can be compared to theirs. They, increasingly, have nothing left to lose. Their anger is real. Not theoretical.
It hardly matters. The angry mob has finally found their stooge. They will run him over when they've used him to get what they want - a real chance to live a decent life.
I rather doubt your anger at having your exclusive country club crashed by the great unwashed can be compared to theirs. They, increasingly, have nothing left to lose. Their anger is real. Not theoretical.
2
Memi:
Trump has been positioning himself for this run for the entirety of the Obama administration, identifying his base and preparing messages to it. He may be a loudmouth but he hasn't made any mistakes yet -- and by all measures of performance, he obviously knows what to "do with it".
My party was never a "country club", but pretty normal Americans who believed in a strong defense and a forward-leaning position globally; and a government that wasn't so overwhelming that it was forced to leave Americans pretty much alone to live their lives, rather than approach it forevermore with hands outstretched and the plaintive cry "more, please!"
You'd be surprised at how MANY Americans still believe these things.
Trump has been positioning himself for this run for the entirety of the Obama administration, identifying his base and preparing messages to it. He may be a loudmouth but he hasn't made any mistakes yet -- and by all measures of performance, he obviously knows what to "do with it".
My party was never a "country club", but pretty normal Americans who believed in a strong defense and a forward-leaning position globally; and a government that wasn't so overwhelming that it was forced to leave Americans pretty much alone to live their lives, rather than approach it forevermore with hands outstretched and the plaintive cry "more, please!"
You'd be surprised at how MANY Americans still believe these things.
1
It comes down to three things:
1) The lies repeated by the Republican establishment over generations, well reported by Confessore and others, that led a lot of people to believe things that are untrue (and to vote against their best interests.)
2) Blind faith throughout the economic elite (Republicans, Democrats, Wall Street and C-suite executives) that free trade and free markets would produce a textbook optimal result with no important human cost.
3) Years of aiding and abetting by media companies (cable and broadcast networks, newspapers, etc.) in spreading falsehoods unquestioningly and more recently enthusiastically providing Trump with something like $2 billion in free media (infotainment) over the past year or so. http://bit.ly/1qiMbyi
This leads to:
Promises made and broken are now in full view.
Economic anxiety is widespread and simple answers are preferred.
The unstable Republican coalition coming apart at the seams.
1) The lies repeated by the Republican establishment over generations, well reported by Confessore and others, that led a lot of people to believe things that are untrue (and to vote against their best interests.)
2) Blind faith throughout the economic elite (Republicans, Democrats, Wall Street and C-suite executives) that free trade and free markets would produce a textbook optimal result with no important human cost.
3) Years of aiding and abetting by media companies (cable and broadcast networks, newspapers, etc.) in spreading falsehoods unquestioningly and more recently enthusiastically providing Trump with something like $2 billion in free media (infotainment) over the past year or so. http://bit.ly/1qiMbyi
This leads to:
Promises made and broken are now in full view.
Economic anxiety is widespread and simple answers are preferred.
The unstable Republican coalition coming apart at the seams.
3
Punishing those who do not fall in line is not limited to the right. Pundits on the left may not come out and describe Sanders supporters as the progeny of stray dogs, but the anathema is clearly and prominently voiced. The Times is a prime example with all out ignoring the left alternate candidate and understating and dismissing him when Sanders is mentioned. I have yet to see any mention of Sanders here where his prospects are not disparaged. But it goes further. When Paul Krugman goes as far as calling the struggling left leaning voters "stupid" unable to accept compromise and half measures, that IS the equivalent of calling we liberals struggling "stray dogs". And it did not go unchecked by commenters here who with every bit the sense of entitlement of the right establishment condemn, insult, dismiss and disparage Clinton's establishment line with the extra cudgel that progressives who want more than someone who has had an entire career of bunker style positioning are to blame for weakening the ability to defeat Trump.
For the record, I am white, middle aged, female, with a degree from the University of Chicago, a Masters from Carnegie Mellon, and noteworthy achievements on an internationally recognized scale. That said, I have been completely financially broken and risked moving to a less expensive area when New York collapsed for creatives, I am trapped and Clinton's measures won't be enough to help me. The GOP and Dems have written me off and we both know it.
For the record, I am white, middle aged, female, with a degree from the University of Chicago, a Masters from Carnegie Mellon, and noteworthy achievements on an internationally recognized scale. That said, I have been completely financially broken and risked moving to a less expensive area when New York collapsed for creatives, I am trapped and Clinton's measures won't be enough to help me. The GOP and Dems have written me off and we both know it.
15
I'm just skeptical of anyone who thinks they can just sweep into any political party after decades of giving it the cold shoulder to take it over.
Sander's proposals are clearly an attempt to move the country in the right direction. They are both bold and noble. But ideas by themselves to do not make a President. There is nothing in Sander's history that suggests he would be able to run the country. In fact if you examine his voting record you will find integrity and a purist political philosophy, but no indication that he knows how to compromise for the greater good - an essential feature for a successful President. My point is that while he is a great messenger, there is nothing to suggest that in this difficult political environment, with a past history of not developing political allies, that he could possibly be a successful President.
1
@ Steve and W.A.:
Thank you for reasoned responses that are about where our perspectives differ rather than just being name calling cranks. Steve, I'm not at all sure who you mean by sweeping in,Trump? Sanders? Both? Sweeping into what might be the more operative question. If it's democratic establishment, why would he if the party has drifted so far right that while standing still, he finds himself on the fringe edge of establishment. And W.A. I fully don't expect him to win, and when we are honest about it, neither does he. I have to respect someone who after the career he's had writing so much key legislation fully understanding the leverage points and continues to hold Clinton accountable for the GOP-lite position she's hunkered down on. The sole voice of anything more left than left leaning right is Sanders so I have to back him until I can't. The sole reason beint to keep a check on Clinton from compromising further rightward making the opposition establishment even less opposition. It's the only way to tell her she suffers from myopia of a life of bunker existence--learned passiveness.
My question to you both is why are you so afraid with her that all you can back is still more bunker style policy. Come out! You might find you see the battle lines more clearly.
Thank you for reasoned responses that are about where our perspectives differ rather than just being name calling cranks. Steve, I'm not at all sure who you mean by sweeping in,Trump? Sanders? Both? Sweeping into what might be the more operative question. If it's democratic establishment, why would he if the party has drifted so far right that while standing still, he finds himself on the fringe edge of establishment. And W.A. I fully don't expect him to win, and when we are honest about it, neither does he. I have to respect someone who after the career he's had writing so much key legislation fully understanding the leverage points and continues to hold Clinton accountable for the GOP-lite position she's hunkered down on. The sole voice of anything more left than left leaning right is Sanders so I have to back him until I can't. The sole reason beint to keep a check on Clinton from compromising further rightward making the opposition establishment even less opposition. It's the only way to tell her she suffers from myopia of a life of bunker existence--learned passiveness.
My question to you both is why are you so afraid with her that all you can back is still more bunker style policy. Come out! You might find you see the battle lines more clearly.
Very nice work! However, I am puzzled by the statement regarding, "The disregard of liberal and conservative elites for working and middle class voters." On the "conservative" side, there seem to be plenty of examples of the disregard of the elites for working and middle class voters. On the "liberal" side, not so much. Politics aside, it's the moneyed elites, whatever their political leanings, that have pushed the wealth inequality in the US to banana-republic extremes. Overlooking the Republican contribution to the last eight years of partisan gridlock, of course.
6
The siren song of racism, victimhood and resentment seems to find a ready ear among working class/poor whites. This sad truth has been their tragedy for well over a century. Long ago Populists and Progressives made political headway, Tom Watson was a rising star. His inclusive populism was destroyed by the racism throughout the South and he ended his career as one of the ugliest racists the South could elect to the Senate.
May I suggest that whites who seek to turn around their rising death rate find common cause with many others in this country who want a better, fairer America. Drop the resentment, drop the victimhood and unite for a better life.
Let's recall that Ann Case and Angus Deaton, Nobel laureate, recently published shattering research that shows death rates for whites ages 40-65 (or so) are actually climbing. For all other demographic groups throughout the developed world the rates are slowing. Undoubtedly this knowledge informed Williamson's screed. Williamson is a perfect example of a Republican ideologue who will inhumanely destroy lives in pursuit of failed ideas.
May I suggest that whites who seek to turn around their rising death rate find common cause with many others in this country who want a better, fairer America. Drop the resentment, drop the victimhood and unite for a better life.
Let's recall that Ann Case and Angus Deaton, Nobel laureate, recently published shattering research that shows death rates for whites ages 40-65 (or so) are actually climbing. For all other demographic groups throughout the developed world the rates are slowing. Undoubtedly this knowledge informed Williamson's screed. Williamson is a perfect example of a Republican ideologue who will inhumanely destroy lives in pursuit of failed ideas.
112
The GOP's decades of lies, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny and "culture wars" have finally come home to roost, and their enraged chickens have taken over their coop. The sneering condescension and hypocrisy in Kevin Williamson's commentary is staggering - for starters, his appalling "whelping of human children" is particularly galling, given his party's dedication to preventing poor women from obtaining requisite healthcare services, including contraception. The venality of "these dysfunctional downscale communities deserve to die" statement is the height of immorality - but certainly echoes the nonsensical, judgmental bile espoused by Ayn Rand acolytes such as Paul Ryan. There is more than a whiff of Newt Gingrich's brand of callous condemnation in the not-so-subtle suggestion that the poor "lack a culture of work ethics." The GOP has used race baiting and cultural wedge issues for several generations to whip up struggling white communities - but as I recall, people like Karl Rove routinely mocked the fervently religious Christians, even as he catered to their fears and prejudice. We cannot overlook the 24/7 right wing media scream and hate fest, either. When all is said and done, I am reminded yet again of Thomas Franks' books: "What's the Matter With Kansas?" and "One Market Under God," among others - the GOP is being destroyed by its own manipulation and lies. They, not poor communities, deserve their death: it cannot come too soon.
367
You nailed it!
1
Could it be that the Republican-business owner nexus wants to have a economic under-class? So much easier to exploit as employees?
2
Excellent observations Ms. Rabinowitz. Williamson's "incomprehensible malice" is actually very comprehensible: just tune in to Fox News. The distorted vision of America that is rendered daily between that station and hate-filled right wing radio jockeys makes it a wonder their listeners haven't taken to the streets and burned down the country. Oh, wait...they are. They're voting for Donald Trump.
1
Some may see the realization of the white working class that they had been screwed by the Republican Party as a work of wonder.
But that is not the real story. The real story is that it took the white working class almost fifty years to understand it was being lied to and every time it went out and voted Republican, it voted against its own interests.
When Republicans told the white working class that de-regulating business would create jobs, many middle class whites believed them.
When Republicans told the white working class that lowering taxes would create more jobs, many middle class whites believed them.
When Republicans told the white working class that minorities, especially Blacks, were living a life of ease and plenty on welfare paid by their hard earned dollars, many whites believed them.
When Republicans told the white middle class that government was a problem, that government was too big and social programs were ruining America, many in the white middle class believed them.
But the real story is not that the white working class is now waking up. The real story is that it took them almost fifty years to catch on to Republican lies.
But that is not the real story. The real story is that it took the white working class almost fifty years to understand it was being lied to and every time it went out and voted Republican, it voted against its own interests.
When Republicans told the white working class that de-regulating business would create jobs, many middle class whites believed them.
When Republicans told the white working class that lowering taxes would create more jobs, many middle class whites believed them.
When Republicans told the white working class that minorities, especially Blacks, were living a life of ease and plenty on welfare paid by their hard earned dollars, many whites believed them.
When Republicans told the white middle class that government was a problem, that government was too big and social programs were ruining America, many in the white middle class believed them.
But the real story is not that the white working class is now waking up. The real story is that it took them almost fifty years to catch on to Republican lies.
24
Working class white people who support Trump should feel the Bern. They have been encouraged by Republican politicians to believe that their enemy is liberalism and government incompetence (also Muslims, gays, illegal immigrants, welfare cheats, unions, free-trade agreements, Hollywood, the media, and probably other groups I've forgotten). The reality is the forces of technology and globalization have not been kind to them, but they do not provide any easy scapegoats. If the economic elites that have taken over the Republican Party and maintain great influence over the Democratic Party want class warfare, then Trump and Sanders supporters should unite and then let's bring it on!
5
Trampled by Trump.
That is the daily headline. Included in this melange of "news" are ongoing "reports" about how the Republican party is surely in a death spiral.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't buy any of it.
The Republican party funders have successfully gerrymandered a Congressional majority out as far as the eye can see. I have called it a form of coup d'etat on this pages. So death spiral? Really?
That the neofascist Trump would get political traction, and that Bernie Sanders would share a bifurcated base with him should hardly be news. The rich are not only getting richer, they're getting much richer. At your expense.
So are the natives on both sides of the aisle getting restless? After a generation and a half of getting the short end of the stick, they are. And have every reason to be.
But wait, aren't the Dems riding to the country's rescue? Try going here and reading about how progressive the Dems really are when given a chance. http://www.tomdispatch.com/
Political party news is only so much newspaper fodder that helps sell the product. The truth is that the billionaires have run amuk and are having their way with the country.
They don't care who wins. They own both parties, and will get what they want in the end. That's what lobbyists are for.
If only the Trump and Sanders supporters understood that they actually have the same beef. But that's the beauty of divide and conquer
That is the daily headline. Included in this melange of "news" are ongoing "reports" about how the Republican party is surely in a death spiral.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't buy any of it.
The Republican party funders have successfully gerrymandered a Congressional majority out as far as the eye can see. I have called it a form of coup d'etat on this pages. So death spiral? Really?
That the neofascist Trump would get political traction, and that Bernie Sanders would share a bifurcated base with him should hardly be news. The rich are not only getting richer, they're getting much richer. At your expense.
So are the natives on both sides of the aisle getting restless? After a generation and a half of getting the short end of the stick, they are. And have every reason to be.
But wait, aren't the Dems riding to the country's rescue? Try going here and reading about how progressive the Dems really are when given a chance. http://www.tomdispatch.com/
Political party news is only so much newspaper fodder that helps sell the product. The truth is that the billionaires have run amuk and are having their way with the country.
They don't care who wins. They own both parties, and will get what they want in the end. That's what lobbyists are for.
If only the Trump and Sanders supporters understood that they actually have the same beef. But that's the beauty of divide and conquer
6
Wouldn't it be weird if Trump asked Sanders to be VP or vice versa? Strange days, indeed.
I still don't understand why the lower-income white voters spurn the Democrats. Unions, a social safety net, quality health care, all financed by taxes on higher income Americans, would seem to be exactly what would help this group. It baffles me why, among whites, the highly educated, financially comfortable trend Democratic while the less-educated, less well-off have trended Republican, both to some extent against their own interest.
11
I believe we need look to mega churches which promise entertainment, salvation and eternal wealth if you vote Republican - after all, the end of the world is near.
4
Racism, xenophobia, and social conservatism, pure and simple.
3
Lower-income white voters abandoned the Democratic party because they were first abandoned by it many years ago. One part of this estrangement may initially have been civil rights, but the vast majority of whites are well beyond racism as a political issue. Rather than being racist, working-class whites have concluded that the Democrats have adopted as an explicit political strategy unlimited immigration in the interest of gaining more voters, the resulting lower wages and fewer blue-collar jobs merely collateral damage. Democrats assuage their consciences on this position by advocating increased minimum wages, which don't help those pushed out by immigrants. (Voters now realize that Republican leaders have that same strategy, for different reasons.) Another powerful cause of the loss of this demographic was the Democrats' lurch to the left in the turmoil of the mid-sixties (sex, drugs, rock and roll and do it if it feels good), that has evolved into condemnation as evil of any opinion questioning changing social and moral standards. Democrats are no better than Republicans when it comes to demonizing deviations. Prime examples are the comments on this article characterizing these voters as racist, xenophobic, homophobic and misogynistic and denigrating their religious beliefs. These labels are both inaccurate and drive away those who would support many progressive economic policies if they were not deemed idiots for not agreeing with every jot and tittle of dogma.
1
"The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die. Economically, they are negative assets". - Williamson
My. God.
That says it all about these people, and by these people I mean Williamson and his ilk, not those they simultaneously recruit and denigrate.
The "theatrical" Bruce Springsteen has cogent and accurate political analysis about these vile men and what they have done to their country and their countrymen:
"From the Monongahela valley
To the Mesabi iron range
To the coal mines of Appalachia
The story's always the same
Seven hundred tons of metal a day
Now sir you tell me the world's changed
Once I made you rich enough
Rich enough to forget my name "
- Bruce Springsteen, "Youngstown", 1995, "The Ghost of Tom Joad". Columbia Records, November, 1995.
"
My. God.
That says it all about these people, and by these people I mean Williamson and his ilk, not those they simultaneously recruit and denigrate.
The "theatrical" Bruce Springsteen has cogent and accurate political analysis about these vile men and what they have done to their country and their countrymen:
"From the Monongahela valley
To the Mesabi iron range
To the coal mines of Appalachia
The story's always the same
Seven hundred tons of metal a day
Now sir you tell me the world's changed
Once I made you rich enough
Rich enough to forget my name "
- Bruce Springsteen, "Youngstown", 1995, "The Ghost of Tom Joad". Columbia Records, November, 1995.
"
18
It should be noted that none of the presidential aspirants from either party has offered a plan to achieve full employment. They all give lip service to the concept, but then treat it as if it's of secondary importance.
There a number of economists out there who could help the candidates fashion a program to achieve that specific goal. It's significant that none have been invited to do so.
There a number of economists out there who could help the candidates fashion a program to achieve that specific goal. It's significant that none have been invited to do so.
The Grover Norquist/College Republican philosophy of slashing government and allowing corporations and the already wealthy to run wild is empty and destructive. Instead of taking a hard look at and dealing with that reality the party elite appear to be choosing to direct their rage at a base that they have helped create and continued to take for granted for generations.
3
Do the disaffected, working class and unemployed white male supporters of Trump really think he will cure their woes? What proposals other than glittering generalities has Trump offered to the white working class or white unemployed? Yet they somehow see in Trump's blustering a message that runs counter to what they've endured from the Republican establishment. They should open their eyes and see that Trump is a fraud, a false leader who bloviates with no substance, a person who still gloats about failed endeavors such as Trump University, Trump Steaks, Trump casinos, etc. Astonishing how this group of people is enthralled by a pathological liar, and that speaks volumes about the state of the Republican party.
143
Yes. They do. And sadly, "all this has happened before, & all this will happen again." They respond to rage, to rhetoric, & to emotional appeal, & common sense be damned, competely. God help us all, indeed.
Now there is a moniker that should stick to the GOP, Liars R Us.
And, the other Republicans are better? These poor people haven't been lied to before? Trump is simply the result. The party is reaping what it sowed.
O.K. let's do something for these people that will help them and help the entire country.
Let's guarantee them decent jobs.
When people are working they produce stuff, products and services. They earn money which they spend (unlike the Rich which use their money to speculate). This provides jobs for still other people.
Stephanie Kelton, Bernie's economic advisor, has proposed that that the federal government should guarantee a decent federal job to all those who need one or paid training for such a job. They could fix roads and bridges, help teach small classes, etc.. This would allow the government to eliminate most present forms of welfare. Also the decent pay would force companies to pay decent wages.
The federal government could become the employer of last resort. As with unemployment benefits today, holders of such jobs would be required to show they were applying for comparable private sector jobs.
This is a better idea than having helicopters just drop money to people. We would get stuff for our money like a better power grid. And people would would have the the dignity of earning money, not just getting it as welfare or charity.
Let's guarantee them decent jobs.
When people are working they produce stuff, products and services. They earn money which they spend (unlike the Rich which use their money to speculate). This provides jobs for still other people.
Stephanie Kelton, Bernie's economic advisor, has proposed that that the federal government should guarantee a decent federal job to all those who need one or paid training for such a job. They could fix roads and bridges, help teach small classes, etc.. This would allow the government to eliminate most present forms of welfare. Also the decent pay would force companies to pay decent wages.
The federal government could become the employer of last resort. As with unemployment benefits today, holders of such jobs would be required to show they were applying for comparable private sector jobs.
This is a better idea than having helicopters just drop money to people. We would get stuff for our money like a better power grid. And people would would have the the dignity of earning money, not just getting it as welfare or charity.
193
That was the original concept of Welfare Reform, a government mandate to be the employer of last resort. But first we have to claw the money (Tax revenue) for that back from the 1%.
And none of this community service nonsense of sorting recycling for sub minimum wage either. There is plenty of real, meaningful work that could be done by these people with our elderly and disabled, or cleaning our parks, etc.
And none of this community service nonsense of sorting recycling for sub minimum wage either. There is plenty of real, meaningful work that could be done by these people with our elderly and disabled, or cleaning our parks, etc.
2
Len, that is the most radical suggestion out there. We couldn't possibly do that; it's extreme. And it would be good for too many people. :)
4
Actually it probably makes sense to give them cash. Job creation or the illusion thereof just creates more jobs for college graduates with liberal arts majors and C averages. Give poor people money and trust them to help themselves, the research supports it.
I have rarely read such a hateful diatribe as the one by Mr. Willamson which is excerpted here. But, let's face it, the majority-white Republican party has always hated the poor, distanced themselves from the poor and alienated the poor. It worked when the poor were mostly people of color. But now, thanks to many of their own policies (and, yes, more than a few policies promoted by Democrats as well), there are many more whites among the poor. These are the people attracted to Trump. As a result, the Republican elite have only themselves to blame.
6
These quotes from Republicans, gathered by Thomas Edsall, are chilling.
Thomas Williamson advises: "The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die."
That reminds me: Ted Cruz shared the stage with a pastor, Kevin Swanson, who recommends all gay citizens in the US be killed.
So ... it appears the contemporary Republican Party has become quietly committed to American Housekeeping, which requires cleaning, cleansing, killing, blocking, punishing, ignoring, starving those who fail to thrive and compete. And while preaching this strict (manly) policy, the most influential conservative writers and radio hosts also assert their guiding Christian faith. See the quote from Glenn Beck.
My heart is beating. I was raised as a nice Christian girl and passed many quizzes about the Gospels. And I think, "These merciless people must, must, be defeated through action, and politics. Through kindness. Through ... effort and a true reading of American history. Somehow. But how?"
Thomas Williamson advises: "The truth about these dysfunctional, downscale communities is that they deserve to die."
That reminds me: Ted Cruz shared the stage with a pastor, Kevin Swanson, who recommends all gay citizens in the US be killed.
So ... it appears the contemporary Republican Party has become quietly committed to American Housekeeping, which requires cleaning, cleansing, killing, blocking, punishing, ignoring, starving those who fail to thrive and compete. And while preaching this strict (manly) policy, the most influential conservative writers and radio hosts also assert their guiding Christian faith. See the quote from Glenn Beck.
My heart is beating. I was raised as a nice Christian girl and passed many quizzes about the Gospels. And I think, "These merciless people must, must, be defeated through action, and politics. Through kindness. Through ... effort and a true reading of American history. Somehow. But how?"
9
If it were possible to graph the hours of television watched by these respective demographics, it wouldn't be surprising if most Trump supporters logged the most hours watching Donald Trump on TV. When an individual is part of one's daily routine for a long period of time, that individual, even if a screen actor or avatar, becomes part of one's social circle. Our brains haven't developed the sophistication to emotionally distinguish between a real person and someone who plays one on TV.
4
this is not some new behavior seen for the very first time, it is instead a pattern repeated over and over. The brownshirts were extremely useful in pacifying the rather willing German society but then they outlived their usefulness, so did the Red Guard, the French peasants that knocked off the king - the list is endless. Then all those formerly useful gangs found themselves eliminated.
For decades the GOP then its sucessor the TP, at the behest of its handlers and sponsors, has been carefully grooming the local version. Fed on a steady diet of pandering, racism, misogny -it has grown up. Trained with dog whistles over the last several years, the American version responds to the fantasy that their real and imagined woes are the fault of anyone else but themselves and their handlers. Itching to be allowed to be unleashed, they have become inconviently attached to a wild clown who promises them a free reign of terror. Oops.
For decades the GOP then its sucessor the TP, at the behest of its handlers and sponsors, has been carefully grooming the local version. Fed on a steady diet of pandering, racism, misogny -it has grown up. Trained with dog whistles over the last several years, the American version responds to the fantasy that their real and imagined woes are the fault of anyone else but themselves and their handlers. Itching to be allowed to be unleashed, they have become inconviently attached to a wild clown who promises them a free reign of terror. Oops.
6
If the Tea Party was and remains angry with their Republican establishment enablers, their anger with and desire to replace them is justified. But they were still misled intentionally (and used to satisfy the personal power ambitions of Republican establishment politicians) to believe that the fundamental source of their condition was and remains "big government," a nebulous term at best and, by extension, the Democratic party. If the TP'ers think it through a bit more, they may come to realize that working with, and maybe even voting for, Democrats is in their best interest. In this upside-down convoluted political environment, the TP'ers could be the big winners if they'd adopt the moderate compromising stance they misguidedly railed against from the start. This doesn't need to be a win-lose situation; it can truly be a win-win.
4
The Kevin Williamson article and its "Drop dead!" ethical prescription for poor white America is a revelation. For all the conservative Republican identification with fundamentalist religion and a belief in creation rather than evolution, nothing else so perfectly captures the raw social Darwinian ethic of conservatives faced with those whose lot in life fail to prove that trickle-down economics is the allegedly-viable economic theory that the Party has been selling for the past 3 decades. But rather than question conservative orthodoxy, better to blame the victims. Maybe Williamson thinks that his column is a dose of tough love to those who most need it; I have my doubts.
197
I seriously doubt that the author thinks those who need it will be reading the New York Times.
1
I am aghast at some of the party elite think of the working class. It is even worse than I thought and they are even comfortable putting it in print. It is not only not helpful it is down right sadistic. I am sure that the white working class will be delighted to know that they are what is wrong with this country.
The solution to infighting is simple:
Kevin Williamson, David French et. al. should be fired from their influential posts for inflaming class warfare, intolerance, bigotry and distinctively new type of ethno-race baiting demagoguery into the American political process. (I say this only partially in gest because if their invectives were directed at women, African Americans, native Americans, Hispanics, etc. or any other disenfranchised group they would be fired in a moments notice).
On second thought maybe they should be fired for simply being stupid.
Kevin Williamson, David French et. al. should be fired from their influential posts for inflaming class warfare, intolerance, bigotry and distinctively new type of ethno-race baiting demagoguery into the American political process. (I say this only partially in gest because if their invectives were directed at women, African Americans, native Americans, Hispanics, etc. or any other disenfranchised group they would be fired in a moments notice).
On second thought maybe they should be fired for simply being stupid.
2
Getting to the simplest facts of it, Trump's people are not those on the bottom of the ladder; for them there is moderate progress and optimism now. And many of the poorest are starting to take jobs from the Trumpers -- the Trumpers have that right.
The Trumpers are angry because they have been sort-of "haves" and are losing it. Many are in jobs that are slowly going away, living in communities where those jobs are concentrated ... so the community is failing. And on top of that many sank too much into a house that is underwater in a dying community.
It also doesn't help that America's oil-patch jobs have disappeared like the morning dew. A lot of blue-collar workers did well in through our fracking boom, and now that's gone.
These people were Republicans as "values" voters; being honest about it racism was one of those values, perhaps the main one. The Republicans never cared about their interests, indeed "sold them down the river," and obviously doesn't care now.
The Democratic party cannot take them in, unless they are willing to renounce the racism, make some common cause with others.
Of course some will radicalize further! Trump is riling them up with neo-fascism; that never ends well. But Trump is transitional -- he is no natural leader for these people. They are already starting to see what a buffoon he is: El Lider Boca Grande.
Their next leader is the one to watch out for.
The Trumpers are angry because they have been sort-of "haves" and are losing it. Many are in jobs that are slowly going away, living in communities where those jobs are concentrated ... so the community is failing. And on top of that many sank too much into a house that is underwater in a dying community.
It also doesn't help that America's oil-patch jobs have disappeared like the morning dew. A lot of blue-collar workers did well in through our fracking boom, and now that's gone.
These people were Republicans as "values" voters; being honest about it racism was one of those values, perhaps the main one. The Republicans never cared about their interests, indeed "sold them down the river," and obviously doesn't care now.
The Democratic party cannot take them in, unless they are willing to renounce the racism, make some common cause with others.
Of course some will radicalize further! Trump is riling them up with neo-fascism; that never ends well. But Trump is transitional -- he is no natural leader for these people. They are already starting to see what a buffoon he is: El Lider Boca Grande.
Their next leader is the one to watch out for.
5
The apparent implosion of the Republican Party portends a time of uncertainty and instability in the United States. The guiding principles of the Party--free trade, low taxes, free markets and an interventionist foreign policy--are no longer working for traditional working-class members. If Trump is denied the nomination through a combination of his erratic behavior and his elite opponents, he and others may form a conservative populist party that is xenophobic, nationalist, and anti-immigrant. It may well attract some disaffected Democratic voters.
This would cause as well as reflect the weakening of the ties that hold American society together. It would undermine both liberty and order.
This would cause as well as reflect the weakening of the ties that hold American society together. It would undermine both liberty and order.
2
Being raised in a rural area and educated in a small town and a nearby state university, I now realize I was very fortunate. But military service led me to live 6 years in California and the past 40 in the Chicago suburbs. I do not agree politically (am a Democrat) with the sneering right wing "think tankers," but they do have a point about those who put their economic interests behind their "cultural" preferences. I will never forget a brief interview of a W. Virginia union coal miner who was voting against pro union Presidential candidate Al Gore. The NRA had spent heavily in that area with their "Gore's going to take your guns."
The coal miner's exact words were "To Hell with the union, I'm going to keep my guns." The genius of Republican electioneering was to side with the NRA and this strategy extends to other issues such as abortion. Meanwhile, the elected Republicans keep doing everything possible to prevent the federal government from helping the average person.
The coal miner's exact words were "To Hell with the union, I'm going to keep my guns." The genius of Republican electioneering was to side with the NRA and this strategy extends to other issues such as abortion. Meanwhile, the elected Republicans keep doing everything possible to prevent the federal government from helping the average person.
20
Wow- I have never read in print the contempt with which David French and Kevin Williamson write. My eyes are opened this morning. Their solution to unemployed Americans is simply hope the inconvenient people will die, the inconvenient communities will die and grass and trees will cover over what used to be there. There's a political platform!
Don't they realize that these are people just like them---except they are people without hope, and feeling real frustration and real pain. People turn to hurt themselves, then their families, then their communities and then any stranger that crosses their path. The groups of thieves that we have seen on tv in the past weeks are just the next logical step. To follow Williamson and French's logic-- those of us who are employed will just have to avoid more and more parts of the city and the nation, and hope that bandits don't attack. That is the final outcome of treating Americans as if they are expendable. People fight back for humanness, just as Williamson and French would if they lost it all.
People need to love and to work-- when factories closed and moved away, people didn't stay to become addicts. They stayed because family was there; because personal history was there; because it was home; because they couldn't figure out how to move. My family has moved three times to three different states because my husband's job disappeared. It is irrelevant if we managed, which fortunately, we did. There is a lasting scar.
Don't they realize that these are people just like them---except they are people without hope, and feeling real frustration and real pain. People turn to hurt themselves, then their families, then their communities and then any stranger that crosses their path. The groups of thieves that we have seen on tv in the past weeks are just the next logical step. To follow Williamson and French's logic-- those of us who are employed will just have to avoid more and more parts of the city and the nation, and hope that bandits don't attack. That is the final outcome of treating Americans as if they are expendable. People fight back for humanness, just as Williamson and French would if they lost it all.
People need to love and to work-- when factories closed and moved away, people didn't stay to become addicts. They stayed because family was there; because personal history was there; because it was home; because they couldn't figure out how to move. My family has moved three times to three different states because my husband's job disappeared. It is irrelevant if we managed, which fortunately, we did. There is a lasting scar.
16
"Don't they realize that these are people just like them---except they are people without hope, and feeling real frustration and real pain."
Sadly, the willingness to exploit other humans for economic gain goes back to the founding of this country, and to its two original sins: slavery and the genocide of native Americans. The impulse to favor economic profit over decency, human rights, and true Christian principles remains strong among those who think the goal of life is to pile up money.
Sadly, the willingness to exploit other humans for economic gain goes back to the founding of this country, and to its two original sins: slavery and the genocide of native Americans. The impulse to favor economic profit over decency, human rights, and true Christian principles remains strong among those who think the goal of life is to pile up money.
1
The main takeaway from Edsall's article is the following:
"The disregard of liberal and conservative elites for working and middle class voters has manifested itself in a consistent underestimation of the anger, resentment and pessimism of these voters — and hence of their electoral power."
The contempt demonstrated by Williamson et al. is one that crosses party lines. It's the age-old contempt of establishment elites that finds its explicit expression when the "rabble" no longer buys the con. It's only then that people like Williamson realize the game is up and seek out other marks.
On the other hand, liberal elites use their demonstrable contempt for the white-working-class-voter as an explicit political platform while feigning bewilderment when this constituency doesn't buy into such self-loathing, shame-based ideologies. It takes only a few seconds in the Time's comment sections to quickly recognize the palpable contempt for this constituency.
I just can't imagine why they don't vote Democrat?
"The disregard of liberal and conservative elites for working and middle class voters has manifested itself in a consistent underestimation of the anger, resentment and pessimism of these voters — and hence of their electoral power."
The contempt demonstrated by Williamson et al. is one that crosses party lines. It's the age-old contempt of establishment elites that finds its explicit expression when the "rabble" no longer buys the con. It's only then that people like Williamson realize the game is up and seek out other marks.
On the other hand, liberal elites use their demonstrable contempt for the white-working-class-voter as an explicit political platform while feigning bewilderment when this constituency doesn't buy into such self-loathing, shame-based ideologies. It takes only a few seconds in the Time's comment sections to quickly recognize the palpable contempt for this constituency.
I just can't imagine why they don't vote Democrat?
7
The white working class, especially white men, could have voted in their economic interests all along, but chose the racist and misogynist avenue by going Republican. This especially includes congressional elections. Had this group not been so racist, and voted for their economic interests by voting Democratic, we would have had a Congress that did not force Bill Clinton to the right, as well as Al Gore and a Congress that would have supported Obama policies that favor the economically disadvantaged. How about infrastructure spending? That would have given them many good jobs. Instead they voted for Senators and Representatives who encouraged their racism and misogyny, but wouldn't spend a cent on such jobs. Now they can't see that they voted themselves into this mess. They think Donald Trump policies will get them out of it because they identify with the racist and sexist Donald. Their cultural affinities have resulted in economic despair. They do have themselves to blame for following their racist leaders. Why 1968? Because that is just after Democrats liberated oppressed blacks in the Civil Rights era. The Souther Strategy started.
291
This is about the clearest and most succinct description of where we are and how we got here of anything I've read.
You better believe it! I live in Trump-territory in Central NY and it is amazing how identical the social and familial pathologies of the local people are to the inner city minority communities with whom they heartily and foolishly believe they have nothing in common. They have struggled aimlessly with gun violence, drugs, relentless obesity, alcoholism, lack of education and lack of appreciation of education for generations. Not suggesting the Democrats are wonderful, but it would make a lot more sense for these folks to vote for Bernie now, and to have joined the left of center platforms over the decades, but instead they adore Trump. Overweening, ridiculous pride is at the source of a lot of the discontent--pride coupled with ignorance and aggression is a terrible thing.
1
The Southern Strategy worked. Until now, when it is blowing up in our faces.
An unfortunate aspect of human nature is the inability of many people who have been hurt to see who is hurting them. Then, after a time, they become very angry and indiscriminately destructive, This results from the great injury to self esteem that comes from being deceived. No one wants to be played for a sucker, and no one wants to admit that it happened. This denial fosters sucker lists and serial abuse. And more indiscriminate anger.
It gets worse. Either Trump will win, and he will disappoint his followers; or he will lose, and they will cultivate more disappointment on their own. In either case there will be more indiscriminate anger.
An unfortunate aspect of human nature is the inability of many people who have been hurt to see who is hurting them. Then, after a time, they become very angry and indiscriminately destructive, This results from the great injury to self esteem that comes from being deceived. No one wants to be played for a sucker, and no one wants to admit that it happened. This denial fosters sucker lists and serial abuse. And more indiscriminate anger.
It gets worse. Either Trump will win, and he will disappoint his followers; or he will lose, and they will cultivate more disappointment on their own. In either case there will be more indiscriminate anger.
1
As George Lakoff wrote, one of the basic differences between the conservative and the liberal worldviews (and mind you, he was describing prototypical models, variations of which produce real-world political philosophies) is that model conservatism essentially denies that there are social causes to problems facing society — that is to say, it's all your fault as an individual if you fail to prosper.
This is where small government fanaticism stems from — if there are no social causes of societal problems, then there's nothing that government, a social institution at its core, can do. The only problem is, the limited government philosophy doesn't come anywhere close to meeting the challenge of educating, employing, housing, and keeping healthy hundreds of millions of people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
If the targets of the National Review's disdain have betrayed "conservative principles" it's because the latter have nothing to offer.
This is where small government fanaticism stems from — if there are no social causes of societal problems, then there's nothing that government, a social institution at its core, can do. The only problem is, the limited government philosophy doesn't come anywhere close to meeting the challenge of educating, employing, housing, and keeping healthy hundreds of millions of people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
If the targets of the National Review's disdain have betrayed "conservative principles" it's because the latter have nothing to offer.
2
My question is what took the angry undereducated/unemployed whites so long to catch on? The Republican party has had nothing but overt contempt for the lower economic classes since St. Ronnie proclaimed the enemy was Cadillac driving welfare mothers. For the past seven years they have responded to the dog whistles of propaganda, it was the Muslim presidential interloper that was the source of their misery. Trump's supporters were called until very recently the "Tea Party". Why have they suddenly decided to throw off their cloak of obtuseness and rebel against the true cause of their unrest? I'm confused but not unhappy. The chicken has come home to roost for the Greedy Obstructionist Parasites and I feel fine.
4
"The disregard of liberal and conservative elites for working and middle class voters has manifested itself in a consistent underestimation of the anger, resentment and pessimism of these voters — and hence of their electoral power." This is why I, a progressive Democrat, am truly terrified of a Trump v. Clinton contest this fall. Bernie Sanders has captured the same anger and passion on the left that Donald Trump has on the right. And, we know that voter turnout is essential for a Democrat to win, but Hillary Clinton is more a turnoff as the low turnout in the primaries have demonstrated. That means young Sanders supporters will probably stay at home while Trump sweeps the South and peels off enough blue-collar Reagan Democrats to win Ohio and clinch the election. America does need a new economic agenda that keeps good middle-class jobs here, closes the wealth gap through a fair, rather than rigged, income tax system, and promotes strong unions to share in the productivity gains of their labor. Unfortunately, a Clinton candidacy with her ties to Wall Street and her other "trust" issues makes it an impossible sell for the Democratic Party and thus the electorate as well.
1
Mr. Edsall sites several conservative commentators' disappointment with the derelict state of the white working class and later the irony, that this has been one of the "Republicans' best (voting) groups by far" according to findings at fivethirtyeight.
The real irony of course is the disappointment of a morally disoriented Republican ruling class which for years has swept this same group of people up into a make-believe world of supply-side economics, divisive and fake religiosity, and anti-government rhetoric. And the lies they concoct to tell their story are so breathtaking in scope that they have literally created their own parallel universe. Pick any policy question in front of the American public, any one at all, and the Republican response is a tortured, twisted concoction of half baked, illogical reasoning and outright lies.
No wonder the duped white working class is finally taking the whole ugly mess to its' logical conclusion.
The real irony of course is the disappointment of a morally disoriented Republican ruling class which for years has swept this same group of people up into a make-believe world of supply-side economics, divisive and fake religiosity, and anti-government rhetoric. And the lies they concoct to tell their story are so breathtaking in scope that they have literally created their own parallel universe. Pick any policy question in front of the American public, any one at all, and the Republican response is a tortured, twisted concoction of half baked, illogical reasoning and outright lies.
No wonder the duped white working class is finally taking the whole ugly mess to its' logical conclusion.
6
Is there is a revolution brewing in America? Not a bolshie-style revolution headed by a vanguard party but something a bit different. Maybe something more messy, more like France as the third estate was convening. The conservative ideologues cited by Edsal betray a sickening revulsion towards the common man that would not sound out of place in the court of Louis XVI. The general inability of the experts and insiders to explain what has happened or is happening in this election season indicates we are in the midst if a severe systemic crisis. Trump and Sanders have certainly uncovered a deep vein of anger, pain, alienation and frustration that had been ignored for too long in both political parties, the major media and the academe. They did not invent this anger, at best they are trying to channel it. How, I wonder can these popular emotions be dissipated and the anger difused?
2
The real question is why white, blue collar Americans ever voted for Republicans in the first place. There has never been in either the Republican platforms or policies anything beyond meaningless platitudes addressing their concerns. The only explanation is that their support of a party led by people holding them in such disdain proves the effectiveness of the propaganda campaign sponsored by rightist plutocrats like the Kochs over the last several decades. It's nice to see them finally waking up, but it's too bad that it took a demagogue like Mr. Trump to do it.
7
Working class Americans of all colors should unite under a single banner. Racism and sexism won't bring back jobs, but an enlightened protectionist president could start the process. Rebuilding lives, families and communities starts with better paying jobs. Pitting state against state in a race to the bottom isn't the answer either.
Sanders and Trump are too extreme to accomplish this. A President Clinton true to her Rooseveltian roots is the country's best hope this election cycle. Even though Mr. Edsall previously pointed out the unlikelihood of Trump voters supporting a democratic candidate, they need to put aside unhelpful visceral impulses and vote for what could really help them begin to reclaim what was given away over the course of a generation.
Sanders and Trump are too extreme to accomplish this. A President Clinton true to her Rooseveltian roots is the country's best hope this election cycle. Even though Mr. Edsall previously pointed out the unlikelihood of Trump voters supporting a democratic candidate, they need to put aside unhelpful visceral impulses and vote for what could really help them begin to reclaim what was given away over the course of a generation.
3
While it does appear that most of Trump's support comes from lower income whites without college degrees, I must say that, in this household, some, not all, but some of his ideas have merit, far more than those uttered by his rivals on either side of the isle.
First we are over 65, are retired with an income that places us in the upper 5% of Americans and have 5 college degrees between us, three of them advanced. Clearly, we do not fit the stereotype promulgated by the Republican establishment.
We also see crumbling infrastructure across out land, money going out of the country either by companies finding cheaper manufacturing abroad or by the government paying for security we provide to the rest of the world. Our own people see all of this and then cannot find decent jobs. The Republicans are part of the problem but are too ensconced in their "rightful" place in the world to see it.
Maybe The Donald is not a terrific candidate, but he packs a lot of truth.
First we are over 65, are retired with an income that places us in the upper 5% of Americans and have 5 college degrees between us, three of them advanced. Clearly, we do not fit the stereotype promulgated by the Republican establishment.
We also see crumbling infrastructure across out land, money going out of the country either by companies finding cheaper manufacturing abroad or by the government paying for security we provide to the rest of the world. Our own people see all of this and then cannot find decent jobs. The Republicans are part of the problem but are too ensconced in their "rightful" place in the world to see it.
Maybe The Donald is not a terrific candidate, but he packs a lot of truth.
9
This election has made me think about several things:
1. Why is one a Democrat vs Republican, or what do the parties represent?.
2. Same question about Conservative or Liberal.
3 What is the ideal position for a "government".
4. What do we really need.
5. What does campaigning and elections have to do with these question.
(6. What should our responsible 4th estate present information to us)
Political parties are a coalition of a variety of interests. Campaigns seem to be a Kabuki of claims that can be vaguely kept later without limiting the ability of the eventual government to change things that the party elite prefer. (as well as a chance to destroy the reputation of the opponent).
Being a member of one party or the other seems to be more a response to marketing a "brand name" more than thoughtful problem solving.
Perhaps we are fighting (as opposed to arguing) over what the role of government should be, but we seem to have absolute positions as our only voter choices. What about compromise and trial and error?
But what are the actual issues that we need to face as a nation? Not gun rights, not abortion rights or gay rights not how many Muslims or Mexicans live here.
I keep thinking that we have some serious problems not the least of which is that there are these people who are losing the American Dream and are angry. They have political power and yet are still marginalized by the parties. The Campaign-Industrial-News complex is at fault for much of this.
1. Why is one a Democrat vs Republican, or what do the parties represent?.
2. Same question about Conservative or Liberal.
3 What is the ideal position for a "government".
4. What do we really need.
5. What does campaigning and elections have to do with these question.
(6. What should our responsible 4th estate present information to us)
Political parties are a coalition of a variety of interests. Campaigns seem to be a Kabuki of claims that can be vaguely kept later without limiting the ability of the eventual government to change things that the party elite prefer. (as well as a chance to destroy the reputation of the opponent).
Being a member of one party or the other seems to be more a response to marketing a "brand name" more than thoughtful problem solving.
Perhaps we are fighting (as opposed to arguing) over what the role of government should be, but we seem to have absolute positions as our only voter choices. What about compromise and trial and error?
But what are the actual issues that we need to face as a nation? Not gun rights, not abortion rights or gay rights not how many Muslims or Mexicans live here.
I keep thinking that we have some serious problems not the least of which is that there are these people who are losing the American Dream and are angry. They have political power and yet are still marginalized by the parties. The Campaign-Industrial-News complex is at fault for much of this.
2
An excellent piece of journalism which starkly shows that the underclass which has, in recent decades, felt an affiliation with the Republican doctrine has been cast adrift by them (to be sure, this group has been ill served by both parties). It is no wonder that so many of these disenfranchised have turned to Trump, who while not specifically speaking to their plight, at least presents the illusion of an alternative to the existing political power structure and a promise of attention to their grivenances. This affection also implies that should Trump be denied the Republican party’s nomination, he would have support for the formation of a third party.
2
Most of America does not have a college degree and in 1960, the measure of academic preparedness was a High School Diploma. Even worse, in 1960 a college degree did not guarantee a better income; public educators were enormously underpaid. Immigration introduced large populations of people who were either very well-educated or lacking even elementary skill. The statistics reported in this article do not reflect how much of poor white experience is evidence of a world changing around them.
There's no doubt that poor whites in America were traditionally the majority of the poor and NCES statistic show that they are not prepared to enter college on completion of high school. Regardless, they are a symptom of unrest that could be any social group, and they are now a frightening voting block. I believe we have failed as a country to prepare children for adulthood.
This is not a Civil Rights Movement of oppressed people, it is a movement of searching for dignity. They are not actually 'white', with privilege; they are isolated. Today poor whites are cast into a multicultural world as the 'bad' people, especially men. We are failing to define a path to dignity for the isolated.
There's no doubt that poor whites in America were traditionally the majority of the poor and NCES statistic show that they are not prepared to enter college on completion of high school. Regardless, they are a symptom of unrest that could be any social group, and they are now a frightening voting block. I believe we have failed as a country to prepare children for adulthood.
This is not a Civil Rights Movement of oppressed people, it is a movement of searching for dignity. They are not actually 'white', with privilege; they are isolated. Today poor whites are cast into a multicultural world as the 'bad' people, especially men. We are failing to define a path to dignity for the isolated.
4
What's most remarkable about the disenfranchised white lower class today is that they consistently and passionately embrace the party that denies them a minimum wage that keeps up with inflation. It defies logic, and has everything to do with the Republican Party's coded, false message about how Democrats are raising minorities above poor whites.
If these angry poor whites looked for a path out of poverty from the Democratic Party they might find more than the empty rhetoric and obfuscation of benefits that the Republican Party heaps on them. Let's face it, Trickle Down Economics will never rain on these people.
You mention the irony of "The Other America" speech now applying to the white have-nots in the Republican Party. Howard Zinn wrote about a very similar phenomenon in the late 1800's when white factory workers were treated similarly to the post-Civil War blacks working on plantations. Before they unionized and became a political force, they had no rights or prospects for improvement.
Instead of pundits worrying about manipulating various voting blocks, perhaps they should worry more about communicating a coherent message of hope for everyone like Dr. King did. That way desperate people not knowing where to turn will be less likely to be taken in by Trump's snake oil.
If these angry poor whites looked for a path out of poverty from the Democratic Party they might find more than the empty rhetoric and obfuscation of benefits that the Republican Party heaps on them. Let's face it, Trickle Down Economics will never rain on these people.
You mention the irony of "The Other America" speech now applying to the white have-nots in the Republican Party. Howard Zinn wrote about a very similar phenomenon in the late 1800's when white factory workers were treated similarly to the post-Civil War blacks working on plantations. Before they unionized and became a political force, they had no rights or prospects for improvement.
Instead of pundits worrying about manipulating various voting blocks, perhaps they should worry more about communicating a coherent message of hope for everyone like Dr. King did. That way desperate people not knowing where to turn will be less likely to be taken in by Trump's snake oil.
16
Are there social and economic problems in small town and rural America? You bet there are. What I find amazing is that the political party most closely associated with rural and small town America is blaming these problems solely on the moral failings of of the people who live there, their own supporters, with no effort to look for or try to understand underlying causes. Without any effort to understand the forces that underlies the economic and social destruction at work in our society of course the first response will be to blame what is easily visible, trade and immigration, either rightly or wrongly. The Republican's elites refusal to understand and come to terms with the real issues only serves to reinforce the sense of a rigged political and economic system. How easy is it for the comforted to tell the afflicted to fill a U-Haul and get out? Where should they go and how will they live when they get there? Our social and economic problems have been decades in the making and I bet have causes beyond liberalism, abortion, divorce and the moral failings of less well educated Americans. The Republican Party ignores this at their peril. Conservative ideas and discourse have always been important to the future of this country, but not from an elite now bought and paid for by a handful of billionaires. I am thinking that the Republican establishment ought to be the ones renting the U-Haul.
9
This article is nothing more or less than a collection of other peoples' opinions, and it does very little to reach informed decisions on the Trump candidacy.
We live in a rapidly changing world where things that happen on the other side of the world can be communicated instantly to anyone and everyone with a cell phone, and that is most of us in developed countries, and many in developing countries. In addition, globalization and the mobility of goods and capital make it possible to move jobs from one place to another with almost equal speed.
The impact of these changes has been enormous on the US and many other countries, but, while much of it has been good, not all of it has been so. The US, in particular, while taking a leading role in make this all happen, has done little or nothing to mitigate the negative aspects to a large segment of its people, most of whom see the "American Dream" rapidly slipping out of their reach, never to return. In some cases, the US has exacerbated these problems with open borders, undocumented workers, and massive immigration of people who have, for whatever reason, not assimilated well.
These disaffected voters the article writes about hear Mr. Sanders' and Mrs. Clinton's discussion of inclusion and equality and think, probably correctly, that this means others not them. Some Republican candidates echo those themes as well. Trump is the only one they see as speaking for them and who is willing to do something about their concerns.
We live in a rapidly changing world where things that happen on the other side of the world can be communicated instantly to anyone and everyone with a cell phone, and that is most of us in developed countries, and many in developing countries. In addition, globalization and the mobility of goods and capital make it possible to move jobs from one place to another with almost equal speed.
The impact of these changes has been enormous on the US and many other countries, but, while much of it has been good, not all of it has been so. The US, in particular, while taking a leading role in make this all happen, has done little or nothing to mitigate the negative aspects to a large segment of its people, most of whom see the "American Dream" rapidly slipping out of their reach, never to return. In some cases, the US has exacerbated these problems with open borders, undocumented workers, and massive immigration of people who have, for whatever reason, not assimilated well.
These disaffected voters the article writes about hear Mr. Sanders' and Mrs. Clinton's discussion of inclusion and equality and think, probably correctly, that this means others not them. Some Republican candidates echo those themes as well. Trump is the only one they see as speaking for them and who is willing to do something about their concerns.
We've been hearing for years that Republicans are in deep trouble because they're not responding to the demands of blacks, Hispanics and lower income whites. Yet Republicans control both houses of Congress and, but for Romney's secretly recorded contempt for the 47%, they could have gotten the presidency.
There's a lot of hand-wringing in the Party because Trump is projecting himself as a populist, not a conservative. But Republicans haven't governed as conservatives since FDR. Eisenhower launched the national highway system. Nixon launched EPA. Reagan railed but didn't rule as a conservative, apart from huge tax cuts which he and Bush the Elder partially reversed; the federal government actually grew on Reagan's watch. GW Bush launched MedicareRx, a trillion dollar gift to Big Pharm as well as seniors; he also started our endlessly costly military engagement in Iraq.
Ted Cruz would follow W's path towards world domination, with more wars. He would also seek to destroy the social safety net in place since FDR and could do so simply by refusing to act on legislative appropriations. Just like he did as Senator when he closed the federal government.
There's a lot of hand-wringing in the Party because Trump is projecting himself as a populist, not a conservative. But Republicans haven't governed as conservatives since FDR. Eisenhower launched the national highway system. Nixon launched EPA. Reagan railed but didn't rule as a conservative, apart from huge tax cuts which he and Bush the Elder partially reversed; the federal government actually grew on Reagan's watch. GW Bush launched MedicareRx, a trillion dollar gift to Big Pharm as well as seniors; he also started our endlessly costly military engagement in Iraq.
Ted Cruz would follow W's path towards world domination, with more wars. He would also seek to destroy the social safety net in place since FDR and could do so simply by refusing to act on legislative appropriations. Just like he did as Senator when he closed the federal government.
6
The poorly educated white underclass is now feeling what blacks have felt for many a long decade, and they don't like it. But, true to form, they turn their anger to those always felt to be below them in the status race: blacks, Hispanics, women. And along comes a proto-fascist Pied Piper, the Donald himself, who knows exactly what tune to play for these folks. His greatest pleasure, it would seem (cf. Trump University), is getting over on the rubes, and this coup will be a beauty.
It is a very old story, only seeming new by the rapidity and intensity of modern telecommunicatons, mainly TV and the Internet. And it seems likely to end the way it always has: chaos, anarchy, and dissolution. Except as the effects of global warming accrue, the dissolution will move comparatively quickly.
It is a very old story, only seeming new by the rapidity and intensity of modern telecommunicatons, mainly TV and the Internet. And it seems likely to end the way it always has: chaos, anarchy, and dissolution. Except as the effects of global warming accrue, the dissolution will move comparatively quickly.
5
If Democrats and we as a nation, refuse to listen to the voices of Trump's supporters we may succeed in electing someone else beside Trump in the coming election, but we will not have solved the problem which besets us, that many of us do not have hope that we can prosper, or a realistic chance to do so. It occurs to me that Hilary has an opportunity to co-opt at least some of Trump's disillusioned supporters by pitching the following ideas:
- strong defense against ISIS
- a review of trade agreements to protect American workers
- protection of the social safety net - Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, - expansion of health care benefits for the poor
- creation of jobs through an infrastructure refurbishment effort funded by the government
- a decrease in the cost of education
- paid for through a redistributive approach to taxation.
If Mr. Trump has torn the Republican party apart, this is a political problem with which they must deal. The country (or the Democrats) can offer solutions to some of the basic needs and demands of his supporters.
- strong defense against ISIS
- a review of trade agreements to protect American workers
- protection of the social safety net - Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, - expansion of health care benefits for the poor
- creation of jobs through an infrastructure refurbishment effort funded by the government
- a decrease in the cost of education
- paid for through a redistributive approach to taxation.
If Mr. Trump has torn the Republican party apart, this is a political problem with which they must deal. The country (or the Democrats) can offer solutions to some of the basic needs and demands of his supporters.
3
Learn from the SWISS. http://www.smh.com.au/comment/swiss-recipe-for-dealing-with-drug-addicti...
"A whole range of harm reduction initiatives were developed and sanctioned, including housing and social support, street and prison work, supervised injecting rooms (13 in 8 cities), drug testing, needle exchange, methadone programs and heroin-assisted treatment.
The policy had two objectives- a healthier population and improved public amenity. Dreifuss has said it was designed to bring "addicts out of the shadows" and into contact with a range of services. For example it is estimated that 70 per cent of the 30,000 opiate or cocaine users now receive some form of treatment. The number of drug injectors with HIV has halved, as has overdose mortality among injectors.
What's interesting, however, is that such policies exist alongside the traditional approaches, namely prevention, treatment and law enforcement. Drug production, distribution and consumption still remains illegal although in the case of some drugs possession doesn't carry heavy or criminal penalties. What the Swiss have attempted is a mix of laws and policies that recognize the reality of drug use and the enormous difficulties associated with attempts to eradicate it. However, this doesn't lead them to libertarianism but rather government action to reduce the harms that come with it. It's classic pragmatism."
"A whole range of harm reduction initiatives were developed and sanctioned, including housing and social support, street and prison work, supervised injecting rooms (13 in 8 cities), drug testing, needle exchange, methadone programs and heroin-assisted treatment.
The policy had two objectives- a healthier population and improved public amenity. Dreifuss has said it was designed to bring "addicts out of the shadows" and into contact with a range of services. For example it is estimated that 70 per cent of the 30,000 opiate or cocaine users now receive some form of treatment. The number of drug injectors with HIV has halved, as has overdose mortality among injectors.
What's interesting, however, is that such policies exist alongside the traditional approaches, namely prevention, treatment and law enforcement. Drug production, distribution and consumption still remains illegal although in the case of some drugs possession doesn't carry heavy or criminal penalties. What the Swiss have attempted is a mix of laws and policies that recognize the reality of drug use and the enormous difficulties associated with attempts to eradicate it. However, this doesn't lead them to libertarianism but rather government action to reduce the harms that come with it. It's classic pragmatism."
1
Two observations:
First, it seems very odd that people would not see that situations of despair that appear to have no good way out lead to foolish and/or anti-social behavior. The situation leads to the behavior - it is not the behavior that leads to the situation.
Second, as with so many other social forces from poor education to early death to drug addiction to lack of decent jobs, it's painful to see that the constellation of problems being attributed to poor whites' lack of self discipline is not the very same set of problems, beyond their control, that for decades have been attributed to minorities' lack of discipline.
It's painful because, if that were recognized, perhaps there'd be a political opening to change the situation for everyone, instead of blaming the behavior for the situation.
However this is going to take a lot of educating and political bridge-building. I talk to people quite often who stare these plain facts in the face and, despite it all, keep insisting that effect is cause, not that cause is effect. If they spent any amount of time in struggling communities (and journalists this includes you), as I do, they'd have a much harder time believing that.
First, it seems very odd that people would not see that situations of despair that appear to have no good way out lead to foolish and/or anti-social behavior. The situation leads to the behavior - it is not the behavior that leads to the situation.
Second, as with so many other social forces from poor education to early death to drug addiction to lack of decent jobs, it's painful to see that the constellation of problems being attributed to poor whites' lack of self discipline is not the very same set of problems, beyond their control, that for decades have been attributed to minorities' lack of discipline.
It's painful because, if that were recognized, perhaps there'd be a political opening to change the situation for everyone, instead of blaming the behavior for the situation.
However this is going to take a lot of educating and political bridge-building. I talk to people quite often who stare these plain facts in the face and, despite it all, keep insisting that effect is cause, not that cause is effect. If they spent any amount of time in struggling communities (and journalists this includes you), as I do, they'd have a much harder time believing that.
1
Unintentionally hidden by Kevin Williamson in his Conservative scree was this one pearl of truth cast before swine, "...What they need isn’t analgesics, literal or political. They need real opportunity, which means that they need real change,.."
And they know that.
They know that since Ronald Reagan the oppression of Conservative think, spin and propaganda has imposed and otherwise influenced policies that have brought 36 years of:
* a tax system that doesn't raise enough money to pay our bills
* a pursuit of short-term gain and no consideration of long-term planning
* corporations allowed to do what they want to do
* big-to-fail financial institutions that are protected
* an attacked safety net for the 90%
* federal policy concerned with wealth and only with wealth
* a lack of concern for meaningful, living wage jobs
* unequal recovery from The Great Crash they causedr
* the impending death of the middle class,
* most of the income and wealth going to the 0.1% and 1% of Americans
Mr. Williamson sits on the board of those who caused all this disaster and has the audacity to say that those he and his have disenfranchised are weaklings and cowards for not responding to it like the members of the board, who have all the money, have responded.
But what else is new? Conservatives have been saying that since the days of the Gilded Age.
And they know that.
They know that since Ronald Reagan the oppression of Conservative think, spin and propaganda has imposed and otherwise influenced policies that have brought 36 years of:
* a tax system that doesn't raise enough money to pay our bills
* a pursuit of short-term gain and no consideration of long-term planning
* corporations allowed to do what they want to do
* big-to-fail financial institutions that are protected
* an attacked safety net for the 90%
* federal policy concerned with wealth and only with wealth
* a lack of concern for meaningful, living wage jobs
* unequal recovery from The Great Crash they causedr
* the impending death of the middle class,
* most of the income and wealth going to the 0.1% and 1% of Americans
Mr. Williamson sits on the board of those who caused all this disaster and has the audacity to say that those he and his have disenfranchised are weaklings and cowards for not responding to it like the members of the board, who have all the money, have responded.
But what else is new? Conservatives have been saying that since the days of the Gilded Age.
9
"If the elites think they can not only deny Trump the nomination, but turn back this revolution and re-establish themselves in the esteem of the people, they delude themselves.
This is hubris of a high order."
This is hubris of a high order."
1
What does this American know about the White Working Class when all is said and done? Have I lived in a trailer, labored long hours on a roof in the hot sun? Perhaps my idea of the Recession is listening to carpenters, painters and handymen, a competitive market, where they quietly share on occasion their political views which are really none of my business? A fine contemporary author might give us an update on Steinbeck's novel 'Of Mice and Men'.
'Involuntary Poverty' is ugly and it can make one easily bitter. It can lead to violence. The more fortunate of us may feel uneasy, feeling that it is a misfortune, a bad poker hand, and the ante rises if one receives news that someone has died of poverty (some take their families along with them).
The men, encountered during this Great Recession in their mid-50s, are voting for 'King Midas' because maybe his gold luck will rub off on them. They have their buddies and beer, they will tell you they have been burned and they can smell a rat a mile away.
Few of them can write. Some of them have children out of wedlock with women described as 'rough around the edges'. Some are now in their late 70s, depressed for the sake of their grandchildren. 'Even my friend, Glenn Beck, is at a loss for words' from an elderly caretaker, one who started working at 16, collecting empty bottles. I listen carefully and politely. Some of these men are depressed, and I can understand. He is voting for Cruz, but he is no longer praying.
'Involuntary Poverty' is ugly and it can make one easily bitter. It can lead to violence. The more fortunate of us may feel uneasy, feeling that it is a misfortune, a bad poker hand, and the ante rises if one receives news that someone has died of poverty (some take their families along with them).
The men, encountered during this Great Recession in their mid-50s, are voting for 'King Midas' because maybe his gold luck will rub off on them. They have their buddies and beer, they will tell you they have been burned and they can smell a rat a mile away.
Few of them can write. Some of them have children out of wedlock with women described as 'rough around the edges'. Some are now in their late 70s, depressed for the sake of their grandchildren. 'Even my friend, Glenn Beck, is at a loss for words' from an elderly caretaker, one who started working at 16, collecting empty bottles. I listen carefully and politely. Some of these men are depressed, and I can understand. He is voting for Cruz, but he is no longer praying.
87
"[Trump supporters] will tell you they have been burned and they can smell a rat a mile away."
And that's a central part of the problem. In their collective & visceral disillusion, neither they, nor a number of others, can see what to objective thought should be extremely obvious --that Trump is just another rat, another egotistic politician, selling Kool-Aid & snake oil with an incredibly enticing flavor.
In the end, differently flavored Kool-Aid is still just Kool-Aid.
And that's a central part of the problem. In their collective & visceral disillusion, neither they, nor a number of others, can see what to objective thought should be extremely obvious --that Trump is just another rat, another egotistic politician, selling Kool-Aid & snake oil with an incredibly enticing flavor.
In the end, differently flavored Kool-Aid is still just Kool-Aid.
3
Grapes of Wrath.
1
Trump is better than Cruz. Sanders is better than trump.
1
I guess Williamson pulled himself pulled himself up by his own bootstraps, no help or hand up all along life's journey. Well maybe. Just telling people to move is vacuous. Many people have intergenerational attachments to their communities. Yes, some of us enjoy being nomads. Most don't, especially those of lesser education. These small communities also tend to be tied together my the churches/religion. So mysticism tends to hold sway over opinions. Fear of the unknown keeps these people in place. The drugs and alcohol help to kill the pain of failure. The lack of empathy on the part of the two Nation writers is amazing, cynical and sickening all at the same time. Obviously the GOP can't bust their bubble and see the world as it is. They prefer perception jaded by their surroundings.
16
Williamson is but another hateful columnist for the mediocre rightwing rag, The National Review, not to be confused with the far superior publication, The Nation. His despicable attitude, which is shared by many in the GOP, towards a large segment of the population, who, in their anger and despair continue to believe GOP lies, is a clear indicator of an imploding republican party. Williamson's heartlessness and clear lack of empathy towards them is beyond shameful. Indeed the Democrats are far from being perfect, but as a Sanders supporter, watching the hateful, racist and misogynistic GOP go up in Trump's flames gives me great pleasure. As the Germans say..."Schadenfreude". It does feel good, I have to say.
2
National Review, not The Nation. A huge difference.
29 year old white guy with an MBA from Massachusetts here with a good job and wife with equally as good. Trump's a terrible person - but the media is worse. Haven't decided yet, but I hate the media which is inclusive of the NYTIMES for it's extremely biased reporting - on immigration in particular. If anything good could come from Trump winning, it woulud be to watch the media's collective head explode.
20
Good Lord, I have never seen anything as nasty and vicious as Kevin Williamson's words in a national magazine. "They deserve to die"? How can he say that? Now the cover is off and the lower class blue collar can see just what the upper Republican really think of them. And it is not pretty.
30
He should be fired, and there is little doubt in mind that he will be fired - board of directors or no board of directors. Once the power elites realize how utterly stupid and counterproductive such statements are to their entrenched economic position, he's gone.
The cover is not off. The white blue collar group reads neither the National Review nor the NY Times.
It's what I call an "open conspiracy." The mainstream media can make the claim that they have dutifully reported it, yet the people most affected know nothing about it. They're listening to talk radio or watching Fox News.
They do however know that they're not happy and they do own a lot of guns. This may ultimately concentrate the minds of the elites because in such an environment the rise of a Donald Trump is inevitable and the well-off can't be sure where he's going to lead his troops.
It's what I call an "open conspiracy." The mainstream media can make the claim that they have dutifully reported it, yet the people most affected know nothing about it. They're listening to talk radio or watching Fox News.
They do however know that they're not happy and they do own a lot of guns. This may ultimately concentrate the minds of the elites because in such an environment the rise of a Donald Trump is inevitable and the well-off can't be sure where he's going to lead his troops.
The angriest republicans are those writing for the National Review and "think tanks" and those spewing nonsense on talk radio. Their contempt for their fellow party members is breathtaking in it's vile and hateful tone while betraying their utter shock that those who have repeatedly voted against their own interests will no longer fall in line. Schadenfreud much?!
28
I would say that the angriest Republicans are those who have been betrayed by the Republicans they elected. The voters saw the Republicans they elected roll over for President Obama for the price of a selfie with the President. Selfies are nice but the folks back home want some substance. At least send the voters a copy of the selfie with the President.
1
Please explain how they have been or think they have been betrayed. President Obama has been the executive for all the people, not just a (insert pejorative) segment of the population.
Wow, where do I go to get paid to write a column and just quote other writers? Must be nice gig!
2
The Democrats and left press and media are also contemptuous of Trump supporters describing them as " white working class racist rednecks". How is thus language not a micro-aggression?
Trump is a protest vote against decades of bad governance by both parties. Bill Clinton deregulated the banks leading to the 2008 banking meltdown and mortgage crisis from which many have not recovered. 9,000 jobs were lost and have not returned. Salaries are stagnant. Benefits poor, healthcare unaffordable for 30 million. W Bush lied us into the Iraq war enabled by the Democrats and Hillary. Obama did nor reform banking but bailed them out , not demanding anything in return. Young folks are burdened with college debt and many cannot find good jobs.
It is not on,y the Republicans who are angry. The Sander's vote is a protest against the Democrat elites who endorsed Hillary before the primary even started. No choice for the Democrats.
The Republican leadership endorsed another Bush, a novice Rubio, extremist Cruz and ignores the only candidate with the experience to be president, Kasich.
We should all be mad.
Trump is a protest vote against decades of bad governance by both parties. Bill Clinton deregulated the banks leading to the 2008 banking meltdown and mortgage crisis from which many have not recovered. 9,000 jobs were lost and have not returned. Salaries are stagnant. Benefits poor, healthcare unaffordable for 30 million. W Bush lied us into the Iraq war enabled by the Democrats and Hillary. Obama did nor reform banking but bailed them out , not demanding anything in return. Young folks are burdened with college debt and many cannot find good jobs.
It is not on,y the Republicans who are angry. The Sander's vote is a protest against the Democrat elites who endorsed Hillary before the primary even started. No choice for the Democrats.
The Republican leadership endorsed another Bush, a novice Rubio, extremist Cruz and ignores the only candidate with the experience to be president, Kasich.
We should all be mad.
13
Bill Clinton did not deregulate the banks. He signed a bill proposed and passed by a Republican congress. Do I wish he didn't sign the bill? Sure but to blame him for the repeal of Glass-Steagall is ignorant at best.
2
Kasich's policy prescriptions are no different than any of the other "conservatives". Beware a wolf in sheep's clothing; if you are angry and want real change, vote for Sanders, not Chump.
1
For decades, lower class white wage earners have been lied to and duped by a GOP establishment that fully understood the political power of racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and reactionary christianity, cloaked in the GOP politically correct language of "traditional American values". These voters have propped up the GOP for decades, while the GOP establishment facilitated the destruction of their jobs, schools, healthcare and children's futures. I'm glad they're dumping the GOP establishment. Too bad for the country that they're doing it for lying Trump, who will do nothing to help them either. This is a ripe political opportunity for Clinton and Sanders and the Dems, but they don't get it either. FDR got it, but the Democratic party, including Sanders, has completely forgotten FDR, and is clueless about (if even aware of) the escalating decline of the white working class.
19
Buried in this extraordinary self-loathing screed, is mention of the person who perhaps principally gave rise to the self-destructive Republican movement - Newt Gingrich. Gingrich, who has no moral compass and pretends to conservative values, is an unalloyed egoist. He cared not at all for the undereducated blue collar demographic and, like his party successors, simply used them without thought or fear of revolt. Is it any wonder that Gingrich now backs Trump, the one person who could give him a new lease on political life? Gingrich, Christie and others are now mere footmen on Trump's coach, hoping for reflected glory and second-hand respect.
30
Republicans have long held to moral superiority as an explanation of economic and social success. The wealthy form an aristocracy with God-given rights; their success is part of the natural order, evidence of God's blessings. Conversely, the poor are also part of the natural order, their poverty evidence of God's displeasure and their own moral turpitude.
21
Calvinists?
You've missed the biggest contributors: Talk radio and Fox News. They're the 'news' sources for much of the angriest Republicans. When you're exposed to 24/7 vitriol attacking The President, "Government" and the others, you're bound to support the candidate that sounds the most like a radio talk show or Fox television host. If you can stomach it, spend a week listening to one of any of the right-wing radio hosts. And they've all been aided and abetted by the G.O.P.
52
While I understand that many Americans are feeling bitten by the hand they fed, the lack of sophistication in the ideas of their candidate is disheartening. I have quite a few friends that are very stubborn when it comes to Trump. When you argue about the impracticality of a wall that would run through private land, separate parts of America into Mexico and cost a ridiculous amount of money, they turn a deaf ear. Bringing up Trump's bad foreign policy ideas are met with the argument of "deals." When you mention the disastrous businessmen governors in Florida and Michigan they shrug. Its sad. But as ye reap so shall ye sow--He is only the heavy metal version of the bad ideas put forth by pundits for years. and they have been well paid to spread fair and balanced lies and hillbilly ideas on a 24 hour basis to people who have been screwed by jobs heading overseas. I hope it tears the party to shreds.
321
"While I understand that many Americans are feeling bitten by the hand they fed.."
Uhhh, what?
Uhhh, what?
2
Democratic elites are also vulnerable to this anger, rightfully so.
1
China is exporting millions of manufacturing robots to the USA. They cost 10K and will work for 3 years with no breaks.
The winner will be a technocrat who has a degree in recreational therapy and economic development.
The winner will be a technocrat who has a degree in recreational therapy and economic development.
It seems to me that the 2008 financial crisis produced a new group of voters that span a couple of these categories, and who also are good pickings for both Trump and Sanders. They are highly educated professionals who lost good jobs and benefits, and, almost 10 years later, have not seen their prospects improve as they had hoped. Gradually, these voters have become very disillusioned, as both parties failed to put forward a serious economic plan for re-building the middle class. When a consumer-driven economy loses its most powerful consumers, the only game in town becomes the federal government, which Republicans especially are loathe to deploy, even when its citizens are suffering.
166
And how pray tell would Pres. Obama been able to help the middle class in the last 8 years when Republicans say "NO" to literally EVERYTHING!!
2
Spot on. I am one such as you describe. MBA working for major NYC financial institution for 27 years, laid off in 2009 as job outsourced to Costa Rica. Now 60 years old, and only able to work gig jobs as adjunct professor in local community colleges since 2009. Formerly a lifelong Republican, now feeling the Bern, as it were.
The so called angry black men should welcome the the angry white men to their world of pain, hopelessness, high unemployment and uncertain future.
11
So why aren't Trump's economically-distressed supporters supporting Bernie instead of a self-serving narcissist? Trump channels the anger against those who are even more distressed: immigrants and minorities. Bernie channels the anger against those who have taken nearly all the nation's economic growth for themselves. Which target actually has the power? Whose policies could actually change the distribution of economic and political power? Unfortunately for Trump's supporters, they are looking for a solution in the wrong direction.
387
Sanders doesn't know how to communicate with blue collar working class, and unfortunately, the democratic party is identified as the party of women and minorities.
1
Well done! Now I don't have to write this same comment.
With the almost total pre-occupation of Trumps antics by the media, clearly, Bernies message and what he stands for, at this point, has not had the ability to resonate with a significant number of brain dead people who can only understood buzzwords and generalizations and not detailed policies that, if the time were taken to listen, discussed and understood, would, by far, best help this group same of disaffected voters.
It would seem they are incapable of doing that hence the support of Trump and as he so eloquently stated, his biggest supporters are the uneducated.
It would seem they are incapable of doing that hence the support of Trump and as he so eloquently stated, his biggest supporters are the uneducated.
1
It's been a few decades now that the establishment has been selling "right to work", "deregulation", and "free trade", complete with promises of how much better things will be.
The evidence is in.
The establishment has botched the public administration and trust. Indeed, a fair minded person would be hard-pressed to identify even one thing they have done right.
It's time to get on the road to recovery. It's time to make peace, and use the savings to rebuild America. It's time to make America great again.
All of these establishment folks who are freaking out are the real pessimists. Implied in their arguments is the idea that what we've got is the best we're going to have but that it will get better. Once all of the money is in the hands of the ruling class, then we will have a truly wonderful society.
That dog won't hunt no more.
Trump is winning because he is an effective candidate. Until the establishment can accept this fact, they're never going to figure out how to beat him. Furthermore, if they cared about the people, they would not be trying to beat him. They would be trying to figure out a way to improve the lives of the people.
The evidence is in.
The establishment has botched the public administration and trust. Indeed, a fair minded person would be hard-pressed to identify even one thing they have done right.
It's time to get on the road to recovery. It's time to make peace, and use the savings to rebuild America. It's time to make America great again.
All of these establishment folks who are freaking out are the real pessimists. Implied in their arguments is the idea that what we've got is the best we're going to have but that it will get better. Once all of the money is in the hands of the ruling class, then we will have a truly wonderful society.
That dog won't hunt no more.
Trump is winning because he is an effective candidate. Until the establishment can accept this fact, they're never going to figure out how to beat him. Furthermore, if they cared about the people, they would not be trying to beat him. They would be trying to figure out a way to improve the lives of the people.
10
Trump is NOT a politician!!!!!
“Politicians are more likely than people in the general population to be sociopaths. I think you would find no expert in the field of sociopathy/psychopathy/antisocial personality disorder who would dispute this... That a small minority of human beings literally have no conscience was and is a bitter pill for our society to swallow — but it does explain a great many things, shamelessly deceitful political behavior being one.”—Dr. Martha Stout, clinical psychologist and former instructor at Harvard Medical School
Trump is the only non politician running for president...
Trump is NOT a politician!!!!!
“Politicians are more likely than people in the general population to be sociopaths. I think you would find no expert in the field of sociopathy/psychopathy/antisocial personality disorder who would dispute this... That a small minority of human beings literally have no conscience was and is a bitter pill for our society to swallow — but it does explain a great many things, shamelessly deceitful political behavior being one.”—Dr. Martha Stout, clinical psychologist and former instructor at Harvard Medical School
Trump is the only non politician running for president...
Trump is NOT a politician!!!!!
H. Torbet didn't say he IS a politician.
1
To paraphrase Pogo Possum: the 47% Romney blasted are saying: "We met the bums and they is us!"
6
So the angriest Republicans ... are the elite ones?
4
Sorry, Mr Edsall, the Republicans have always held working-class Americans in utter contempt. Since Nixon the GOP has played these voters for fools, dangling the shiny distractions of divisive social issues before their eyes while picking their pockets from behind. We see the results of decades of this scam in today's Robber-Baron-era levels of income inequality.
The total disdain of the GOP for the American working class has been shown repeatedly in their breaking unions and backing management, denial of access to healthcare, attacks on the social safety net and workplace safety rules, support for job-killing free-trade deals, degradation of the environment, and their sustained assault on poor women's health and reproductive options.
The elitist, entitled, self-congratulatory worldview of the GOP was succinctly expressed in Romney's infamous 47% remark in 2012, whereby tens of millions of hard-working and struggling poor were dismissed as lazy moochers with their hands out.
Up to this point, the working class has been complicit in its own destruction. Alone among developed nations, in America tens of millions reject the party that sets out to help them (the Democrats) and instead actively favor the party that makes their lives measurably worse. This demonstrates the power of the rightist propaganda machine, which pumps lies and fantasy into the heads of these voters 24/7.
Perhaps, in this election cycle, the GOP scam is up. But what comes next could be uglier.
The total disdain of the GOP for the American working class has been shown repeatedly in their breaking unions and backing management, denial of access to healthcare, attacks on the social safety net and workplace safety rules, support for job-killing free-trade deals, degradation of the environment, and their sustained assault on poor women's health and reproductive options.
The elitist, entitled, self-congratulatory worldview of the GOP was succinctly expressed in Romney's infamous 47% remark in 2012, whereby tens of millions of hard-working and struggling poor were dismissed as lazy moochers with their hands out.
Up to this point, the working class has been complicit in its own destruction. Alone among developed nations, in America tens of millions reject the party that sets out to help them (the Democrats) and instead actively favor the party that makes their lives measurably worse. This demonstrates the power of the rightist propaganda machine, which pumps lies and fantasy into the heads of these voters 24/7.
Perhaps, in this election cycle, the GOP scam is up. But what comes next could be uglier.
639
Gfagan,
On one point, I take issue. You wrote, "Alone among developed nations, in America tens of millions reject the party that sets out to help them (the Democrats) and instead actively favor the party that makes their lives measurably worse."
Sadly, no. This is the case in several countries, most glaringly in the UK where support of the Conservative party(and Conservative party policies carried out by Liberals-In-Name-Only like Mr. Blair) since the mid-70's has been strongest in the white underclass, even as that party destroyed union power and dismantled the social safety net erected over a century of struggle. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Fear and loathing of the other are the tools of the Right the world over.
On one point, I take issue. You wrote, "Alone among developed nations, in America tens of millions reject the party that sets out to help them (the Democrats) and instead actively favor the party that makes their lives measurably worse."
Sadly, no. This is the case in several countries, most glaringly in the UK where support of the Conservative party(and Conservative party policies carried out by Liberals-In-Name-Only like Mr. Blair) since the mid-70's has been strongest in the white underclass, even as that party destroyed union power and dismantled the social safety net erected over a century of struggle. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Fear and loathing of the other are the tools of the Right the world over.
4
" But what comes next could be uglier."
We've seen uglier in the recent past. All we need to know is what color shirt the
disillusioned will choose to wear. Brown and Black bring up bad memories. Finding a textile mill in the US to make all the banners, flags and armbands will be a problem and I'm sure there are laws everywhere that prohibit carrying fiery torches. Lieden. We need someone to write inspiring lieden.
We've seen uglier in the recent past. All we need to know is what color shirt the
disillusioned will choose to wear. Brown and Black bring up bad memories. Finding a textile mill in the US to make all the banners, flags and armbands will be a problem and I'm sure there are laws everywhere that prohibit carrying fiery torches. Lieden. We need someone to write inspiring lieden.
Mr. G Fagan I agree whole head heartedly with you with one exception...........What is coming is and will be uglier.
All of this is happening because for decades now the Republican party has problems with the idea of democracy in general, preferring monarchies and pre-Magna Carta set-ups. Its lack of respect and off-the-wall interpretations of the Constitution as some kind of dead thing only to be revered when it suits them are just small examples.
7
The manufacturing base has had its blood leeched out of it drop by drop by the powerful forces of globalization that pull the economic levers behind the scene. The emanating source of the Rust Belt misery and discontent are major corporations which are on a relentless hunt for cheap labor. To tell a man in his 40s or 50s that a trade he has been brought up in his whole life is no longer available is a body blow to both him and his family. To tell him he must now re-train himself in new fields with little or no financial or technical support from the fleeing industries that have pulled the rug out from under his feet is laughable and cruel. This benign neglect is coming back to haunt this country in a big way. The chickens coming home to roost is in the form of a nihilistic con artist who holds the empty promises of dreams that will never be.
26
When those "Reagan Democrats" went over to the Republican party, I remember thinking "good riddance!" For years, the Democratic party had been allowing these voters' racism, xenophobia, and sexism to taint and hold back its platform. Losing the South and rural Midwest as a voting block was painful, but it also allowed the Democratic Party to pivot away from the contradictory politics that these voters represent.
These voters are angry about "welfare queens" as they cash their disability checks and farm subsidy checks over at the bank. They're angry about crackheads as they pop a couple Oxycontins and watch family members transition to heroin. They're angry about foreigners taking their jobs as they fill up their carts at Walmart, buying cheap products not made in the U.S. They're angry about environmentalists telling them what they can't do while they poison their own air, water, and soil.
Now the Republican party is saddled with these contradictory and confused voters, while the Democratic party has moved into the middle. These so- called "conservative" voters really only vote when they get angry, and they're angry now. But, a whole bunch of ugly stuff is behind that anger as they blame exactly the wrong people for their problems.
Then, they get angrier and decide not to vote at all.
Good riddance.
These voters are angry about "welfare queens" as they cash their disability checks and farm subsidy checks over at the bank. They're angry about crackheads as they pop a couple Oxycontins and watch family members transition to heroin. They're angry about foreigners taking their jobs as they fill up their carts at Walmart, buying cheap products not made in the U.S. They're angry about environmentalists telling them what they can't do while they poison their own air, water, and soil.
Now the Republican party is saddled with these contradictory and confused voters, while the Democratic party has moved into the middle. These so- called "conservative" voters really only vote when they get angry, and they're angry now. But, a whole bunch of ugly stuff is behind that anger as they blame exactly the wrong people for their problems.
Then, they get angrier and decide not to vote at all.
Good riddance.
570
except, of course, they haven't gone anywhere. They are our neighbors.
1
That second paragraph is spot on. The most clear symptom of "Angry Voter Syndrome" is the act of finger pointing... punctuated by an utter lack of self reflection or personal responsibility. BTW, this is the behavior which most confounds me in my work with teenage youth...
1
Well said. My thoughts exactly.
What this article, and most current political analysis fails to address, is that white working class Americans have consistently voted against their own best interests. They used to be a mainstay of the Democratic party, until the civil rights movement and Nixon's southern strategy. They flocked to the GOP, ignoring pocketbook/economic policy, in favor of voting their fears and prejudices. Racism, bigotry, women's health/abortion, anti-gay, and more, all emotional issues that have virtually nothing to do with the ability to find work and achieve some form of economic security.
The GOP has given them nothing, not even access to the ACA in multiple states, and yet they rally round Republicans and continue to vote for them.
So of course they are angry, hate-filled, even violent.
The terrible irony is that they've chosen Trump as their mascot, a man with no policies, no vision, no comprehension of how foreign policy works, and certainly no policies to improve the opportunities for these furious poor whites. Once again, they follow their guts, and support a man with nothing to offer but empty slogans and an outlet for rage.
Does it matter? Romney. Cruz, Kasich or Trump? Since Reagan's election in 1980, the GOP's mantra is cut taxes on the wealthy, cut government programs for all those poor whites on disability, make government the enemy, not a partner, and disenfranchise as many groups as possible, including their "base."
Still, they'll vote for Trump. Self immolation, again.
The GOP has given them nothing, not even access to the ACA in multiple states, and yet they rally round Republicans and continue to vote for them.
So of course they are angry, hate-filled, even violent.
The terrible irony is that they've chosen Trump as their mascot, a man with no policies, no vision, no comprehension of how foreign policy works, and certainly no policies to improve the opportunities for these furious poor whites. Once again, they follow their guts, and support a man with nothing to offer but empty slogans and an outlet for rage.
Does it matter? Romney. Cruz, Kasich or Trump? Since Reagan's election in 1980, the GOP's mantra is cut taxes on the wealthy, cut government programs for all those poor whites on disability, make government the enemy, not a partner, and disenfranchise as many groups as possible, including their "base."
Still, they'll vote for Trump. Self immolation, again.
848
I disagree. Trump is not their mascot. He is their stooge. They are using him to send a message. loud and clear, to those who have hitherto ignored them. And I do believe at least a few of them are beginning to listen.
What happens next is anyone's guess. In a perfect world, Bernie Sanders wins and something positive come out of it. Any other outcome will have the toxic brew stewing and boiling over. The revolution is coming to America. There is no stopping it now. But Trump is a side show. The main event is yet to come.
What happens next is anyone's guess. In a perfect world, Bernie Sanders wins and something positive come out of it. Any other outcome will have the toxic brew stewing and boiling over. The revolution is coming to America. There is no stopping it now. But Trump is a side show. The main event is yet to come.
Excellent!
I am white and relatively wealthy (single-digit millionaire). I always vote against my own self-interest and see nothing wrong with that. I believe that the betterment of the US (as I see it) is more important than providing me with more money.
I see no reason to castigate low income people for doing the same.
I see no reason to castigate low income people for doing the same.
1
My instinct tells me that at the end of the day Trump is too nice a guy to actually round up his enemies and send them to prison for a dose of beatings the way the Castro brothers still do in Cuba. The NYT didn't have much to say about Fidel rebuking Obama completely a few days ago.
Wish I could spin the news the way the mainstream media does, like, make a HUGE deal out of a Trump staffer grabbing a reporter's arm (allegedly) but stonewall every story that reflects badly on the media's chosen political party.
Media myopia is another problem. Huge attention on the bruised (allegedly) arm but real neglect on the ominous situation in Korea.
My reading of history and my career in law enforcement say this: when some nut job talks about violence long enough and loud enough, sooner or later he will do it. It is not a matter of if, but when.
I predict to you that for Korea, the time of insanely crazy violence comes very soon.
This neglected story, when it explodes, will dramatically change all narratives in our hyper political election year. It will change the way politicians talk, and the way a thoroughly frightened public looks at them.
Wish I could spin the news the way the mainstream media does, like, make a HUGE deal out of a Trump staffer grabbing a reporter's arm (allegedly) but stonewall every story that reflects badly on the media's chosen political party.
Media myopia is another problem. Huge attention on the bruised (allegedly) arm but real neglect on the ominous situation in Korea.
My reading of history and my career in law enforcement say this: when some nut job talks about violence long enough and loud enough, sooner or later he will do it. It is not a matter of if, but when.
I predict to you that for Korea, the time of insanely crazy violence comes very soon.
This neglected story, when it explodes, will dramatically change all narratives in our hyper political election year. It will change the way politicians talk, and the way a thoroughly frightened public looks at them.
5
So what are you proposing? A pre-emptive nuclear strike on North Korea? Yeah, that'll buy us LOTS of friends.
Perhaps your illuminating piece helps to explain why polls are showing Bernie Sanders clobbering Donald Trump in the general election. Some disaffected white voters on trade, a rigged political system and income inequality requiring that the rich pay a fair share of taxes are listening to Sanders, believing that he could do more than Trump.
227
Those folks might actually see that Sanders has a plan that is more than just "Trust me and watch what I do!"
1
And the sympathy shown here for the disaffected Trump supporter would also wear well on the supporters of Birdie. Republicans are not the only ones who feel hung out to dry.
1
Neither Sanders nor Trump, nor any of the candidates on either side, can address income inequality without the support of Congress. And then there is the Supreme Court, for which we need a more progressive Senate.
You can fool some of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time.
Donald Trump should be a wake up call to both major mainstream political parties. It's time to pay attention to the people you've been misleading for 50 years while funneling money to cronies and big business and the wealthy elites. And YES the Democrats do this too. They are just better at throwing their rank and file a bone, now and then.
While I don't agree with the supporters of Trump, I agree with the sentiment. It's time for the people actually doing the work to get a share of the pie.
The 1% needs to wake up. There is a revolution brewing and they will not like the side on which they find themselves.
Donald Trump should be a wake up call to both major mainstream political parties. It's time to pay attention to the people you've been misleading for 50 years while funneling money to cronies and big business and the wealthy elites. And YES the Democrats do this too. They are just better at throwing their rank and file a bone, now and then.
While I don't agree with the supporters of Trump, I agree with the sentiment. It's time for the people actually doing the work to get a share of the pie.
The 1% needs to wake up. There is a revolution brewing and they will not like the side on which they find themselves.
451
i do agree with what you say .but it wont change.as long as people think they have somebody to blame .I think term limits ,and only 10 years on the supreme court will be a start.
It's not just that Senators and House Members of both parties institute policies favoring the 1% and the donor class, they ARE the 1% and the donor class. All Senators are now millionaires, all of them, with the exception of Bernard Sanders come to think of it.
I'm a progressive and a Democrat. I live within three miles of Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, and Nancy Pelosi, multi-millionaires all. Yet, they have no idea what my life is like, even though my wage income is in the top 10% nationally.
Liberal Democratic politicians can claim to be "fighting for the middle class" or "offering ladders to opportunity", but not one of them offer or fight for policies to address the crushing burden of student debt and the tuition hikes at public universities that require middle class students to talk on such debt. None of them are offering a tax system in which workers, people who earn wages, and the wealthy, who earn capital gains, pay the same rates of taxation on their annual incomes. None of them talk about removing the cap on payroll taxes for Social Security to ensure its long term viability.
Instead, liberal Democratic polls talk a good game, all the while enjoying the status-quo benefits of living in their gated communities.
I'm a progressive and a Democrat. I live within three miles of Diane Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, and Nancy Pelosi, multi-millionaires all. Yet, they have no idea what my life is like, even though my wage income is in the top 10% nationally.
Liberal Democratic politicians can claim to be "fighting for the middle class" or "offering ladders to opportunity", but not one of them offer or fight for policies to address the crushing burden of student debt and the tuition hikes at public universities that require middle class students to talk on such debt. None of them are offering a tax system in which workers, people who earn wages, and the wealthy, who earn capital gains, pay the same rates of taxation on their annual incomes. None of them talk about removing the cap on payroll taxes for Social Security to ensure its long term viability.
Instead, liberal Democratic polls talk a good game, all the while enjoying the status-quo benefits of living in their gated communities.
1
re: The 1% needs to wake up.
^ How a billionaire Casino owning businessman whose economic platform cuts taxes for the rich can pawn himself off as being against the 1% would be beyond me.
If that is, I didn't understand that the really attractive policy of Trump to the angry GOP birds is to bash the Mexican Immigrants.
^ How a billionaire Casino owning businessman whose economic platform cuts taxes for the rich can pawn himself off as being against the 1% would be beyond me.
If that is, I didn't understand that the really attractive policy of Trump to the angry GOP birds is to bash the Mexican Immigrants.
And I'm just getting over being called a racist.
Now I'm a white trash, high school dropout, shooting heroin?
I think the writers in this column need to take a hard look around, especially the cross over Dems and independents.
Now I'm a white trash, high school dropout, shooting heroin?
I think the writers in this column need to take a hard look around, especially the cross over Dems and independents.
7
I have never figured out what the poor folks in the middle of the country have in common with the elite on the coasts. Even now they will find a imaginary reason not to vote for their own benefit.
1
The hypocrisy of the Williamsons of this world is breathtaking. It's sickening, actually. After their party has gutted the public education system (not least by encouraging home-schooling on Christian principles that teach lessons contrary to scientific facts) and inveighed against not only abortion (falsely claiming that it causes breast cancer), but birth control itself (see: Little Sisters of the Poor, whose policies is sure to do one thing: create more of the poor), how can these ideologues blame uneducated poor whites for "whelping" too many unplanned children? I guess they're bitter because those puppies will be growing up, like their parents, to become either non-voters or mutineer-voters who follow a false prophet like Trump. Too bad for the party: it's the only growing constituency on whom they thought they could count.
22
A nation whose FM radio plays the same stale lists of artists and their songs that were popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s is a nation in a cultural and moral decline. We have supported several GOP presidents, starting with Reagan, who decided to place their select defense contractors' well-being and P&Ls over the good of the American people. Intellectual curiosity and growth have been stifled as we have graduated ever more people from "college", but with a degree that often equals a 10th grader's knowledge level overseas, or in Canada for that matter. As it's currently constituted, the GOP that is virulently anti-intellectual is a party that will attract irrational people whose life indicates a permanent state of drift. Where we will land, if the Don becomes president, is frightening to contemplate, just as a sci-fi tv episode in which the protag lands on the wrong planet...
7
Interesting theory, but what does Trump offer those who've lost hope? Empty platitudes, racism and sexism mistaken for plain talk, and bluster. When he has taken a position on some issue, he mostly parrots the same GOP orthodoxy the working class is supposed to have rejected. The few times Trump veered from the mainstream, right-wing backlash had him tacking back into the fold. The Trump phenomenon is interesting, but I don't think it means the white working class is about to jump the GOP ship. I suspect when all is said and done this primary season, the proles will get behind Ted Cruz and help sweep him into the White House.
1
The tone arrogant and unsympathetic, a true conservative. Screw entire regions of the US but don't mess with my bottom line. From this National Review article we see classism is as nasty as racism in Republican Right Wing ranks.
9
Its worthwhile to remember that The National Review gives us glimpses via columnists like Williamson that there are elites who aren't merely disinterested in their fellow man but bear them naked, vicious malice... wish them dead.
They assume that no one who isn't thriving, or even just barely okay, must be degenerate, morally blameworthy.
They assume that no one who isn't thriving, or even just barely okay, must be degenerate, morally blameworthy.
18
Now that the social safety nets black folks have depended on have been successfully block granted, you no longer hear than much anymore about the Cadillac driving welfare queens or the strapping bucks buying booze with food stamps. And, compassion fatigue led to a decline in white outrage over the way black folk were treated in society as a whole.
Without black folk to kick around anymore, the GOP elites have now turned to their soci-economic equivalent.
Look at the language used in the quotes in the article; the lower class whites are essentially being described every which way similarly situated blacks were in the past. These whites are gaming the social welfare system, are lazy, refuse to work, blame others for their woes, are creatures of their addictive appetites and unable to control themselves.
It's as clear as black and white.