William Galston, academic and author, discusses the impact of cultural issues on elections, the opportunities for ideological upstarts post-2024 election, and the influence of 'dark passions' like humiliation in voting behavior. The podcast explores the challenges of Democrats and Republicans in building a governing majority, analyzing class politics, working class perceptions, immigration legislation, racial dynamics, and the role of dark emotions in politics.
Cultural questions now rival economic issues in determining election outcomes, signaling a shift in voter priorities.
Ideological upstarts in both parties could capitalize on political opportunities following the 2024 election, leading to potential party restructuring.
The significant influence of 'dark passions' like humiliation and resentment on voting behavior underscores the emotional complexities in political decision-making.
Deep dives
DeSantis' Ban on Fake Meat and Its Conspiracy Framing
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' decision to ban fake meat was framed as preventing a global conspiracy to replace real meat. Though the ban plays into economic protectionism, the conspiracy angle alleging a World Economic Forum-led push towards insect eating is unfounded. This narrative fits into a historical pattern of conservative conspiracy theorizing and reflects a broader trend in conservative discourse.
Potential Impact of Trump's Criminal Verdict on US Elections
The recent guilty verdict against Donald Trump raises questions about its impact on the upcoming presidential election. Speculation suggests limited significance, with opinions divided on whether it could sway voters. The uncertainty stems from past failures to predict public reactions accurately and the lack of precedent for a former president being criminally convicted.
Future Political Debates and Realignment in US Politics
Post-election debates are anticipated within both Democratic and Republican parties due to shifting ideologies and suppressed disagreements. The potential restriction on the next president serving only one term could trigger significant internal discussions within the parties. While a classic political realignment is uncertain, structural barriers may lead to intensified debates regarding cultural, economic, and electoral strategies.
Trump's Strategy with Different Communities
In the podcast, it's discussed how Trump strategically addressed the concerns of various communities to gain support. For instance, he appealed to the evangelical community by prioritizing judges, to big business with tax cuts, and to small businesses by focusing on deregulation. By meeting the traditional Republican Party's demands, he secured room to implement his policies effectively during his first term. Additionally, Trump's understanding of Hispanic voters' priorities, focusing more on the economy than immigration, contributed significantly to his support.
Political Theory's Impact on Public Policy
The conversation delves into the influence of political theory on public policy and political debates. It emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between theoretical reflections and practical policy implementations. Understanding the clash of principles and goods in public culture is vital for effective policy-making. Moreover, the discussion highlights the significance of considering factors like personal responsibility in welfare policies to maintain social cooperation and sustainability. This analysis underscores the value of incorporating political philosophical perspectives into public policy decisions.
Yascha Mounk and William Galston discuss why neither the Democrats or Republicans have been able to build a durable governing majority.
William Galston is an author and academic who holds the Ezra K. Zilker Chair in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution. Galston was also deputy assistant for domestic policy to President Bill Clinton. His latest book is Anti-Pluralism: The Populist Threat to Liberal Democracy.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and William Galston discuss why cultural questions have become as important as economic issues in deciding elections; why the period following the 2024 election will afford political opportunities to ideological upstarts in both parties; and the outsized influence of “dark passions" like humiliation and resentment in voting behavior.
