Tangle Senior Editor Will Kaback interviews the extremely well traveled Chris Arnade about his perspectives of the world and politics.
24 snips
Jan 2, 2026 
In this engaging conversation, Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street bond trader turned photographer and writer, shares his unique perspectives from his extensive travels. He delves into the social divide between 'front row' and 'back row' communities in America, insights on the political resonance of Trump in marginalized areas, and the overlooked impact of immigration on local communities. Arnade also discusses the importance of community bonds over material wealth, critiques U.S. culture, and shares memorable travel anecdotes.
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Front Row vs Back Row Divide
- Chris Arnade distinguishes a 'front row' and 'back row' cultural divide centered on education and worldview.
- He finds this divide shaped 2016 politics and explains persistent political misalignment.
400,000 Miles In An Odyssey
- Arnade drove 400,000 miles in a modified Honda Odyssey to visit U.S. towns and slept in Walmart plazas.
- He walked hundreds of miles in communities to learn residents' views first-hand during the 2016 election period.
Anger Was Politically Important
- Arnade observed that anger and frustration in the back row were real and politically consequential.
- He argues elites dismissed those feelings as ignorance instead of taking them seriously.
