The Realignment 520 | Reihan Salam: How Republicans Built a Grand New Party During the Trump Era
6 snips
Nov 14, 2024 
Reihan Salam, President of the Manhattan Institute and expert on conservative thought, dives into the GOP's evolution from George W. Bush to Trump's resurgence. He discusses how the party has redefined its appeal to working-class voters and racial minorities. Salam debates the rise of conservatism in urban areas, revealing the complexities of shifting political identities. The conversation also touches on the need for personal agency amid societal challenges and the critical role of the Manhattan Institute in tackling key issues like inflation and public safety.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Misreading the Mandate
- The Bush White House misread their 2004 mandate, focusing on entitlement reform instead of solidifying working-class support.
- This misreading, combined with the China Shock and 2008 financial crisis, created an opportunity for the left.
Rove's Strategy
- Karl Rove's strategy focused on social conservatism, the Opportunity Society, and immigration reform to attract Latino voters.
- This strategy aimed to create upward mobility and address their values.
Obama's Chicago Roots
- Obama, connected to Chicago politics, strategically presented himself as moderate and unifying.
- His team, having experienced defeat, understood the importance of the white working class vote.
