Factually! with Adam Conover There's No Such Thing as "Red States" with Trae Crowder
Apr 9, 2025
Trae Crowder, the Liberal Redneck and a sharp political commentator from Tennessee, dives into the complexities of American politics. He shares insights on growing up liberal in a conservative environment and highlights the hidden progressiveness in so-called red states. The discussion spans the role of comedy in political dialogue and the challenges of navigating cultural divides. Crowder also addresses the misconceptions surrounding rural identity and explores how local sports and education shape community values across political lines.
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Trey's Upbringing
- Trey Crowder's liberal politics were influenced by his upbringing.
- His father, who didn't attend church, had an openly gay brother and enjoyed artists like David Bowie and David Lynch.
NAFTA's Impact
- Crowder recounts how NAFTA devastated his hometown in Tennessee.
- The Oshkosh B'Gosh factory's closure led to widespread unemployment and coincided with the rise of opioid addiction.
Political Scapegoats
- Both Democrats and Republicans supported NAFTA.
- Crowder's grandfather blamed Democrats for the factory closure, highlighting how specific politicians become scapegoats.