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The Daily

How NAFTA Broke American Politics

Oct 8, 2024
Dan Kaufman, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine and author, reveals how NAFTA reshaped American politics and its workforce. Former Master Lock employee Chancey Adams shares personal stories illustrating the human toll of industrial job losses. They discuss the political realignment between parties and the working class, alongside the initial economic growth versus the long-term effects of job displacement and rising inequality. Together, they highlight the emotional and societal shifts that continue to influence U.S. political dynamics today.
47:08

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Quick takeaways

  • NAFTA reshaped American politics by transforming party alignments, leading Democrats to abandon the working class for wealthier constituents.
  • The agreement sparked significant job losses in manufacturing, escalating income inequality and prompting both parties to adopt protectionist rhetoric.

Deep dives

Impact of NAFTA on American Politics

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), enacted in 1993, marked a pivotal shift in American politics, particularly affecting the relationship between the two major parties and the working class. It led to the outsourcing of good-paying manufacturing jobs from the Rust Belt states, resulting in a painful transition for many workers who had relied on these jobs for their livelihoods. This shift realigned the Democratic Party away from its New Deal roots focused on the working class towards appealing more to the professional and wealthier classes, effectively abandoning its traditional base. Conversely, the Republican Party began to adopt working-class rhetoric, enhancing its appeal to disaffected voters who felt let down by the changes brought about by free trade.

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