This podcast covers topics such as the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and its geopolitical dynamics, strained relations between India and Canada, the dominance of liberal ideologies in American institutions, and the historical development of American political parties.
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Quick takeaways
The dominance of blue-leaning individuals and institutions in America is evident across various sectors, resulting in cultural trends, political intolerance, and influential policies and institutions.
The evolution of the Republican and Democratic parties has led to the current state of blue dominance in American institutions, with Democrats securing support from newspapers, foundations, and universities, while Republicans have become more blue-collar.
Deep dives
The Dominance of Blue Institutions in America
Multiple charts and studies highlight the overwhelming presence of blue-leaning individuals and institutions in America. From top employers to academia, media, healthcare, entertainment, and more, Democrats greatly outnumber Republicans. While Republicans find support in state governments and non-military public employees, the overall trend shows a significant blue dominance. This shift has occurred over the years as the parties have gradually changed, with Republicans evolving into a more conservative and blue-collar party, while Democrats attract political activism and support from various sectors. The implications of this dominance are seen in cultural trends, political intolerance, and the influence on policies and institutions.
The Evolution of the American Political Party System
The modern American political party system traces its roots back to the Civil War, when the Republican Party became the party of the North and Democrats represented the sore losers. Over time, Republicans gained support from the White South and turned into a party of outs. On the other hand, Democrats transformed from the party of the ins to the party of the establishment, attracting support from the educated, professional class. As Republicans became more blue-collar, Democrats secured the backing of institutions like newspapers, foundations, universities, and more. This evolution has led to the current state of blue dominance in American institutions.
The Class Divide in American Politics
American politics exhibits a class divide, with the educated, upper-middle class positioning themselves as the custodians of the public interest. These reform-minded individuals believed poor people couldn't be trusted and feared that giving power to the wealthy would result in country-wide exploitation. Thus, they assumed their role as the arbiters of the national interest, governing on behalf of what they perceived as intelligence and benevolence. Their influence grew as they took up professions like journalism, further solidifying their authority. Today, this class clash is seen in the battle between establishment Democrats and the non-professional, non-upper-middle class people who feel their lives are being controlled by self-appointed elites. This clash contributed to the rise of figures like Donald Trump, who challenged the authority and knowledge of the elite class.
This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss Nagorno-Karabakh, a U.S. government shutdown, the India-Canada spat, why every American institution is liberal, and the time Walter met Winston Churchill.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.