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Today, Explained

Why we’re all populists now

Jul 30, 2024
In this discussion, Jeff Stein, a White House economics reporter for The Washington Post, unpacks the rising wave of economic populism impacting both major political parties. He highlights how candidates like Trump and Harris are distancing themselves from Biden's economic policies. The conversation dives into the frustrations of the working class, revealing how these sentiments are reshaping party platforms. Stein also traces the historical roots of economic populism in the Democratic Party, detailing its evolution from the New Deal to current challenges.
27:39

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Donald Trump's alignment with populist figures like J.D. Vance indicates a significant shift in Republican economic strategies toward anti-elite sentiments.
  • The emergence of economic populism across both parties suggests a response to disillusionment, particularly in Rust Belt regions, challenging traditional political norms.

Deep dives

Trump's Populist Alliance

Donald Trump's political strategy appears to revolve around aligning himself with populist figures, particularly J.D. Vance, who encapsulates a message of anti-elite sentiment. Vance emphasizes a departure from traditional political norms, promising to represent the interests of the working class over big businesses and the ruling class in Washington, D.C. Notably, Vance's rhetoric addresses the frustrations experienced by voters in de-industrialized regions, highlighting economic struggles and calling for protective measures against practices he believes harm American workers. This populist positioning is crucial not only for Trump's base but also for redefining Republican economics in response to the evolving landscape of American politics.

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