The Gray Area with Sean Illing What a post-Trump Republican Party might look like
Jul 16, 2020
Oren Cass, founder of American Compass and former domestic policy director for Mitt Romney’s campaign, dives into the future of the Republican Party after Trump. He critiques the obsession with tax cuts and market fundamentalism, advocating for policies that prioritize family stability and community well-being. Cass emphasizes the importance of production over consumption, discusses the interplay between economy and culture, and proposes innovative ideas like wage subsidies for low-income workers. His vision seeks to reshape conservatism to prevent the rise of tumultuous political figures.
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Economic Numbers vs. Prosperity
- Oren Cass argues that there's a disconnect between economic numbers and actual prosperity.
- He suggests focusing on indicators like savings rate, median wage, family status, and local economies.
Economics Drives Culture
- Cass reverses the traditional conservative argument, asserting that cultural questions are downstream of economic conditions.
- He believes a well-functioning economy positively influences family formation and cultural dynamics.
The Working Hypothesis
- Cass's "working hypothesis" posits that a labor market supporting strong families and communities is crucial for long-term prosperity.
- He emphasizes production over consumption, arguing it fosters individual purpose, family stability, and community health.
