

How inequality and white identity politics feed each other
Aug 6, 2020
Jacob Hacker and Paul Pierson, political scientists and co-authors of "Let Them Eat Tweets," delve into the symbiotic relationship between inequality and the Republican Party. They argue that as economic disparity grows, the GOP resorts to identity politics and undermines democracy to maintain support among both elites and downscale white voters. The conversation highlights how these dynamics shape political strategies, the struggles within party coalitions, and the implications for American democracy amid changing demographics.
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The Conservative Dilemma
- Conservative parties face a dilemma: appealing to elites while winning mass support.
- This dilemma intensifies as inequality grows, creating tension.
The Rise of Inequality and the Republican Party
- The Republican Party's dilemma is recent due to dramatically rising inequality.
- This has created a triple threat to democracy: more money, distinct interests, and less investment in democracy among elites.
Republican Party's Plutocratic Alignment
- The Republican Party has chosen to side with plutocrats and uses elite-driven strategies to maintain power.
- This involves shaping responses to plutocracy to win elections.