The Realignment 562 | Oren Cass: American Compass and the Right's Trump-Era Realignment
Jul 24, 2025
Oren Cass, Founder and Chief Economist of American Compass, returns to share insights on the shifting landscape of conservatism since 2016. He discusses the need for a new conservative framework that prioritizes worker welfare and redefines class politics. Cass critiques mainstream economic narratives, urging accountability and a better understanding of voter experiences. The conversation also delves into the interplay of policy and politics, stressing that modern strategies must adapt to the complex realities of today’s electorate.
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America's Post-Cold War Unraveling
- America is at an unsettled moment where the post-Cold War economic and social arrangements have unraveled.
- Economic stagnation, social decay, and declining family formation underscore the challenges facing typical workers today.
Conservatism Embraces Class Politics
- The new conservatism acknowledges class and focuses on workers rather than just business interests.
- It proposes a shift where businesses care more about workers' well-being to benefit society broadly.
Economic Data Limits and Populism
- Data doesn't capture all social problems; incomplete measures mask real economic struggles.
- The promised 'deal' of shared economic prosperity has failed, justifying populist accountability of experts.
