What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead

America’s Crisis of Leadership

Nov 1, 2024

Voter stratification based on education and gender takes center stage, highlighting significant political divides. The faltering bipartisan approach towards China is unpacked, shedding light on both past and present strategies. A candid discussion addresses America's generational leadership crisis, emphasizing a growing disconnect between elites and the populace. Also explored are the cultural divides in education, especially for first-generation college students. Finally, uncertainty looms over upcoming elections, with fluctuating poll numbers raising questions about the future of American democracy.

34:04

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Quick takeaways

The pronounced gender and educational divide in American politics underscores a cultural rift that exacerbates political polarization.

Growing distrust in leadership among Americans reflects frustrations over elite accountability and decision-making failures, intensified by recent crises.

Deep dives

The Expanding Gender Gap in Politics

Recent polling reveals a significant gender gap in American politics, with men favoring Donald Trump and women leaning towards Kamala Harris. This divide is even more pronounced when educational attainment is considered, showing a 29-point gap where non-college-educated men support Trump while college-educated women prefer Harris. The divergence reflects differing political priorities and economic experiences between these groups, highlighting a broader cultural and economic rift within American society. Analyzing these trends suggests that long-standing cultural dynamics are being reinforced, leading to more polarized political landscapes driven by educational background.

Intro

5min

Economic Unity and Foreign Policy Dynamics

8min

The Leadership Crisis in America

12min

The Cultural Divide in American Education and Class Mobility

3min

Uncertainty in Election Predictions

2min

This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss voter stratification by education and gender, why America’s bipartisan China strategy is faltering, Biden’s October surprise “garbage” gaffe, how the United States got itself into a generational leadership crisis, and predictions for election day.

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.

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Follow the podcast on Twitter
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Follow Jeremy on Twitter
Email us: wrm@tabletmag.com

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