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Good article, but does it all come down to elites vs. populists? On immigration, it's quite likely. But discontent with steel tariffs or prescription drug benefits isn't all populist in nature. There may be some "elitist" opposition in there as well, and some "populist" support. It's similar with pork barrel spending. Everyone opposes it in other states or districts, but many favor it in their own. Was Gingrich truly a populist, or someone who used populist discontent to become part of the elite?

Reagan and Bush both lead complicated coalitions. Some parts of the coalition are more or less libertarian and for smaller government. Others -- not so much. As the country's grown more conservative, expectations have been raised for Bush, even though he's not likely to undertake major steps, that even Reagan didn't undertake. That's not an excuse for Bush, but it may be an explanation: you can't win 51% of the country with a strong "less government" program.

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It's similar with pork barrel spending. Everyone opposes it in other states or districts, but many favor it in their own.

I'd venture to say that a lot of people would be willing to give it up in their own districts IF everyone else had to give it up as well and the savings went to lower taxes overall.