Posted on 11/10/2015 8:14:15 AM PST by BlackFemaleArmyColonel
Most of the people I met in America’s heartland want big money out of politics, and think the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United†decision was shameful.
Most are also dead-set against the Trans Pacific Partnership. In fact, they’re opposed to trade agreements, including NAFTA, that they believe have made it easier for corporations to outsource American jobs abroad.
A surprising number think the economic system is biased in favor of the rich. (That’s consistent with a recent Quinnipiac poll in which 46 percent of Republicans believe “the system favors the wealthy.â€)
The more conversations I had, the more I understood the connection between their view of “crony capitalism†and their dislike of government. They don’t oppose government per se. In fact, as the Pew Research Center has found, more Republicans favor additional spending on Social Security, Medicare, education, and infrastructure than want to cut those programs.
Rather, they see government as the vehicle for big corporations and Wall Street to exert their power in ways that hurt the little guy. They call themselves Republicans but many of the inhabitants of America’s heartland are populists in the tradition of William Jennings Brian.
I also began to understand why many of them are attracted to Donald Trump. I had assumed they were attracted by Trump’s blunderbuss and his scapegoating of immigrants. That’s part of it. But mostly, I think, they see Trump as someone who’ll stand up for them – a countervailing power against the perceived conspiracy of big corporations, Wall Street, and big government.
Trump isn’t saying what the moneyed interests in the GOP want to hear. He’d impose tariffs on American companies that send manufacturing overseas, for example. He’d raise taxes on hedge-fund managers. (“The hedge-fund guys didn’t build this country,†Trump says. “They’re “getting away with murder.â€).
(Excerpt) Read more at salon.com ...
I had no idea I was a populist in the tradition of William Jennings Brian. Thanks, Dr. Reich, for educating me. You moron.
I can’t remember when a presidential candidate has left me so cold as the thrice married Trump.
Obama and friends have developed crony capitalism into an art form.No wonder working people are pissed.If the next election doesn’t start to fix the problem,folks may seek other remedies.
Joe Cartoon - Dancing Monkey Don’t Never Get To Be Kong
...An anthem for all of those that have grown weary of good for nothing freeloading pinheads, and demand for themselves their long fought for independence from the tyrannical commands of mediocrity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqCUJ_HbVzA
Trump is no doubt a Populist. You’d probably have to go back almost to William Jennings Bryan to find one who got anywhere in Presidential politics. Perhaps Ross Perot is a better/more recent example.
The electorate is clearly not buying the model of Conservatism where the Chamber of Commerce says “Jump!” and the Republicans answer “How High?”
Oh, ok....so, we're ALL RACISTS!
you are being too nice to him....I don’t think he’s actually a “Dr.”
He’s just another lawyer.....
Robert Reich comes up short, again.
“I can’t remember when a presidential candidate has left me so cold as the thrice married Trump.”
Cold as in shivers down your leg in anticipation or cold as in you don’t support him?
Your statement could be read either way.
Who was it that said: “oh I get a tingle down my leg” I think that was Chrissy Matthews wasn’t it?
hummm, is that what your talking about?
I don’t care for him at all.
If he’s the nominee, I’ll vote for him, but will be mentally holding my nose while I do so.
Unfortunately "Friends" are composed of democrats and republicans alike.
It’s Bryan not Brian.
A committed communist understands what the entire GOP advisory class does not.
if this election does not fix the problems of this country I am fearful that it will get violent. If the liberals control this country they will be forced to cut social welfare programs as they run out of money. this will be a down word spiral as more social unrest caused by no jobs and no security net causes rioting in our major cities. Eventually it will lead to the liberals creating a police state and who ever they have in office ruling by executive order...Obama has shown us how willing the liberals our to violate the constitution and rule in that way.
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