Trumps: White Angry Middleclass

[Williamsmith]

Tough question here:

The way you phrase this, and within its context, it seems like you think this is a systemic -- and political -- issue. Isn't the Republican response to say: "Your kids are worse off than you at their age because of personal failings? Life is what you make of it, Horatio Alger! Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and quit your crying!"

The angry white middleclass doesn't understand the nuances of your question. They don't know who Horatio Alger is and they can't find bootstraps on their swamper boots. All they know is Jr. And his pregnant girlfriend are shacked up in the spare bedroom because the two part time jobs they work can't cover the costs of rent in an apartment.

They see the writing on the wall and instead of taking vacations with their retirements savings, they will be staying at home, raising their grandchildren and subsidizing their children's lives for eternity. They don't necessarily see Trump changing things as much as they see him being the delivery system for blowing up the establishment whom they blame for their current status.

They are pissed off and "two Corinthians" doesn't matter to them. Actually, it's really quite funny.

[Alan]

Actually, it's really quite funny.

Escapist fiction or social satire usually is.

[LDAHL]

Americans need to read the Constitution and understand what the role and powers of the President actually are.

Personally, I'm often grateful for our "obstructionist congress".

[ApatheticNoMore]

We'd muddle through for the most part. I have said this before and I will say it again: Americans need to learn that stupidity has negative consequences.

Trump is the man to teach Americans that lesson -- the hard way.

I don't think stupid policies will teach people that stupid policies are bad, it will just make them used to stupid policies and more willing to accept them in the future, I think that's how it really works in the real world. Some kind of status quo bias. It might at best make them cynical and hopeless about the political system (which isn't all that desirable, it desirable to see what's wrong with it. But to be so hopeless you don't even try anymore, not so much). No, I don't really believe in hitting bottom either. And I don't believe what doesn't kill us makes us stronger either (it often makes us weaker, at best it gives us some insight, but strength not so much).

[Ultralight]

I don't think stupid policies will teach people that stupid policies are bad, it will just make them used to stupid policies and more willing to accept them in the future, I think that's how it really works in the real world. Some kind of status quo bias. It might at best make them cynical and hopeless about the political system (which isn't all that desirable, it desirable to see what's wrong with it. But to be so hopeless you don't even try anymore, not so much). No, I don't really believe in hitting bottom either. And I don't believe what doesn't kill us makes us stronger either (it often makes us weaker, at best it gives us some insight, but strength not so much).

Well, I personally am totally cynical and hopeless. So I am cool with that.

[freshstart]

So, angry white man, how do you feel about this new turn of events? Personally I'm relieved, I had a feeling my Dad might actually vote for Trump out of pure peevishness, but no way is he voting for Palin.

ETA: oh, I guess she's not actually his running mate (yet), but there's a thought for ya.

my dad, as well. I told him, "there ya go, stupid is as stupid does." Or Secretary of State after someone explains the job description, she can take her canoe and paddle right over to Russia.

[CathyA]

I can't imagine Trump wanting her for a running mate. In fact, I'd bet he doesn't like her at all and is just using her to get those masses even more riled up. It wouldn't surprise me if he quietly hates her.

[jp1]

I can't imagine Trump wanting her for a running mate. In fact, I'd bet he doesn't like her at all and is just using her to get those masses even more riled up. It wouldn't surprise me if he quietly hates her.

You're probably right. It's not as if Trump's promised her anything specific. Or at least not publicly, which is all that matters. Cruz needs to be in the news if he wants to have a chance in Iowa and NH but Trump, with Palin's help, has now hogged at least a couple of days of campaign news coverage all for himself.

[Gregg]

Personally, I'm often grateful for our "obstructionist congress".

More than once I've had the feeling that Congressional gridlock was the only speed bump slowing us down on the road to ruin.

[Williamsmith]

More than once I've had the feeling that Congressional gridlock was the only speed bump slowing us down on the road to ruin.

You must love Raphael Cruz then.