#454 – Saagar Enjeti: Trump, MAGA, DOGE, Obama, FDR, JFK, History & Politics
In this episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, Saagar Enjeti provides insight into how Donald Trump's 2016 victory upended traditional political loyalties through an anti-establishment, populist message that resonated with a diverse working-class coalition. Enjeti explores the cultural and class divides that shaped Trump's appeal and the lingering impact of the 2020 election.
The discussion delves into the Republican Party's shifting voter base, the perceived influence of bureaucratic forces on policy decisions, and the evolving role of media in elections. Enjeti offers nuanced perspectives on institutional resistance to Trump, unsubstantiated fraud claims, and the realignment of American politics around cultural and economic fault lines.
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The rise of Trumpism and the realignment of American politics
Donald Trump's 2016 victory shattered traditional party loyalties, as his populist message resonated with a multiracial working-class coalition, according to Saagar Enjeti. Trump's presidency challenged conservative orthodoxy and drove transformative policies, embodying an anti-establishment "norms buster" posture.
Trump's performance with Latino and young male voters in 2020 reflected his continued political resonance, Enjeti states. The fallout from the 2020 election, including Trump's unsubstantiated fraud claims, further shaped the landscape.
The cultural and class divides shaping American elections
Enjeti cites the 2014 "Great Awakening" as deepening cultural divides over racial attitudes among college-educated whites. Economic factors like inflation also fueled Trump's populist appeal to non-college-educated voters.
The GOP increasingly attracts working-class voters of diverse backgrounds, Enjeti notes. White working-class voters, especially those of Scots-Irish heritage, played a pivotal role in this realignment. J.D. Vance's transformation from establishment conservative to Trump ally exemplifies the shift.
The role of political institutions, media, and the "deep state" in elections
Enjeti highlights concerns over bureaucratic influence on policy, citing examples like Trump's national security advisor replacement. He criticizes the White House press corps as outdated and calls for including new media voices.
While acknowledging some institutional resistance to Trump, Enjeti distinguishes between unsubstantiated fraud claims and more nuanced critiques of potential biases impacting the 2020 election process.
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Counterarguments
- While Trump did attract a significant number of Latino and young male voters, it's important to note that a majority of these demographic groups overall did not support him, indicating that his appeal may not be as broad as suggested.
- The assertion that Trump's presidency drove transformative policies could be contested, as many of his initiatives were met with significant resistance and had mixed results in terms of long-term impact.
- The idea that the GOP is increasingly attracting working-class voters of diverse backgrounds could be nuanced by acknowledging that there are still substantial portions of the working class, particularly within minority groups, that predominantly support the Democratic Party.
- The concept of the "Great Awakening" deepening cultural divides could be challenged by arguing that these divides have always existed and that recent events have simply made them more visible.
- The role of economic factors like inflation in fueling Trump's appeal might be oversimplified, as voter motivations are complex and multifaceted, often influenced by a combination of economic, cultural, and ideological factors.
- The pivotal role of white working-class voters, particularly those of Scots-Irish heritage, in political realignment could be critiqued by highlighting the influence of other demographic groups and the multifactorial nature of political change.
- The transformation of figures like J.D. Vance could be seen not just as exemplifying a shift but also as a strategic adaptation to the prevailing political winds, which may not necessarily reflect a deeper ideological realignment.
- Concerns over bureaucratic influence on policy could be countered by emphasizing the importance of a non-partisan civil service in maintaining continuity and expertise in government functions.
- Criticisms of the White House press corps as outdated may overlook the value of experienced journalists and the role of traditional media in providing in-depth, researched reporting.
- The distinction between unsubstantiated fraud claims and nuanced critiques of potential biases in the election process could be seen as downplaying the overall integrity and security of the election system, which has been upheld by numerous audits and court decisions.
Actionables
- You can explore your own community's political shifts by starting conversations with neighbors from different backgrounds to understand their voting behaviors and concerns. This helps you grasp the local implications of national trends, such as the GOP's appeal to diverse working-class voters. For example, during community events or casual meet-ups, ask open-ended questions about what political issues matter most to them and why they may have changed their party allegiance over time.
- Engage with a variety of media sources to broaden your perspective on political reporting. By actively seeking out new media voices, especially those that offer nuanced critiques rather than unsubstantiated claims, you can develop a more informed view of the political landscape. For instance, subscribe to independent newsletters, follow journalists from different political spectrums on social media, or listen to podcasts that feature a range of commentators.
- Reflect on your own cultural and economic influences by journaling about how your background may affect your political views. This self-reflection can help you understand the broader cultural divides and economic factors that influence voting patterns, similar to the "Great Awakening" among college-educated whites or the populist appeal among non-college-educated voters. Write down your thoughts on how your education, economic status, and cultural heritage shape your political opinions and policy priorities.
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The rise of Trumpism and the realignment of American politics
Donald Trump's rise to power has marked a definitive shift in the political landscape of the United States. Political commentators, including Saagar Enjeti and Lex Fridman, outline the ways in which Trump's victory in 2016 and subsequent actions have led to a realignment of American politics that is reshaping voter allegiances and traditional party lines.
Trump's victory in 2016 signaled a major realignment of American politics, with his populist, anti-establishment message resonating with many voters.
Trump's victory broke the established political mold, upending traditional party loyalties and power structures.
The 2016 election was transformative, according to Enjeti, due in part to Trump's ability to activate a multiracial, working-class coalition. Trump's victory represented a shift based on the support of the “working man” and indicated a populist appeal. Trump managed to win over white working-class voters who supported Barack Obama in 2012 by speaking to issues such as affirmative action, distrust of the elite, and a feeling that the contributions of these voters were being undervalued or disdained by the elites.
Trump's presidency was transformative, with his actions and policies having a lasting impact on the Republican party and American politics more broadly.
Enjeti describes Trump as an "extraordinary candidate" and "norms buster," highlighting that Trump’s influence and the realignment were not just limited to his 2016 victory. Trump’s message went against traditional conservative positions, embracing more populist stances and rejecting the GOP’s post-2012 recommendations for more pro-immigration policies. As Trump entered the political arena in 2015, his message on immigration resonated with the GOP base and his unorthodox approach to politics led to transformative policies in foreign policy and the economy. However, his lack of discipline sometimes resulted in atypical behavior for a President.
The 2020 election was a continuation of this realignment, with Trump's messaging again proving effective and the Democratic party struggling to counter it.
The 2020 election saw Trump gain ground with key demographic groups like Latino voters, suggesting a further fragmentation of traditional voting blocs.
Enjeti highlights Trump’s performance among Latino voters and young male voters in the 2020 election, reflecting a significant shift and problem for the modern left. Trump was arguably normalized as a protective figure against cu ...
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The rise of Trumpism and the realignment of American politics
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Clarifications
- Roger Ailes was a prominent figure in American media, known for his role in shaping conservative news through his leadership at Fox News. He emphasized the importance of appealing to viewers' emotions and perceptions over objective facts in news programming. Ailes' ...
Counterarguments
- Trump's victory in 2016 could be seen as less of a realignment and more of a unique confluence of factors, including Hillary Clinton's unpopularity and strategic campaign errors.
- The impact of Trump's presidency on the Republican party might be overstated, as many traditional GOP policies and figures remained influential.
- The idea that Trump's message resonated with a multiracial, working-class coalition is contested by the fact that a significant portion of his support still came from affluent voters.
- Trump's appeal to white working-class voters might have been less about policy issues and more about cultural grievances and identity politics.
- Some of Trump's foreign policy and economic policies were continuations of previous administrations rather than transformative changes.
- The 2020 election's realignment could be interpreted as a normal fluctuation in voter preferences rather than a lasting shift.
- Trump's gains with Latino voters might not indicate a broader trend but rather specific regional or cultural factors that influenced voting behavior.
- The claims of voter fraud after the 2020 election could be seen as damaging to the political landscape by undermining trust in democratic institutions.
- The readiness with ...
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The cultural and class divides shaping American elections
The American electoral landscape has become increasingly polarized along educational lines, creating a complex dynamic that reflects broader cultural and class divisions.
Cultural and class divisions, particularly between college-educated and non-college-educated voters, have become increasingly central to electoral dynamics.
The "Great Awakening" of 2014 marked a shift in racial attitudes among college-educated whites, contributing to a deepening of cultural divides.
Enjeti mentions that the American attitude towards affirmative action and understanding of discrimination rooted in the 1960s evolved, particularly around 2014, shaping societal attitudes and cultural divides. This "Great Awakening" contributed to the deepening cultural divides that have become central to electoral dynamics.
Economic factors like inflation and job prospects have also taken on heightened importance, with non-college-educated voters more receptive to Trump's populist message.
High inflation rates and economic conditions influenced the political realignment, making Trump’s populist message more appealing to non-college-educated voters. Enjeti suggests Joe Biden’s presidency may be unfavorably remembered due to high inflation under his watch, emphasizing that economic factors have become significant concerns for voters.
The realignment of American politics has created new coalitions, with the Republican party making gains among working-class and non-college-educated voters of diverse backgrounds.
Enjeti notes that a large portion of the multiracial working class has shifted rightward, with Trump gaining sizable portions of the Latino vote, especially among Latino men. Enjeti discusses the increasing perception that the Democratic Party, influenced by HR and managerial elites, favors affirmative action and racial preferences, which has led some within the white working class to feel discriminated against and thus turn away from the Democrats and towards the Republicans.
This has upended traditional assumptions about the electoral map and the voting patterns of different demographic groups.
The political realignment, fueled in part by differing values and economic priorities between college-educated and non-college-educated voters, has upended traditional assumptions about the electoral map and voting patterns. Trump’s ability to win over working-class voters, including households with incomes under $100,000, as Saagar Enjeti references, signals a significant shift in political coalitions that challenges previous demographic alignments.
Working class values of interdependence vs upper class self-focus
Fridman brings up cultural principles such as fierce individualism and distrust of government and elites, drawing from Jim Webb's book "Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America." These values have been a part of American identity and are now influencing election outcomes. Enjeti further illustrates the cultural schism by referencing MAGA's rejection of cultural elitism, indicating a divide between voters who feel alienated by certain elite cultural attitudes and those who align with them.
Sanders's shift in stance on immigration and the mention of his earlier endorsement of a pro-life, pro-worker candidate also emphasizes the complex interplay between cultural and class issues.
Sanders' shift in stance on immigration and his endorsement of candidates who may not align strictly with progressive cultural politics indicates the significant influence of class discourse in today's political environment. These adjustments mirror shifts in voter alignment, where worki ...
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The cultural and class divides shaping American elections
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Counterarguments
- The emphasis on cultural and class divisions may oversimplify the complexity of voter behavior, which can also be influenced by a multitude of other factors such as geography, age, gender, and specific policy issues.
- The "Great Awakening" and its impact on racial attitudes among college-educated whites could be seen as one of many factors influencing cultural divides, and not necessarily the defining moment for all voters within this demographic.
- Economic factors are indeed important, but attributing Trump's appeal solely to his populist message might overlook other aspects of his campaign and presidency that resonated with voters, such as his stance on immigration or foreign policy.
- While the Republican party has made gains among working-class and non-college-educated voters, it's important to recognize that the Democratic Party still retains significant support within these groups and that party affiliation is fluid and can change over time.
- The assertion that working-class values are inherently at odds with upper-class self-focus could be challenged by pointing out that values such as individualism and distrust of government are not exclusive to any one class and can be found across the socioeconomic spectrum.
- Bernie Sanders's shift in stance on immigration and endorsements may reflect a broader trend of politicians adapting to changing political landscapes, rather than a clear-cut indication of class discourse's influence.
- The role of white working-class voters, particularly thos ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of cultural and class divisions by starting a book club focused on literature from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Choose books that explore the lives and challenges of both college-educated and non-college-educated individuals. This will help you gain insight into the different perspectives that shape voting behaviors and political affiliations.
- To grasp the impact of economic factors on political preferences, you might track inflation and job market trends in your area and compare them with local election results. Create a simple spreadsheet to log changes in the cost of living and employment rates, then look for correlations with the outcomes of recent elections. This exercise can reveal how economic shifts potentially influence the political leanings of your community.
- Explore the values of interdependen ...
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The role of political institutions, media, and the "deep state" in elections
The interaction between political institutions, the media, and the so-called "deep state" during elections has stirred debate around their influence and implications on democratic processes.
The power and influence of political institutions, the media, and the so-called "deep state" have come under increased scrutiny, with accusations of bias and manipulation.
Discussions led by Saagar Enjeti highlight concerns regarding the significant influence that non-elected officials and bureaucracies, often described as the "deep state," exert on policy-making and the narrative surrounding elected figures. He points out that key advisors and bureaucracies present the range of options from which presidents can choose, which can implicitly shape decisions in substantial ways. Enjeti cites the ousting of Mike Flynn and his replacement by H.R. McMaster as National Security Advisor, who held different views than President Trump, as an example of such influence.
The structure and traditions of the White House press corps and the media's relationship with political figures have been challenged as outdated and unrepresentative.
Enjeti delves into the media's role and the biased actions they are accused of during elections, especially the relationship of the White House press corps with political administrations. He criticizes the press briefing room's design, which favors traditional media, and calls for the restructuring of the White House Correspondents Association to accommodate new media outlets. Furthermore, Enjeti indicates that the credibility of the traditional media is waning and proposes a new briefing room lottery system to allow journalists with large online followings to attend briefings. He also notes the impact individuals like Roger Ailes have had on public opinion and the perception of information.
Concerns have been raised about the ability of entrenched bureaucratic interests and unelected officials to shape policy outcomes, despite electoral changes.
Enjeti discusses the resistance Presidents Trump and Obama faced from national security advisers and military officials, reflecting the limitations imposed by entrenched bureaucratic interests. The Pentagon's stalling of troop withdrawals from Syria is cited as an example of how policy choices can be constrained by the apparatus of political institutions. He also discusses the potential lack of transparency around classified information, such as UFO files and JFK documents, pointing to an ideology entrenched within institutions that resists change.
The 2020 election in particular saw heightened tensions around issues of election integrity, with Trump and his supporters making unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud.
Enjeti addresses the contentious debates surrounding the 2020 presidential election. While acknowledging efforts by various institutions and media to oppo ...
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The role of political institutions, media, and the "deep state" in elections
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Counterarguments
- The influence of political institutions, media, and the "deep state" is a natural part of the democratic process, where various actors play roles in shaping policy and public opinion, and their influence does not necessarily equate to manipulation or bias.
- The White House press corps and the media's relationship with political figures have evolved over time, and while there may be biases, these institutions also play a critical role in holding elected officials accountable and informing the public.
- Bureaucratic interests and unelected officials often provide necessary continuity and expertise in governance, which can balance the transient nature of elected administrations and contribute to stable policy-making.
- Transparency within institutions can sometimes be limited by legitimate national security concerns, and not all resistance to change is negative, as it can also serve to protect established and effective policies or procedures.
- Claims of election integrity issues, ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your understanding of policy influence by tracking a single piece of legislation. Start by identifying a bill currently under consideration. Follow its progress through Congress, noting which individuals, interest groups, and media outlets are most vocal about it. This will give you a clearer picture of how various forces shape policy.
- Develop a habit of consuming news from multiple sources with differing perspectives. Choose one current event and read about it from at least three different media outlets, ideally with varying political leanings. Compare the narratives to see how the relationship between the media and political figures might color the information presented.
- Engage in constructiv ...
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