Class, Gender & the 2024 Presidential Divide | 10.26.24
In this episode of Morning Wire, the discussion centers on the ideological and demographic divides emerging in the 2024 presidential race between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. The podcast analyzes the rhetoric used by both sides, with the Democratic party portraying Trump as an extreme figure, while Trump appeals to working-class voters through economic policies and job protections.
The episode also examines the contrasting priorities of the candidates' bases, with affluent Democrats focusing on cultural issues while working-class voters prioritize economic realities. Policy proposals on issues like immigration, energy, and the economy are explored, highlighting the differing approaches of the candidates and the potential impact on American workers.
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1-Page Summary
Media Narratives and Rhetoric
Trump and Fascism Comparisons
The Democratic party and media have perpetuated a narrative comparing former President Trump to fascists like Hitler without credible evidence, as Ungar-Sargon argues. She suggests this rhetoric cheapens historical atrocities and likely stems from desperation.
Kamala Harris's Campaign Evolution
Initially avoiding identity politics, Kamala Harris later aligned with the Democratic party's messaging around Trump as an extreme figure and cultural issues like abortion rights, demonstrating a strategic return to energizing the base.
Voter Demographics Divides
Class and Gender Divides
Trump appeals more to working-class men through activities and policies like tax cuts and job protections, while Harris targets college-educated women with her agenda centered on cultural issues like reproductive rights, per Ungar-Sargon.
Prioritizing Cultural vs. Economic Issues
Affluent, well-educated Democratic voters can afford to prioritize cultural discourse over economic needs, in contrast to the working class's focus on pressing economic realities, potentially alienating that voting bloc.
Economic and Policy Proposals
Harris's "Opportunity Economy" Plan
Harris proposed tax cuts for small businesses, first-time homebuyers, and parents with newborns. Experts raised concerns over limited effectiveness and potential to exacerbate housing affordability issues.
Trump's Economic Protectionism
Trump advocated for tariffs to protect domestic industries, renegotiating trade agreements, and immigration restrictions to safeguard American jobs and wages.
Immigration and Energy Policies
Immigration Impact on Workers
Critics argue Biden's immigration policies like paroling undocumented immigrants contribute to wage stagnation for American workers, challenging the Democratic party's pro-worker image.
Energy Policy Contrasts
While Trump championed expanding domestic energy production, Harris previously supported the Green New Deal's environmental policies, highlighting their conflicting priorities.
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Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Comparisons between Trump and historical fascists are sometimes based on perceived authoritarian tendencies, disregard for democratic norms, and nationalist rhetoric, which some scholars argue are credible parallels that warrant discussion.
- Harris's shift in campaign strategy could be seen as a response to the evolving political landscape and the concerns of her constituents, rather than mere desperation or strategic pandering.
- Trump's policies may not have universally benefited working-class men, as some have argued that his tax cuts disproportionately favored the wealthy and that his trade wars harmed certain sectors of the economy.
- The focus on cultural issues by Democrats does not necessarily alienate working-class voters, as many within this demographic also care deeply about issues like reproductive rights and racial justice.
- Harris's "Opportunity Economy" plan could be defended as a multifaceted approach to stimulate the economy and provide targeted relief to those who need it most, with potential long-term benefits outweighing short-term concerns.
- Trump's economic protectionism has been criticized for sparking trade wars that hurt American consumers and farmers, and for not addressing the underlying issues of globalization and technological change.
- The impact of immigration on wages is complex, with many economists arguing that immigrants complement native-born workers rather than compete with them, and can contribute to economic growth.
- The Green New Deal and similar environmental policies are often defended as necessary for addressing climate change, with the potential for creating new jobs and industries in the renewable energy sector.
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of political strategies by observing local political campaigns and their messaging tactics. Start by attending town hall meetings, campaign rallies, or public forums in your area to see firsthand how local politicians align their messaging with broader party narratives. Take note of the issues they emphasize and the demographics they target. This real-world observation can give you a clearer picture of how national strategies trickle down to local politics.
- Enhance your critical thinking by researching historical political movements and comparing them to current political rhetoric. Visit your local library or use online academic resources to study the characteristics of past political regimes, such as fascism, and then independently assess contemporary political comparisons. This self-guided study can help you form a more informed opinion on whether such comparisons are warranted or exaggerated.
- Explore the impact of economic policies on your community by volunteering with a local economic development organization. By engaging with small business owners, workers, and community leaders, you can gain insights into how policies like tax cuts, tariffs, and immigration laws affect people at the local level. This hands-on experience can provide a practical understanding of the real-world effects of national economic policies.
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Media narratives and rhetoric surrounding the candidates
The media and political parties weave complicated and sometimes problematic narratives around election candidates, impacting voter perception and the democratic process.
The Democratic party's repeated narrative of Trump as a fascist or threat to democracy, despite lacking concrete evidence
There is a contentious narrative being perpetuated by the Democratic party and supported by the media that frequently labels former President Trump with extreme terms like "fascist" or compares him to Hitler. This narrative suggests that Trump represents a moderate middle position on most issues, ranging from abortion to courting Black voters and immigration policies.
Ungar-Sargon argues that the Democratic party and the media have been reviving the rhetoric that compares Trump to Hitler, portraying him as a fascist and a threat to democracy without credible evidence. Claims have been made against Trump for his alleged comments on Hitler's generals and a slain soldier. However, these claims originate from unnamed sources and are denied by those on the record as nonsense. The approach of legacy media to this story, especially shortly before an election, raises questions regarding its motivations and authenticity.
Ungar-Sargon criticizes this approach, suggesting it is an act of desperation that cheapens the historical impact and atrocities committed by actual dictators like Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. She implies that such comparisons lack verifiable sources to support them and serve to manipulate rather than inform the public discourse.
Kamala Harris's initial shift away from identity politics and towards economic concerns, but eventual return to the Democratic party's main messaging
Kamala Harris's campaign initially avoided focusing on identity politics, with Harris herself not emphasizing her gender or ethnicity as a woman of color in ...
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Media narratives and rhetoric surrounding the candidates
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The use of strong labels like "fascist" may be based on a pattern of behavior or policies that some critics argue bear resemblance to authoritarian governance, rather than direct evidence of fascism.
- The comparison to historical figures like Hitler could be a rhetorical device intended to highlight perceived threats to democratic norms, rather than a literal comparison.
- Media scrutiny and critical narratives about public figures are part of the role of a free press in a democracy, holding leaders accountable for their actions and statements.
- The authenticity of media reports can be subjective, and what some view as a lack of credibility, others may see as responsible journalism based on available sources.
- The use of unnamed sources is a common journalistic practice, especially when dealing with sensitive information, and does not necessarily indicate a lack of evidence.
- Politicians often evolve their messaging and strategies throughout a ca ...
Actionables
- You can develop critical thinking by analyzing political labels and comparisons in news articles. Start by selecting a range of articles from different media outlets that discuss political figures. Create a simple spreadsheet to track the language used, the evidence provided for any comparisons or labels, and the sources cited. This exercise will help you discern patterns in media reporting and encourage a more analytical approach to consuming news.
- Enhance your media literacy by creating a personal "fact-check file" for political claims. Whenever you encounter a significant claim about a political figure or policy, take a moment to research it from multiple sources. Note down the claim, where you saw it, and what various credible sources say about it. This habit will help you build a more nuanced understanding of political discourse and the reliability of different media sources.
- Engage in community discussions to explore the impact of political messag ...
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Voter demographics and the class/gender divides
The current political landscape is witnessing a clear delineation among voters along class and gender lines, where President Trump garners support predominantly from working-class males and Vice President Harris from college-educated females. These divides are significantly impacting voter preferences centered around economic and cultural issues.
The class divide mirroring the gender divide, with Trump appealing more to working-class men and Harris appealing more to college-educated women
Trump's image and campaign activities are crafted to appeal to working-class sensibilities. Noteworthy are his photogenic appearances, such as showing up at a McDonald's, donning a McDonald's apron over his suit, a move seen as a salute to blue-collar labor and emblematic of his solidarity with workers.
Trump's campaign activities and policy proposals like tax cuts and job protections resonate more with the working class, while Harris's agenda targets the concerns of the college-educated elite.
His policy proposals, such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and social security, align with the interests of the working class and reflect traditional gender roles associated with physical labor. Furthermore, his promise to reduce corporate taxes to incentivize reshoring manufacturing jobs and his proposition to appoint a czar for this purpose resonate with working-class priorities.
Conversely, Harris's campaign specifically targets college-educated women, who are typically more economically secure and reportedly more concerned with cultural issues such as women's reproductive rights, which are a salient part of her agenda.
The differing priorities of elite and working-class voters, with the former more focused on cultural issues and the latter more concerned with economic issues
The Democratic party possibly alienates working-class voters by pivoting towards cultural issues, primarily appealing to their aff ...
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Voter demographics and the class/gender divides
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The assumption that working-class voters only care about economic issues and not cultural ones can be overly simplistic; working-class individuals may also have diverse views on cultural and social issues.
- The idea that college-educated women only focus on cultural issues may not account for their economic concerns, which can be just as pressing, especially for those with significant student debt or who are underemployed.
- The portrayal of Trump's policies as universally beneficial to the working class can be contested, as some argue that tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy do not necessarily translate to improved conditions for working-class individuals.
- The suggestion that the Democratic party neglects economic issues in favor of cultural ones could be challenged by pointing out policies proposed by Democrats that address economic inequality, healthcare, and workers' rights.
- The binary division between the priorities of the "elite" and the "working class" may overlook the intersectionality of issues and how they affect individuals across the socioeconomic spectrum.
- The framing of Harris's agenda as targeting the "college-educated elite" might be disputed by highlighting her policies aimed at broader issues such as cri ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of political demographics by starting a journal to track and analyze the political conversations you encounter daily, noting the demographics of the individuals involved and the issues they discuss. This will help you observe firsthand how different groups may prioritize certain issues, similar to the patterns discussed regarding Trump and Harris supporters. For example, if you overhear a conversation at work about tax cuts, jot down the demographics of the participants and their viewpoints to see if they align with the trends mentioned.
- Engage in conversations with peers from varying educational and economic backgrounds to gain a broader perspective on political priorities. Ask open-ended questions about what political issues they care about most and why. This can provide you with a personal insight into the correlation between a person's background and their political concerns, helping you understand the nuances beyond the general trends.
- Create a personal blog or s ...
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Contrasting economic and policy proposals
The plans proposed by Harris and Trump offer vastly contrasting approaches to economic and policy issues, reflecting their differing views on how best to stimulate the economy and support American workers.
Harris's "opportunity economy" plan, including small business tax cuts, homebuyer tax credits, and child tax credits
Harris's Economic Proposals
Harris proposed an economic agenda that she calls the "opportunity economy." The plan revolves around three main elements:
- Tax cuts for small businesses, with the objective of alleviating the tax burden on new businesses in their formative years.
- A $25,000 tax cut for first-time homeowners coupled with deregulation in housing markets, aimed at making home ownership more accessible.
- A $6,000 tax cut for parents during the first year of a child's life, to support families with the costs of a newborn.
Expert Criticisms
Despite the populist appeal of Harris's plan, experts raise concerns. Specifically, the tax cut for new small businesses is considered limited in usefulness, given that many new businesses don't generate substantial revenue initially. Furthermore, the $25,000 tax cut for first-time homeowners might inadvertently exacerbate the housing affordability crisis by spurring demand without improving housing supply. The child tax credit aspect of Harris’s plan draws parallels to proposals from J.D. Vance, as it shares a goal of supporting families.
Trump's focus on economic protectionism, including tariffs, trade renegotiation, and immigration restrictions
Trump's Protectionist Stance
Trump offers an economic strategy that pivots towards protectionism. Elements of his plan include:
- Tariffs to protect domestic industries from foreign competition by making imported goods more expensive.
- Renegotiation or undoing of free trade agreements, a move away from the traditional free trade orientation of the Democrat party.
- Immigration controls, with ...
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Contrasting economic and policy proposals
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Tax cuts for small businesses may stimulate economic growth and innovation by increasing the amount of capital available for investment and expansion.
- The homebuyer tax credit could stimulate the construction industry and related sectors, potentially increasing the housing supply over time.
- Child tax credits can have long-term societal benefits by investing in the next generation, leading to a more productive and healthier workforce in the future.
- Protectionist policies like tariffs can sometimes protect nascent industries from unfair competition and allow them to grow to a point where they can compete on a level playing field.
- Trade renegotiation can lead to fairer trade deals that benefit domestic workers and industries, and it can be used as a tool to address trade imbalances.
- Immigrati ...
Actionables
- You can evaluate the impact of economic policies on your personal finances by using online tax calculators to simulate how different tax plans would affect your income. For instance, if you're considering starting a small business or buying a home, use a calculator that includes variables for business tax rates or homeowner deductions to see how your financial situation might change under new policies.
- You can support local economies and job growth by consciously purchasing from small businesses and domestic manufacturers. This practice aligns with protectionist ideals without the need for policy changes. For example, choose a local hardware store over a multinational chain or buy goods labeled "Made in the USA" to help keep money and jobs within your community.
- You can create a personal investment strategy that reflects your stance on economic policies by cho ...
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Key issue areas like immigration and energy
In the current political climate, immigration and energy policies remain contentious topics with significant impact on the American populace.
The Biden administration's immigration policies, including the parole of large numbers of undocumented immigrants, and the resulting impact on American workers
The Biden administration's approach to immigration, particularly the decision to parole a substantial number of undocumented immigrants, has led to contentious debates regarding its implications for American workers. Critics argue that this influx of paroled immigrants has contributed to wage stagnation and losses for the working class. This position challenges the Democratic party's traditional image as the champion of the working class, suggesting a gap between the party's policies and the outcomes that directly affect the livelihoods of their constituents.
Stark contrasts between Trump and Harris on energy policy, with Trump advocating for expanded domestic energy production and Harris previously supporting Green New Deal policies
The energy policy debate is sharply divided between the perspectives of former President Trump and Vice President Harris. Trump's "drill, baby, drill" ideology is driven by an ambition to achieve energy independence for the United States and to control inflation by increasing domestic energy production. On the other side of the spectrum, Harris has previously endorsed the Green New Deal, a set of proposals aimed at combating climate change ...
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Key issue areas like immigration and energy
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Immigration policies may benefit the economy by filling labor shortages and fostering innovation, which could potentially lead to job creation and economic growth, countering the argument that they lead to wage stagnation.
- Some studies suggest that the impact of undocumented immigrants on American workers' wages is minimal and that they often take jobs that are hard to fill, rather than directly competing with American workers.
- The Democratic party could argue that their immigration policies are in line with their values of inclusivity and diversity, and that they benefit the working class in the long run through a more dynamic and diverse economy.
- Trump's push for expanded domestic energy production could be criticized for potentially neglecting environmental concerns and contributing to climate change.
- The Green New Deal and similar policies may be defended as long-term investments in sustainable energy that could lead to job creation in new industries, despite criticisms of being economically disruptive.
- Energy independence through fossil fuels might be challenged by pointing out the finite nature of these resources and the potential long-term economic risks of ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of immigration impacts by volunteering with a local job placement center, where you'll interact with both native and immigrant workers to see firsthand how policies may affect employment dynamics.
- By engaging directly with the community, you'll gain a personal perspective on the debate around wages and employment. For example, you might notice whether there is a real competition for jobs or if immigrants are filling roles that otherwise remain vacant.
- You can explore the balance between environmental concerns and energy needs by participating in a community energy co-op.
- Joining a co-op allows you to be part of the decision-making process regarding energy sourcing, which can give you insight into the complexities of transitioning to green energy while maintaining economic stability. You might, for instance, be involved in discussions about investing in solar panels versus supporting local fossil fuel jobs.
- You can assess the real-world implications of energy policies ...
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