General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTrump Voters Aren’t Angry At The ‘Establishment,’ They’re Angry At Brown People
Of 247 Republican Members of the House of Representatives, three 3! have lost primaries in 2016. Two of them were retired by redistricting. One Democrat Rep. Chaka Fattah couldnt overcome the small matter of a federal indictment.
Not exactly an anti-establishment wave filled with angry voters set on undermining, setting fire to, or jamming hot spears of frustration into the rusty gears of the corroded DC machine. Analysts looking to excuse Republicans for nominating a demagogue relying on racist tropes have turned to two alibis.
First, we hear about economic anxiety a defense that gets hollowed out by antiracist educator Tim Wises simple assertion: If the only reason for Trumps support was economic anxiety, then people of color should be flocking to Trump. Because people of color, statistically, are still suffering far more in this economy, which has been generally improving for almost six years. If theres anyone who should be economically anxious, its Black people who give Trump the highest unfavorable rating of any group at 94 percent. In America, thats as close as you can get to unanimous.
Secondly, we hear about a general anti-establishment desire to watch the whole craphouse go up in flames in which Trumps appeal is explained by the charm of his blather on the stump, the kitsch of his rallies, and statistical anomalies of a few vocal women or people of color backing the self-proclaimed billionaire.
more
http://www.nationalmemo.com/trump-voters-arent-angry-establishment-theyre-angry-brown-people/?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sd&utm_medium=email
seabeckind
(1,957 posts)than this simplistic bigotry factor.
Perhaps the Trump supporters are upset that they have little say in the election process.
Kinda like in a school that when they head in for lunch in the cafeteria the only food available is decided by the "cool kids" picked by the principle to be on the student board.
And less and less do they see any kids being picked who is more like them.
Maybe color isn't the primary factor, just an extra little salt on the wound.
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)Trump is the logical outcome of the GOP "Southern Strategy." They built an electoral strategy to leverage racism in order to get white working class people to vote against their own economic interests. So, it's no surprise that they have created a base heavily motivated by racism, sexism, homophobia, and generalized hate of the "other." If you doubt the racism and sexsim, et al of the Trump base, visit a Trump rally.
Read here: http://reverbpress.com/politics/journalist-live-tweets-a-donald_trump-rally/
seabeckind
(1,957 posts)But I think it's way too simplistic to assume that his support comes strictly from bigotry.
In fact I think it would be a terrible mistake to build a counter strategy around it.
Cause the response ignores the underlying factors and focuses on the most visible.
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)My Sister's in-laws (not her immediate family) are Trump supporters. Why? They basically hate "Mexican Wetbacks" and "Mooslums." You should hear the shit they say. I have yet to hear one talk about how elites are silencing their voices. Anecdotal? Sure. But in my experience so far, the GOP voters supporting Trump who decry the GOP "establishment" think the establishment needs to tell the "truth" about how immigrants "steal our jobs" and how ever Muslim is a secret terrorists who would kill us in our sleep.
When I hear someone who is thoughtful talking about rejecting the "establishment," they are typically Sanders supporters.
seabeckind
(1,957 posts)It never occurs to you that (those who shall never be named) and the Trump supporters are seeing a similar situation?
That for some reason you seem to have overlooked, perhaps because of some personal beliefs?
The big, big difference between the 2 groups is the visions they have to correct the situation. But you don't see that. All you see is a disapproval of ().
And you totally ignore the basis for the disapproval. I know, it's my fault.
uponit7771
(90,371 posts)Igel
(35,390 posts)So some pointers.
Trump spoke in a certain way. The (R) politicans not ousted in primaries--did they have a similar kind of opponent?
Trump got primary votes. Did the number of voters hold steady, so it's the same set of voters pushing for Trump *and* voting for incumbents?
Trump has actively alienated minorities. Would the desire to "fix" their economic status in the way Trump suggests he could be enough to trump Trump's speech?
Is the program (such as it is) outlined by Trump one that appeals to different subcultures?
Do the different subcultures have the same perceptions (to avoid the usual word used, "facts" ?
ck4829
(35,096 posts)Put them in power, make them think they are the king, and the first thing the Tea/Trump Addled will do is use their power to go after the outgroups and the disadvantaged. All the ways they claim they are persecuted and disenfranchised they will use on others the first chance they get.
leeroysphitz
(10,462 posts)geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)for Republicans, the establishment is also Barack Obama, so the living antithesis of Obama won.
uponit7771
(90,371 posts)alarimer
(16,245 posts)Because the establishment has sought to pit them against each other. It goes back generations.
While not all Trump voters are poor whites, plenty of them are.
Here's a link to yet another article that will attempt (but probably fail) to educate liberals on why their condescension to poor white is so wrong:
http://www.stirjournal.com/2016/04/01/i-know-why-poor-whites-chant-trump-trump-trump/
tnlurker
(1,020 posts)In Tennessee Primaries for US Congress and Senate is not until August 4th. I know there are many other states that have late primaries for these elections. I think the article is probably correct about the racist attitudes of Trump supporters but the first paragraph is not correct.
Of 247 Republican Members of the House of Representatives, three 3! have lost primaries in 2016. Two of them were retired by redistricting. One Democrat Rep. Chaka Fattah couldnt overcome the small matter of a federal indictment.
Yavin4
(35,455 posts)We've lost the middle class because of racism. It's not just Wall Street. It's not trade agreements. It's not the DLC. It's been racism all along.