I think the mistake that MAYBE the Bulwark staff is making is to forget that some meaningful portion of Trump’s base doesn’t really vote on conservative policies. One thing Trump has done successfully is drop a shit ton of conservative principles. Much of their frustration is that “coastal elites” don’t give a shit about them and think they are deplorable. Trump hates those elites and they appreciate that. He belittles them in a way they find highly entertaining.
Sarah saying rural voters recognize a rural liberal is likely true. However, saying Walz doesn’t code conservative, misses the fact that he codes rural and blue collar and that might matter more than we think. I’m guessing some of what attracts former democratic leaning blue collar voters to Trump is that he makes fun of people they don’t like. That’s what Walz is also giving them. Neither Trump or Vance are authentically blue collar and Walz is making that obvious and doing it with relatable humor. Our politics are mostly vibes now. And btw, Shapiro codes coastal elite.
Not sure this will work out, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it turns out that Walz was a master stroke.
I think the mistake that MAYBE the Bulwark staff is making is to forget that some meaningful portion of Trump’s base doesn’t really vote on conservative policies. One thing Trump has done successfully is drop a shit ton of conservative principles. Much of their frustration is that “coastal elites” don’t give a shit about them and think they are deplorable. Trump hates those elites and they appreciate that. He belittles them in a way they find highly entertaining.
Sarah saying rural voters recognize a rural liberal is likely true. However, saying Walz doesn’t code conservative, misses the fact that he codes rural and blue collar and that might matter more than we think. I’m guessing some of what attracts former democratic leaning blue collar voters to Trump is that he makes fun of people they don’t like. That’s what Walz is also giving them. Neither Trump or Vance are authentically blue collar and Walz is making that obvious and doing it with relatable humor. Our politics are mostly vibes now. And btw, Shapiro codes coastal elite.
Not sure this will work out, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it turns out that Walz was a master stroke.