"A lot of people think, 'Well, what we're experiencing now is a direct line from Reaganism.'"
I vehemently disagree that Reagan was a "big tent" Republican. His whole "welfare Queen" shtick was obvious race baiting that was subtlely courting white supremacists.
"A lot of people think, 'Well, what we're experiencing now is a direct line from Reaganism.'"
I vehemently disagree that Reagan was a "big tent" Republican. His whole "welfare Queen" shtick was obvious race baiting that was subtlely courting white supremacists.
Here's why I think that Reagan is a straight shot to Trump:
3) Racist dog whistles during his presidency (not only the welfare Queen example above, but also his reference to "young bucks" using food stamps to buy steaks, a term southern racists would understand, see below for more examples)? Check
4) Faux fiscal conservatism (Reagan increased the Federal deficit from $75 billion to $175 billion during his tenure, of course rewarding the rich along the way. Heck he was Mr. Trickle Down Economics, an idea that was never taken seriously in even the rabidly right wing academic field that is economics. Fun fact, the term was actually coined by a satirist mocking the imbecility of the concept)? Check
5) Chilling cold-hearted response to a severe crisis faced by a minority group (recall his complete lack of response to the AIDS crisis which undoubtedly resulted in the premature deaths of THOUSANDS)? Check
6) Literally engaging in a myriad of crimes to pursue his ideological agenda (Iran-contra affair, anyone?)?
The link couldn't possibly be more explicit and direct.
One major criticism that I have about the Bulwark is that a lot of its former Republican contributors/founders explicitly want a return to Reaganism. What a terrible misunderstanding of Reagan's political character.
I'm one of the people referenced in this quote:
"A lot of people think, 'Well, what we're experiencing now is a direct line from Reaganism.'"
I vehemently disagree that Reagan was a "big tent" Republican. His whole "welfare Queen" shtick was obvious race baiting that was subtlely courting white supremacists.
Here's why I think that Reagan is a straight shot to Trump:
1) Unqualified entertainer turned politician? Check
2) History of racism preceeding his election as President? Check
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/07/ronald-reagans-racist-conversation-richard-nixon/595102/
3) Racist dog whistles during his presidency (not only the welfare Queen example above, but also his reference to "young bucks" using food stamps to buy steaks, a term southern racists would understand, see below for more examples)? Check
https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a34733508/reagans-showtime-racism-matt-tyrnauer-ian-haney-lopez-donald-trump/
4) Faux fiscal conservatism (Reagan increased the Federal deficit from $75 billion to $175 billion during his tenure, of course rewarding the rich along the way. Heck he was Mr. Trickle Down Economics, an idea that was never taken seriously in even the rabidly right wing academic field that is economics. Fun fact, the term was actually coined by a satirist mocking the imbecility of the concept)? Check
5) Chilling cold-hearted response to a severe crisis faced by a minority group (recall his complete lack of response to the AIDS crisis which undoubtedly resulted in the premature deaths of THOUSANDS)? Check
6) Literally engaging in a myriad of crimes to pursue his ideological agenda (Iran-contra affair, anyone?)?
The link couldn't possibly be more explicit and direct.
One major criticism that I have about the Bulwark is that a lot of its former Republican contributors/founders explicitly want a return to Reaganism. What a terrible misunderstanding of Reagan's political character.