A Reckoning for American Democracy: Perspectives from the Working Class
As an individual who opposes Donald Trump, I perceive the upcoming presidential election as a critical moment of reckoning for American democracy. However, for many of Trump’s supporters, the situation boils down to a tangible concern of economic stability and financial survival.
Earlier this summer, I embarked on a journey from my home in New York City to engage with dozens of working-class individuals across the South, Midwest, and West. My intention was simple: to listen and gain insight into their perspectives without any preconceived agenda. I had conversations with a diverse array of people, including hairdressers, retired sawmill workers, bakers, truck drivers, laundromat managers, pit barbecue chefs, casino card dealers, and even a former professional rodeo rider.
The overwhelming sentiment I encountered regarding the economy was one of despair, with the term “horrible” being the most frequently used descriptor. A close runner-up was the blunt assertion, “It sucks.”
Throughout my discussions with men and women of various backgrounds—white, Black, Latino, Asian, and Native American—I noticed a striking similarity in their concerns. Although they came from different walks of life, they all shared a common desire for improved material conditions for themselves and their families, and they all felt the weight of the struggle to achieve that. Some individuals were reluctant to delve into political discourse; others had grown so disillusioned with politicians that they had disengaged entirely from the electoral process. Yet, those who did express their opinions were predominantly in favor of Mr. Trump.
If we think of the nation as a living organism, then working-class individuals are the nerve endings that acutely perceive its economic fluctuations. While some of their grievances stem from chronic issues that have persisted for decades, the most acute discomfort has become evident in recent years. The highest inflation rates and the swiftest increase in interest rates since the early 1980s are mere headlines to affluent individuals, but for working-class people, these issues represent fundamental challenges that affect their daily lives. For them, concerns about financial stability and meeting monthly obligations far outweigh worries about political events such as January 6th.
This leads to a pertinent question: Why would they turn to a billionaire known for dishonesty and abusive behavior as a solution to their economic woes? Their rationale is straightforward and reflects their lived experience. They recall that times were significantly better during Trump’s presidency. Today, basic necessities like eggs cost nearly three times what they did four years ago, car loan rates have surged by more than 50 percent, and numerous companies are slashing employee hours. In their eyes, Mr. Trump represents the candidate with the potential to reverse these troubling trends and restore economic stability.
