Curated Curiosity: Why Both Parties Fear Real Populism

Inside the surprising truth about why establishment politicians hate populist movements on both sides

Author

Ben Averbook
December 02, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

TODAY'S INSIGHT

"The establishment is built to preserve the status of the top 10%, and then most importantly the top 1%, and then the top 0.1%"

- Cenk Uygur

WHAT THEY SAID

  • Establishment Democrats and Republicans actively work to prevent discussion of class issues, preferring to divide people on cultural issues instead of economic ones.

  • For the first time in 2024, online media proved more powerful than mainstream media, with podcasts and digital platforms having more influence than traditional news outlets.

  • Both political parties use identity politics as a distraction - the right with culture war issues, the left with extreme progressive positions, all while avoiding core economic concerns.

  • The fundamental divide in politics isn't left vs. right, but populist vs. establishment, with both parties' leadership opposing genuine populist movements.

WHY IT MATTERS

The current political system actively works against addressing issues that affect 90% of Americans, like healthcare, wages, and paid family leave. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for recognizing why certain policies that have widespread public support still fail to pass.

MY TAKES

It's fascinating that Elon Musk was more open to hearing policy suggestions from Cenk than the Democratic establishment, despite Cenk running the largest left-wing media network in America. This perfectly illustrates the core problem: establishment Democrats would rather lose elections than consider input from populist voices, even those ostensibly on "their side." The irony is that by refusing to engage with legitimate criticisms from their own base, they're creating the exact kind of echo chamber they often accuse others of living in.

PS: I made these new hoodies and hats because I really wanted one for myself. A couple of friends and other readers said they wanted them so I thought I would just put the link here. Please do not feel pressured to buy one. This newsletter will always be completely free.

I hope you had a great weekend and have a great week ahead.

You’ll hear from me tomorrow bright and early.

Ben Averbook

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