In the first half of the 20th century, 8 million poor rural whites fled the border states for Great Lakes cities. Brash and suspicious of government, they played an underappreciated role in the collapse of the New Deal order.
Midwest
Posted inPolitics
It’s the Respect (and Good Policies), Stupid
Growing gaps in economic opportunity between successful urban regions and less successful industrial and rural hinterlands is a well-known problem. Such inequality fuels the fires of the polarizing populism and anti-democratic politics in the U.S. and Europe. The underlying cause of heartland voters’ alienation, unease, and resentment, as we’ve demonstrated elsewhere, is the real and perceived loss […]
Posted inPolitical Animal
Trump is Losing the Midwest
Traditionally Democratic voters will vote with their party because Trump has governed like a traditional Republican.
Posted inPolitical Animal
The Midwest Is Beginning to Sour on Trump and Republicans
According to a recent poll, ‘they have swung 13 points in Democrats’ direction since July.’
Posted inCollege Guide, Magazine, September/October 2017
The Looming Decline of the Public Research University
Cuts in research funding have left midwestern state schools—and the economies they support—struggling to survive.
Posted inBooks, Featured
Why the Midwest Can’t Catch a Break
Beyond de-industrialization and consolidation, GOP politicians have dismantled the public infrastructure of the heartland.
Posted inPolitical Animal
A Flaw in Too Much of Our Political Analysis: The Default Is White
Understanding why working class Hispanics vote differently than working class whites opens up whole new avenues of inquiry.
Posted inEconomy
Trump’s Trade Policies Could Crush Mike Pence’s Hometown
In export-heavy Columbus, Indiana, anxiety is high about the administration’s trade priorities.
Posted inFeatured, Republic 3.0
Trumpism and the New Economy
What Washington needs to understand about the larger forces at work.
