Time for a Realignment? by David Brooks, New York Times
Summary:
David Brooks claims the unpopularity of Trump and Clinton is not what is making this election a transformational moment. Existing partisan mentalities are dying out and the current social divide will likely lead to some sort of party realignment in the near future. Brooks says "the molten core of the Republicans is the dispossessed" while the Democratic core consists of the "coastal professional class." These disparate groups have a huge trust gap in terms of trusting their neighbors, governmental institutions and surely the 21st century global economy. If certain groups within each party, minority dispossessed Democrats and Republican professionals, recognize the molten core does not reflect their values, one can expert some party realignment. For example, the Sanders Democrats and Camber of Commerce Republicans will not stay with their respective parties if the party leaves them ideologically. According to Brooks, this is likely given the fact the social, mental and emotional gap between the core groups will widen.
Questions:
Is David Brooks' bold claim accurate?
Can the Republican Party gain popularity with minority voters, especially if their message focuses on struggles in response to globalization?
Can the Democrats balance constituencies such as upper income professionals who have benefited from the 21st century global economy with the millenials who will graduate will record levels of student debt?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe Republican Party can certainly gain popularity with minority voters, especially if these voters are refugees from a communist country. As some Democrats become more and more accepting of ideas such as socialism and eventually communism, these minority voters can become more inclined to vote Republican.
ReplyDeleteDara,
DeleteYes, Vietnamese-Americans tilted heavily Republican, though they have shifted in recent years. See this link:
http://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2015/09/16/439574726/how-asian-american-voters-went-from-republican-to-democratic
Hi Mr. McDermott,
DeleteI found two articles (one regarding the 2012 election and the other regarding today's) that assert that Soviet refugees are actually more inclined to support the Republican party:
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/04/bernie-sanders-trump-russians/477045/
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/nyregion/among-russian-immigrants-in-new-york-affinity-for-republicans.html
Although Brooks's claims of that party realignment could occur and that the two parties may leave their demographics behind, I disagree. I believe if the parties completely disappoint their voters we could have a complete change in the party system. Although we will not lose the two party system, our parties could be shaped on Libertarian and Authoritarian lines with the growing Political correctness crowd and the cultural libertarian revolution.
ReplyDeleteThe Republican Party has potential to gain popularity with minority voters because the ideology of the party agenda can shift without its core demographic changing. As David Brooks asserted, the Republican Party is comprised of "dispossessed" individuals and groups, so if other parties do not adopt policies of globalization to give interest groups favoring that issue a party to belong to, the Republican Party can act as a new political identity for the newly dispossessed minority voters. If these minority voters don't have a party to go to, the lack of maintaining existing party mentalities will encourage them to transfer or join a new party, so it is completely plausible that Republicans will glean minority voters to their cause.
ReplyDeleteThe republican party can gain popularity with minority voters if they are able help those who are dissatisfied with their party and who are suspicious of political elite. The republican party could shift without it's core policies changing, so it can get some minority voters that they would not get now.
ReplyDeleteIt would be difficult for the Democrats to balance such disparate constituencies and satisfy both upper income professionals and millennials with large student debt because they “live in entirely different universes” and have different needs. Although values play a part in which party voters side with, economic interests have become more influential as people are striving for economic security. Thus, if voters are focused more on their economic security over their morals, it would be unlikely for the Democrats to appeal to both groups with vastly different economic statuses.
ReplyDeleteThere may be a chance for Democrats to balance the constituencies, however it will definitely be a challenge. For example, the upper income professionals and graduating students with debt have different goals/aspirations and needs (just like the rest of voting groups). The challenge to balance the constituencies is to establish policies that will satisfy all of the groups and not just one. In addition, the policies would have to not only cover the economic aspect, but also social and politic aspect.
ReplyDeleteIt will be extremely difficult for Democrats to balance the constituencies because of the widening gap between the upper income professionals and those with large amounts os student debt. They are not only different in terms of age, but also differ in their beliefs and morals. As their views on government polarizes, the Democrats will not be able to appeal and gain the support of both groups. Furthermore, Brooks believes that the widening of the level of trust to the government also furthers the groups apart.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Trump is currently making it difficult for the Republican Party to gain popularity with minority voters due to his ignorant viewpoints/comments regarding minority stereotypes, it is certainly possible. As Brooks says, if the Republicans "drop the racial wedges," they would likely be able to reach the minorities who are "highly suspicious of the political elite." If a greater portion of their political agenda were dedicated to supporting those negatively affected by globalization, the Republican party would gain many more votes through their possible relatable and favored policies.
ReplyDeleteIt would be very difficult for the Democrats to balance the constituencies between the upper income professionals and the millenials who will graduate will record levels of student debt. I say this because of the conflicting goals that each group will want. If the Democratic party tries to appease to both sides, then this may cause a divide in the party because not each side wants what the other does. As a result, it will be difficult for the Democratic party to balance the constituencies between these two different voting groups.
ReplyDeleteIt would be very difficult for the Democrats to balance the constituencies between the upper income professionals and the millenials who will graduate will record levels of student debt. I say this because of the conflicting goals that each group will want. If the Democratic party tries to appease to both sides, then this may cause a divide in the party because not each side wants what the other does. As a result, it will be difficult for the Democratic party to balance the constituencies between these two different voting groups.
ReplyDeleteIn future elections, I believe that it would be very possible for the Republican party to win over minority voters. Their response to struggles with globalization could attract minorities who fear that their economic woes will be forgotten in a global economy. I also think that the Republicans will be able to win over minorities on issues other than the economy once they grow to be more accepting of different cultures (As Reagan said, Latinos are Republicans, they just don't know it). However, it will be hard for the Republicans to attract (ethnic) minorities in 2016 because Trump has a habit of saying controversial things that erase any chance he has of winning over minorities.
ReplyDeleteIn future elections, I believe that it would be very possible for the Republican party to win over minority voters. Their response to struggles with globalization could attract minorities who fear that their economic woes will be forgotten in a global economy. I also think that the Republicans will be able to win over minorities on issues other than the economy once they grow to be more accepting of different cultures (As Reagan said, Latinos are Republicans, they just don't know it). However, it will be hard for the Republicans to attract (ethnic) minorities in 2016 because Trump has a habit of saying controversial things that erase any chance he has of winning over minorities.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing that is important to consider in the idea of potential party realignment is economics. Both parties have distinct economic ideologies, with the Republicans desiring a more laissez faire economy due mostly to the very wealthy members of the party who don't want higher taxes. However these wealthy members would likely support outsourcing to other countries because it benefits companies economically, however other members of the Republican party want jobs kept in America, which evidently clashes with other members of the party. Similarly, not all Democrats share the same economic ideals. Bernie Sanders supporters, for instance, would favor much more socialist economic reforms, including more redistribution of wealth, however not all Democrats believe in the viability of these economic strategies. I agree with Brooks' argument that party realignment is imminent, however I don't see how these four distinct economic views will somehow combine into two more agreeable parties.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that David Brooks' statement is entirely accurate. Although he has pointed out a growing issue, where some voters are feeling less and less like their respective parties reflect their ideology, party realignment would probably not be the consequence. I think it would more likely result in party dealignment, and possibly lead to a split between the current two main parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. Those who are currently unhappy with their parties ideology or about who is representing that party in the election, are far more likely to band together in an entirely new way than to shift towards another party. The two parties are too polar and set in their ways to presently to cause a large-scale realignment.
ReplyDelete*party's
ReplyDeleteI believe it is possible for Democrats to balance the constituencies. Issues that concern millenials may not be of any concern to upper income professionals, because millenials are more worried about paying for college. If Democrats increase taxes to go toward a less expensive college experience, they could use some of the funds to also benefit the upper class folk. Additionally, I would hope that such professionals would see the benefits in making college cheaper for everyone (better educated future generations, better future), and wouldn't be too upset by the increased taxation. However, like mentioned earlier, creating a program to benefit both parties would make each party more inclined to vote Democrat.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe the Democratic party can balance constituencies. The problem with millenials and the 1% is they are in two different economic spectrums. If Democrats wanted to decrease the cost of college that would most likely result in higher taxes for the rich. The idea here is that you cannot help one group without hurting the other. This would only end with the democrats choosing one group over the other.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that David Brooks' claim is fully accurate because although the parties have been changing, the people generally polarize to interests that one way or another correlate to a specific party. When their interests and voting patterns disagree, it generally results in party dealignment or not voting at all. In some cases, of course, Brooks' claim of realignment does occur, but only for select groups of people who are educated and can distinguish good candidates from bad ones regardless of their political orientation.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the Republican party can gain minority votes. Proposing policies that would presume to bring more jobs back to America for all Americans, especially minorities, would be an effective tool. In the current election, Donald Trump has started to reach out to the African American community with such policies. His poll numbers within in the African American community specifically, has gone from 2% to 19%. That is a statistically significant move.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with David Brooks' claim. Although this upcoming election definitely will have people re-thinking what their party's values are, I don't think there will be as dramatic of a party realignment that Brooks' claims. When it comes down to it, both parties have core values that do not change. People feel very strong about these values and policies, and they will keep voters with their usual political party.
ReplyDeleteDavid Brooks' claim isn't necessary accurate. His assertion that the molten core of Democrats are "Coastal Professionals" is flawed. Often times democrats also entail the citizens who align themselves with the party for financial reasons or personal beliefs or morals. Therefore if a party shift were to occur a larger portion of democrats would remain within the Democratic party than Brooks predicts. This is because those static voters are voting for the Democrats or Republicans out of their own belief that what their party stands for is doing the right thing for society and not just to reflect their "own values".
ReplyDeleteI believe that the republican party has the ability to gain popularity with minority voters if they are able to address their specific problems. For example, the issues with globalization could be a persuasion factor, because it is what these minorities fear. If other parties do not address such issues, minority voters will want to join a new party and if the Republican Party properly addresses them, they will transfer.
ReplyDeleteThe Democrats can not balance constituencies because the gap between the upper class and millenials with ever increasing debt is widening. Therefore, finding policies to fulfill the needs of both groups is nearly impossible. The groups vary in age and thus they have differing views. Thus, by helping one group it will ultimately polarize the other group.
ReplyDeleteI believe David Brooks’ claim is accurate because we can tract the increased discontent of both parties over the past several elections. We are seeing severe splits in the two parties that have only worsened over time. The realization in the changing ideology of each party will shift groups and cause party realignment. These groups will shift because of their values not being reflected within the party.
ReplyDeleteYes, Republicans can gain popularity with minorities if the party focuses on addressing the woes for those that are struggling with globalization. Any measures to go against economic insecurity(as well as dropping racial tensions), could result in party realingment.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that the Democrats can balance constituencies among the upper middle class professionals and the millennials. In this day and age, we see a wider gap between the two demographics' ideologies due to the increasing array of issues present. Now, with the presence of media and technological advancements, new issues have been brought up that are detracting from the unity of the Democratic Party due to the larger amount of issues to debate over. As we move forward, I think that the increasingly liberal, and "radical" millennials will attempt to further democracy by
ReplyDeleteI disagree with brook's claim that there will be a major party realignment as he has claimed. Even if some demographics feel that their political party they identify with is not reflecting their beliefs as much anymore, it is still a stretch to claim party realignment. Dealignment is far more plausible as I think most people will not abandon their ideals and move to another that has previously shown to not represent that person. Instead people will simply detach entirely.
ReplyDeleteI think that the republicans could gain the minority vote. AS long as they are able to address their specific problems. the issues with globalization could be a persuasion factor, The main thing the minorities don't want is globalization.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with David Brooks' claim. I don't think there will be as dramatic of a party realignment that Brooks' thinks there will be. both parties have core values that will not change. These are the main things that the people of the political party hold close to thm and they will not compromise for it, and they will keep voters with their usual political party
ReplyDeleteI believe that Brooks claim is accurate, and that because of the polarization of this election party realignment is a serious possibility. I think that Republicans can sway the minority vote if they focus on the struggle of globalization and the impact it could have on those specific groups. I also believe that the democratic party is popular among millennials specifically because we were raised into the second Bush era, and with the communication abilities social media possess I think it's very possible for many of those millennials to keep their same democratic views throughout their life.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that the party realignment will be as drastic as brooks predicts it to be. The democratic party currently has the vast majority of minority voters, the only reason this would change is if the democratic party realigns its economic ideals. If the democratic party was to realign itself to only reflect the interests of the college educated upper middle class voters that tend to vote democrat then the minority voters would possibly realign with a party that better represented their economic situation.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is unlikely for Democrats to be able to balance their views in a way to meet the desires of all spectra of economic standings, I would be surprised if one group was completely cut off. Since it is beneficial to gain the support of as many groups as possible, it would make sense for the Democratic party to try to find ways to appeal to both the high and low income individuals without creating contradictory opinions. This, while not always possible, can occur often enough that the Democratic party will likely be able to create a reasonable balance of supporters in the future.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that the republicans can win the minority votes as their ideals and core values do not match with the minorities' values. Also, Minorities tend to vote for the democrats because most of them are liberals & progressives which is strictly democratic.
ReplyDeleteThe Republican party could gain support from minority voters if the party were able to appeal to the distrust most minority voters harbor against the government. However, as Brooks says, it will be very difficult for the Republican party to shake the racism that has defined it over the last eight years. The record low support that Trump has among minority voters shows that the Republican party will have to make serious ideological changes if they want any chance at drawing support from minority voters.
ReplyDeleteI agree with David Brooks' claim. This election will most definitely cause voters to rethink their party affiliations. This might manifest itself in the balance of power leaning in favor of a specific party, however more likely it will result in increasing number of independent voters. Additionally core party values have changed before and can definitely change again. If voters feel like their policy positions aren't reflected in their party then party realignment is inevitable.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the republican party has the ability to gain popularity with minority voters if they are able to address their specific problems. For example, the issues with globalization could be a persuasion factor, because it is what these minorities fear. If other parties do not address such issues, minority voters will want to join a new party and if the Republican Party properly addresses them, they will transfer.
ReplyDelete