Solid thesis from Paul Campos that most Americans have an, at best, rudimentary understanding of American politics. This is similar to his knowledge of contemporary pop music. He knows a ton about the music of his youth, but very little about modern popsters - like Grande. Most Americans dip into politics from time to time, like scanning the radio dial and hearing something they kinda like, but whatever.
Or to put it in 2022 terms: the Politics of Vibes.
Obviously, for those who care deeply about politics and believes the old Pericles quote, "Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you," this is maddening. You're a citizen! This shit is important. Democracy depends on the Rational Voter idea of someone who votes to maximize the "good" in their life.
Yet Trump and Trumpism is a secure harbor for those who really do not give a shit about rational choices. They are voting their feels, their vibes and their priors.
What's more, those of us who are infuriated by these people are exactly like music snobs who cannot for the life of them understand why Ed Sheeran is a huge star. I really like Taylor Swift's music, but her tickets are reselling at insane prices. WTF? How can you not see that Morgan Wallen's version of Cover Me Up is (ironically) a cover and inferior version to Jason Isbell's intensely autobiographical version?
Do liberals look down their noses at conservatives? Yeah, I think we do. But I don't look down my nose at someone who believes in supply side economics. I think they're wrong and evidence has demonstrated conclusively that they are wrong. But I get that they are making a choice of preferred policies. I do, however, look down my nose at someone who thinks Donald Trump is the greatest American in history. That's simply awful.
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