Podcast Summary: "Left Behind: Why Democrats Lost the Working Class"

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
Host: Jon Stewart
Guest: Sarah Smarsh
Release Date: November 14, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "Left Behind: Why Democrats Lost the Working Class," Jon Stewart engages in a profound conversation with journalist and author Sarah Smarsh. Smarsh, known for her work "Bone of the Bone Essays on America by a Daughter of the Working Class," delves into the complex relationship between the Democratic Party and the white working-class voters—a demographic often referred to as the "Rosetta Stone" for understanding rural voter behavior.

The Identity of Class

Jon Stewart opens the discussion by pondering the disconnect between government responsiveness and the needs of the people, particularly focusing on class as a central identity amidst other intersecting identities like race, gender, and religion.

Sarah Smarsh (04:19) emphasizes:

“My message about class and the way that we need to center it and discuss it as an identity unto itself is really critical right now.”

She argues that class has become a fundamental aspect of identity that transcends traditional markers, serving as a unifying factor for various forms of disenfranchisement.

Economic Disconnect: GDP vs. Real Life

The conversation shifts to the mismatch between economic indicators and the lived experiences of the working class. While GDP growth and other macroeconomic indicators suggest a thriving economy, many working-class Americans feel left out, burdened by debt and insufficient wages.

Sarah Smarsh (08:04) critiques the reliance on GDP:

“Most Americans don't own stocks. For the average underpaid American, it's not even just about prices. It's also about or spending.”

She points out that metrics like GDP do not capture the financial struggles of the working poor, who often rely on credit to make ends meet.

Neoliberalism and the Devaluation of Labor

Jon Stewart and Sarah Smarsh discuss how neoliberal policies have shifted the focus from labor to capital, devaluing the work of the average American. This shift, which both Democratic and Republican administrations have supported, emphasizes investment over labor, leading to increased economic disparity.

Jon Stewart (11:30) reflects:

“Since Reagan, we have kind of moved into this investment economy, that investment and capital money means more than work.”

Sarah Smarsh (12:19) adds:

“The devaluing of the American worker without a real plan... might have helped.”

She critiques the lack of substantive support for workers amidst globalization and neoliberal reforms, highlighting the failure of political parties to address the real needs of the working class.

The Role of Unions

The discussion highlights how right-to-work laws and anti-union messaging have weakened the power of labor unions, further marginalizing the working class.

Sarah Smarsh (13:43) explains:

“There was a very successful kind of messaging campaign... to really shift the culture around a worker's relationship to the concept of a union.”

She argues that cultural shifts, alongside legislative changes, have undermined union strength, stripping workers of essential protections and bargaining power.

Political Representation and Electoral Systems

Jon Stewart raises concerns about the representation of the working class in government, noting that very few lawmakers come from a working-class background. This lack of representation contributes to policies that do not address the needs of the average American.

Sarah Smarsh (21:51) points out:

“If you look at class, very rare is the lawmaker who has a background with direct experience of poverty or the working class.”

She discusses how electoral systems, particularly the winner-take-all approach in red states, exacerbate feelings of disenfranchisement among the working class, regardless of their political affiliation.

Identity Politics and Class Inclusion

The conversation explores how identity politics often overlooks class as a significant factor. Sarah Smarsh advocates for recognizing class as an essential identity that intersects with race, gender, and other social markers.

Sarah Smarsh (38:17) states:

“If we actually believe in an intersectional mode and march toward justice, then we can't make class secondary.”

She suggests that policies and affirmative action need to incorporate household wealth and class to address the full spectrum of inequality.

Solutions and Moving Forward

Jon Stewart and Sarah Smarsh discuss potential strategies for the Democratic Party to reconnect with the working class. They emphasize the importance of inclusive policies that validate and address the struggles of all working-class individuals, irrespective of their race or gender.

Jon Stewart (42:45) concludes:

“We have to stop resenting people from pushing for their identities to be a part of this better life... We have to be inclusive means inclusive of as many people as you can fit onto that elevated track.”

Sarah Smarsh reinforces this by advocating for affirmative actions that consider class alongside other identities, aiming to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jon Stewart expressing gratitude towards Sarah Smarsh for shedding light on the nuanced relationship between Democrats and the working class. The conversation underscores the necessity of recognizing class as a pivotal identity and tailoring political strategies to address the genuine needs and aspirations of the working class to bridge the gap of disenfranchisement.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Smarsh (04:19): “My message about class and the way that we need to center it and discuss it as an identity unto itself is really critical right now.”
• Jon Stewart (11:30): “Since Reagan, we have kind of moved into this investment economy, that investment and capital money means more than work.”
• Sarah Smarsh (21:51): “If you look at class, very rare is the lawmaker who has a background with direct experience of poverty or the working class.”
• Sarah Smarsh (38:17): “If we actually believe in an intersectional mode and march toward justice, then we can't make class secondary.”

This insightful episode highlights the intricate dynamics between economic policies, class identity, and political representation, offering a compelling analysis of why Democrats have struggled to retain the working-class vote.