'People Like Me': Fixing the feeling of abandonment in American democracy
This op-ed is part of The Hill’s “How to Fix America” series exploring solutions to some of the country’s most pressing problems.
Polarization is a defining feature of American politics. Data show that likability and trust for people of other parties is at an all-time low. For all of the concerns about this “affective polarization” as a threat to democracy, there is another concerning data point where there is complete bipartisan agreement: People feel that the government doesn’t care about “people like me” and feel powerless to change it.
This bipartisan opinion may be the key to rebuilding our democracy after a divisive election season.
Consider that, back in 2016, a University of Maryland survey found that 65 percent of both Republicans and Democrats said, “The system is rigged against people like me,” echoing the populist rhetoric of both Donald Trump and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
This anti-system sentiment held in 2022, when a University of Chicago poll found that most Americans in both political parties agreed with that statement. Not do people view the system as rigged against them, but they also think it is immune from democratic means to change course.
This spring, the Rooney Center for the Study of American Democracy asked a nationally representative sample in the Notre Dame Health of Democracy Survey whether they believed “people like me have no influence on what the government does.” Results showed that 56 percent of Democrats and 74 percent of Republicans agreed or strongly agreed.
A new CNN poll similarly found that 78 percent of Democrats, 83 percent of Independents and 86 percent of Republicans feel that the American political system needs a “complete overhaul” and “major reforms.” Across the political spectrum, the crisis in American democracy is not just that the electorate is polarized, but that the government is seen as uncaring and unresponsive.
Populist politics tap into anger and frustration that the government doesn’t care. Another way of talking about populist responses to the “care deficit” is what political scientist Ted Gurr called “relative status deprivation.” Relative status deprivation roots grievances not in economics, per se, but in the perceived ability or inability to make changes in government that benefit one’s group. Whether it be the powerlessness rural communities feel against the tides of globalization, or concerns about demographic change impacting future vote share, perceived deprivations of power and status is at the core of claims like “the system is rigged against people like me.”
Hot-button issues may be more about this feeling of relative status deprivation than policy preferences. Take inflation, for instance. Inflation is so politically salient because it touches on this fundamental feeling: Does anybody care that I can’t afford food anymore? Inflation is a viable outlet for populist grievance because it furthers the narrative that government and corporate elites neither care nor can make our lives better. By introducing policies like price controls, the Harris campaign is communicating the government can do something to help people like you.
Similarly, anti-immigration rhetoric from Trump is about identifying a grievance and doing something about it — removing a group perceived as standing in the way of “our” success. It is an efficient talking point that gets to the heart of people feeling overlooked and powerless. In this way, the factual truth of immigrant crime or even pet-eating is not as relevant for some voters as the communication itself. Trump is communicating that he’s willing to do and say anything to remove a threat. Trump communicates that he cares about “people like me.”
This populist appeal is a double-edged sword. Consider, for example, Harris’s framing drilled into talking points and ads: “Donald Trump cares more about himself than people like us.”
Populists build their politics around the resentment of relative deprivation, especially in democracies where the allocation of surplus and loss hinges on a zero-sum mentality. The biggest challenge for a democracy is to provide for the general welfare without resorting to populist appeals that turn people against one another. Perhaps the first step toward restoring faith in democracy is to directly address a bipartisan majority that is skeptical the government is capable of improving their lives. Kitchen table economic issues, where there is actual consensus, is a foundation to build on.
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences recently announced a set of bipartisan solutions to bridge economic silos — a significant step toward marshaling solutions to the “care deficit.” There is also clear agreement between both presidential campaigns that the government should enact a robust program of paid family leave. Additional bipartisan consensus on immigration reform and pro-worker policies such as eliminating taxes on tips are areas where candidates up and down the ballot actually agree and can marshal, in the words of the polls, “major reforms” that help “people like me.”
So many Americans wonder how, after such a divisive and even violent election season, we can rebuild civility and set our politics on the right track. Polls suggest that we can continue down a populist path of “us versus them” or course-correct by concentrating on areas where the majority of both parties agree. Bipartisan solutions on the biggest issues of our time are thankfully right in front of our eyes, even amid populist rhetoric.
Though politics seem more divisive than ever, there is a roadmap for politicians to show they care and can do something about it. The legitimacy of democratic institutions depends on a responsive government that shows up for “people like me.”
Joel Day, Ph.D., is managing director of the Notre Dame Democracy Initiative.
Date: |
-
World - The Wall Street Journal
For Working Women in India, Staying Safe Can Feel Like a Full-Time Job
Taking steps to ward off a violent attack, and reassuring family members, is an invisible form of labor for women that is a central element of their work life.3 days ago -
Sports - CBS Sports
Why Francis Ngannou's return to MMA feels like a make-or-break moment in PFL's future
PFL gave Ngannou everything he asked for, but the 'Predator' has yet to deliver for them in a huge year for the promotion2 days ago -
World - The Guardian
Lauren James: ‘I know what winning feels like and I want to do that with England’
Chelsea star on her club’s new manager and how the Euros defence is motivating the forward to make history. The one-on-one shooting drills have concluded, the coaches are collecting the footballs ...11 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
James Patterson hopes to 'get people thinking' beyond 'themselves' with 'American Heroes'
James Patterson says in these politically divided times, Americans have "never needed heroes as much as they do right now.” The best-selling author is bringing readers stories of bravery in his new ...3 days ago -
Business - MarketWatch
‘I feel like I’m missing something’: I’m 68, divorced with two children. I’ve $750,000 and rent my home. Do I need a trust?
“I continue to reinvest the dividends and interest so my investments continue to grow.”5 days ago -
Business - MarketWatch
‘I feel like I’m missing something’: I’m 68, divorced with two children. I’ve $750,000 and rent my home. Do I need a trust?
“I continue to reinvest the dividends and interest so my investments continue to grow.”1 hour ago -
Entertainment - Los Angeles Times
Rocker Jake E. Lee says shooter 'emptied his clip on me,' feels 'very lucky'
Jake E. Lee, shot multiple times this week in Las Vegas, said that the bullets went through his forearm, foot and back, breaking a rib and damaging a lung.Yesterday -
World - The Guardian
‘It’s not me, it’s just my face’: the models who found their likenesses had been used in AI propaganda
London-based Synthesia’s technology was employed to make deepfake videos for authoritarian regimes. The well-groomed young man dressed in a crisp, blue shirt speaking with a soft American accent ...3 days ago -
Business - MarketWatch
‘I walked my kids to school like normal people’: Why ‘Today’ host Hoda Kotb left New York City
The 60-year-old TV host, who will be stepping down from her TV role, spoke out about her life-changing decision to leave her Upper West Side apartment.Yesterday - New York
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Lizzo blasts Trump’s Detroit swipe at Harris rally: ‘I’m proud to be from this city’
Lizzo, famed singer-songwriter, joined Vice President Harris in Detroit for a Saturday rally where she highlighted her love for the city and jabbed at former President Trump's negative comments ...50 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Watch live: Trump campaigns in crucial swing state Pennsylvania
Former President Trump is campaigning in battleground Pennsylvania Saturday, as Election Day inches closer. During his visit to the "blue wall" state, the former president said he will work behind ...1 hour ago - Donald Trump -
Politics - The Hill
Watch live: Harris courts voters in Atlanta with musical guest Usher
Vice President Harris is continuing her swing through the battleground states this weekend, making a stop in Georgia Saturday evening. The visit comes less than a week after the crucial swing state ...1 hour ago -
Politics - The Hill
Harris makes last-ditch appeal to disenchanted Republicans
Vice President Harris and her allies are making a last-ditch effort to peel off Republican support from former President Trump in the final days of the election. Harris rallied with a number of her ...1 hour ago - Republican Party -
Politics - The Hill
Frozen waffles recalled due to listeria risk
Treehouse Foods recalled frozen waffles due to a possible listeria outbreak in a Friday release. The brand sells items in commercial stores across the United States and Canada. The company says the ...1 hour ago