1992: The year politics broke
3Digest
This episode of The Grey Area delves into the origins of the political climate that led to Donald Trump's rise to power, tracing the roots back to the early 1990s. Host Sean Elling interviews John Gans, author of the book "When the Clock Broke," who argues that the year 1992 was a pivotal moment in the evolution of American conservatism. Gans highlights several key events that contributed to this shift, including the rise of Ross Perot's third-party candidacy, the emergence of David Duke as a political force, and the growing popularity of talk radio. He emphasizes the role of David Duke, a former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, in exposing the deep-seated resentment and anger within a segment of the American population that felt disenfranchised by the political establishment. Gans also discusses the influence of Pat Buchanan, a prominent conservative figure who saw an opportunity to capitalize on this anti-establishment sentiment. Buchanan, like Duke, tapped into a growing sense of dissatisfaction with foreign interventionism, globalization, and the perceived decline of American culture. Gans argues that the Republican Party, under the influence of figures like Sam Francis, a radical right-wing intellectual, embraced this anti-establishment energy and began to move away from traditional conservative principles. This shift, Gans contends, paved the way for the rise of Donald Trump, who was able to effectively channel the anger and resentment of those who felt left behind by the economic and social changes of the late 20th century. The episode concludes with a discussion of the challenges facing the left in the wake of this rise of nationalism and the potential for a global war fueled by these antagonistic forces.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and its focus on the rise of American conservatism in the 1990s, specifically the year 1992, and its connection to the Trumpian turn. It introduces the guest, John Gans, author of the book "When the Clock Broke," and sets the stage for the discussion.
The Significance of 1992
This Chapter delves into the events of 1992, highlighting its significance as a turning point in American conservatism. It explores the rise of Ross Perot's third-party candidacy, the emergence of David Duke as a political force, the LA riots, and the growing popularity of talk radio. It examines how these events exposed the deep-seated resentment and anger within a segment of the American population that felt disenfranchised by the political establishment.
Pat Buchanan and the Rise of the Extreme Right
This Chapter focuses on the role of Pat Buchanan, a prominent conservative figure who saw an opportunity to capitalize on the anti-establishment sentiment of the time. It explores how Buchanan, like David Duke, tapped into a growing sense of dissatisfaction with foreign interventionism, globalization, and the perceived decline of American culture. It examines how Buchanan's rhetoric and political ambitions contributed to the shift in the Republican Party towards a more extreme right-wing ideology.
Sam Francis and the Radical Right
This Chapter introduces Sam Francis, a radical right-wing intellectual who played a significant role in shaping the conservative movement. It explores Francis's belief that the existing institutions were too corrupted by liberalism and needed to be overthrown. It examines his vision for a populist, authoritarian presidency that would smash the enemies of middle American radicals and reconfigure the economy and society in their favor.
From David Duke and Pat Buchanan to Donald Trump
This Chapter explores the transition from the figures of David Duke and Pat Buchanan to Donald Trump. It examines how Trump was able to effectively channel the anger and resentment of those who felt left behind by the economic and social changes of the late 20th century. It discusses Trump's use of conspiracy theories, such as birtherism, to appeal to a segment of the population that felt alienated and disenfranchised.
The Future of American Politics
This Chapter explores the potential future of American politics in light of the rise of nationalism and the fragmentation of society. It discusses the challenges facing the left in the wake of this shift and the potential for a global war fueled by these antagonistic forces. It examines the need for the left to take nationalism seriously and to develop a more compelling narrative of collectivism and solidarity.
Keywords
David Duke
David Duke is a former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan and a prominent figure in American white supremacist and neo-Nazi movements. He gained notoriety in the 1990s for his political campaigns in Louisiana, where he ran for state legislator, Senate, and governor. Duke's campaigns, though ultimately unsuccessful, exposed the deep-seated resentment and anger within a segment of the American population that felt disenfranchised by the political establishment. His rhetoric, which often centered on themes of white racial identity and victimhood, resonated with a significant number of voters, particularly in the South. Duke's political success, however limited, served as a signal to other conservatives that there was a growing appetite for a more extreme right-wing ideology.
Pat Buchanan
Pat Buchanan is a prominent American conservative commentator, author, and former political advisor. He served in the White Houses of both Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. In the 1990s, Buchanan emerged as a leading voice of the conservative movement's right flank, advocating for a more nationalist and isolationist approach to foreign policy. He also embraced a cultural conservatism that opposed multiculturalism and social liberalism. Buchanan's political ambitions, which included a run for the presidency in 2000, were fueled by his belief that there was a growing demand for a more extreme right-wing alternative to the Republican Party's establishment. His rhetoric, which often echoed the themes of David Duke's campaigns, helped to pave the way for the rise of Donald Trump.
Sam Francis
Sam Francis was a radical right-wing intellectual and writer who played a significant role in shaping the conservative movement in the 1990s. He was a staunch critic of liberalism and believed that the existing institutions were too corrupted by it. Francis advocated for a populist, authoritarian presidency that would smash the enemies of middle American radicals and reconfigure the economy and society in their favor. His ideas, which were often characterized by a strong sense of racial nationalism and a rejection of traditional conservative principles, had a profound influence on the development of the Trumpian turn in American politics.
Trumpism
Trumpism is a political ideology and movement associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump. It is characterized by a populist, nationalist, and anti-establishment rhetoric that appeals to a segment of the population that feels disenfranchised and left behind by the economic and social changes of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Trumpism often embraces conspiracy theories, such as birtherism, and promotes a strongman style of leadership. It has been criticized for its divisive rhetoric, its disregard for democratic norms, and its embrace of white nationalism. Trumpism has had a significant impact on American politics, contributing to the polarization of the political landscape and the rise of right-wing populism around the world.
Nationalism
Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of national identity and unity. It often involves a belief in the superiority of one's own nation and a desire to promote its interests above all others. Nationalism can take many forms, ranging from benign patriotism to aggressive expansionism. It can be a powerful force for social cohesion and political mobilization, but it can also lead to conflict and violence. In recent years, nationalism has experienced a resurgence in many parts of the world, fueled by economic anxieties, cultural anxieties, and a backlash against globalization. This resurgence has been particularly evident in the rise of right-wing populist movements, such as Trumpism in the United States and Brexit in the United Kingdom.
Conservatism
Conservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of tradition, order, and stability. It typically favors limited government, individual responsibility, and a strong national defense. Conservatives often believe in the importance of free markets, individual liberty, and a strong moral code. Conservatism has been a major force in American politics since the founding of the nation, and it has evolved over time to reflect changing social and economic conditions. In recent years, conservatism has become increasingly associated with right-wing populism, nationalism, and a rejection of traditional liberal values.
The Grey Area
The Grey Area is a podcast hosted by Sean Elling, a writer and editor at Vox. The podcast explores the complexities of American politics and culture, often focusing on the intersection of history, ideology, and current events. The Grey Area is known for its thoughtful and engaging discussions with a wide range of guests, including academics, journalists, and political commentators. The podcast has gained a reputation for its insightful analysis of the political landscape and its willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
Vox
Vox is a digital media company that produces news, analysis, and commentary on a wide range of topics, including politics, culture, technology, and science. Vox is known for its in-depth reporting, its clear and concise writing style, and its commitment to explaining complex issues in an accessible way. Vox has a large and engaged audience online and has been praised for its innovative approach to journalism.
Talk Radio
Talk radio is a radio format that features hosts who discuss current events, politics, and other topics of interest to listeners. Talk radio hosts often engage in lively debates with callers and guests, and they can be influential in shaping public opinion. Talk radio has been a major force in American politics since the 1980s, and it has played a significant role in the rise of right-wing populism. Talk radio hosts often appeal to a sense of anger and resentment among listeners who feel disenfranchised by the political establishment. They can also be effective in spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
Q&A
What were some of the key events that contributed to the shift in American conservatism in the early 1990s?
The early 1990s saw several key events that contributed to the shift in American conservatism, including the rise of Ross Perot's third-party candidacy, the emergence of David Duke as a political force, the LA riots, and the growing popularity of talk radio. These events exposed the deep-seated resentment and anger within a segment of the American population that felt disenfranchised by the political establishment.
How did David Duke's political success, however limited, influence the conservative movement?
David Duke's political success, however limited, served as a signal to other conservatives that there was a growing appetite for a more extreme right-wing ideology. His rhetoric, which often centered on themes of white racial identity and victimhood, resonated with a significant number of voters, particularly in the South. This success emboldened other conservatives to embrace a more nationalist and anti-establishment approach to politics.
What role did Pat Buchanan play in the shift towards a more extreme right-wing conservatism?
Pat Buchanan, a prominent conservative figure, saw an opportunity to capitalize on the anti-establishment sentiment of the time. He embraced a more nationalist and isolationist approach to foreign policy, as well as a cultural conservatism that opposed multiculturalism and social liberalism. Buchanan's rhetoric, which often echoed the themes of David Duke's campaigns, helped to pave the way for the rise of Donald Trump.
Who was Sam Francis, and what was his vision for the conservative movement?
Sam Francis was a radical right-wing intellectual who played a significant role in shaping the conservative movement in the 1990s. He believed that the existing institutions were too corrupted by liberalism and needed to be overthrown. Francis advocated for a populist, authoritarian presidency that would smash the enemies of middle American radicals and reconfigure the economy and society in their favor.
How did Donald Trump capitalize on the anger and resentment that emerged in the 1990s?
Donald Trump was able to effectively channel the anger and resentment of those who felt left behind by the economic and social changes of the late 20th century. He embraced a populist, nationalist, and anti-establishment rhetoric that appealed to a segment of the population that felt alienated and disenfranchised. Trump's use of conspiracy theories, such as birtherism, further fueled this sense of anger and resentment.
What are the challenges facing the left in the wake of the rise of nationalism?
The left faces the challenge of developing a more compelling narrative of collectivism and solidarity that can counter the appeal of nationalism. The left needs to take nationalism seriously and to address the concerns of those who feel left behind by globalization and economic inequality.
What is the potential for a global war fueled by the rise of nationalism?
The increasing fragmentation of the world into antagonistic groups fueled by nationalism raises concerns about the potential for a global war. The conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine are examples of how nationalist tensions can escalate into violence. The future of international relations is uncertain, and the potential for conflict remains a significant concern.
What is the significance of the year 1992 in the context of the rise of American conservatism?
The year 1992 was a pivotal moment in the evolution of American conservatism. It saw the emergence of several key figures and events that exposed the deep-seated resentment and anger within a segment of the American population that felt disenfranchised by the political establishment. This anger and resentment would later be channeled by Donald Trump, who was able to effectively tap into this anti-establishment sentiment.
How did the Republican Party adapt to the changing political landscape in the 1990s?
The Republican Party, under the influence of figures like Sam Francis, embraced the anti-establishment energy that emerged in the 1990s. They moved away from traditional conservative principles and began to embrace a more populist, nationalist, and anti-establishment ideology. This shift paved the way for the rise of Donald Trump.
What is the role of myth and identity in shaping political discourse?
Myth and identity play a significant role in shaping political discourse. They can be powerful tools for mobilizing people and shaping their perceptions of the world. The right has been particularly adept at using myth and identity to appeal to a sense of anger and resentment among those who feel disenfranchised. The left, on the other hand, has struggled to develop a compelling narrative that can counter the appeal of these forces.
Show Notes
We’re living in an era of extreme partisan politics, rising resentment, and fractured news media. Writer John Ganz believes that we can trace the dysfunction to the 1990s, when right-wing populists like Pat Buchanan and white supremacist David Duke transformed Republican politics. He joins Sean to talk about the 1990s and how it laid the groundwork for Trump. His book is When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s.
Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area
Guest: John Ganz (@lionel_trolling). His book is When the Clock Broke.
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This episode was made by:
Producer: Jon Ehrens
Engineer: Patrick Boyd
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United States
I was supporting Democrats and opposing Republicans before you were born. And your dismissive flippancy about the Bulwark and it's ilk, apart from showcasing your high opinion of yourself, helps nothing. Drinking too much cheap bourbon, perhaps?