Digest

This episode of the Ezra Klein Show delves into the "other divide" in American politics: the gap between those deeply involved in politics and those who are disengaged. The show features an interview with Yana Kropnikov, a professor of communication and media at the University of Michigan, who co-authored "The Other Divide: Polarization and Disengagement in American Politics." Kropnikov explains that while deeply involved individuals make up a minority of the population, they dominate political discourse, creating a distorted perception of political engagement. This, in turn, can lead to disengagement among those who feel they cannot match the intensity of the deeply involved. The episode explores the voting patterns of disengaged voters, highlighting their tendency to favor Donald Trump, particularly in years with high inflation. Kropnikov attributes this trend to a combination of factors, including a fragmented media landscape, a growing anti-establishment sentiment, and a disconnect between the lived experiences of disengaged voters and the narratives presented by mainstream media. The episode concludes with a discussion of the challenges Democrats face in reaching disengaged voters, particularly in light of the increasing influence of alternative media platforms and the prevalence of political cynicism.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the Ezra Klein Show and the topic of the episode: the divide between politically engaged and disengaged voters.

00:02:19

The Other Divide: Political Involvement and Disengagement

This Chapter features an interview with Yana Kropnikov, a professor of communication and media at the University of Michigan, who discusses her research on the divide between politically involved and disengaged voters. She explains that deeply involved individuals, while a minority, dominate political discourse, creating a distorted perception of political engagement. This can lead to disengagement among those who feel they cannot match the intensity of the deeply involved.

00:09:16

The Uninvolved Vote: Patterns and Drivers

This Chapter explores the voting patterns of disengaged voters, highlighting their tendency to favor Donald Trump, particularly in years with high inflation. Kropnikov attributes this trend to a combination of factors, including a fragmented media landscape, a growing anti-establishment sentiment, and a disconnect between the lived experiences of disengaged voters and the narratives presented by mainstream media.

00:33:20

Biden's Troubles in 2024: The Role of Disengaged Voters

This Chapter discusses the implications of the disengaged voter trend for the 2024 election, suggesting that Biden's struggles may be linked to his inability to connect with this group, who are more concerned with economic issues than with political narratives.

00:36:35

The Impact of Trump's Conviction on Disengaged Voters

This Chapter examines the impact of Trump's conviction on disengaged voters, noting that the conviction has not significantly shifted their voting intentions. Kropnikov attributes this to a combination of factors, including a lack of new information, cynicism about the justice system, and a general disinterest in politics.

00:48:58

Reaching Disengaged Voters: Challenges and Strategies

This Chapter explores the challenges Democrats face in reaching disengaged voters, highlighting the influence of alternative media platforms and the prevalence of political cynicism. Kropnikov suggests that Democrats need to focus on addressing the economic concerns of disengaged voters, rather than solely relying on political arguments.

01:03:48

The Future of Disengaged Voters in the 2024 Election

This Chapter discusses the potential for disengaged voters to become more involved in the 2024 election, particularly as the election draws closer and the possibility of a Trump presidency becomes more real. Kropnikov acknowledges the possibility of a shift in voting intentions, but also highlights the challenges of predicting voter behavior and the potential for disengaged voters to remain disengaged.

01:08:21

Book Recommendations

This Chapter concludes the episode with Yana Kropnikov recommending three books that offer insights into the dynamics of political communication and the challenges of reaching disengaged voters.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the "other divide" in American politics, and how does it differ from the traditional left-right divide?

  The "other divide" refers to the gap between those deeply involved in politics and those who are disengaged. Unlike the left-right divide, which focuses on ideological differences, this divide centers on the level of engagement and interest in politics.

• Why are disengaged voters increasingly important in elections, and how do their voting patterns differ from those of politically engaged voters?

  Disengaged voters are becoming more important because they are increasingly likely to vote, particularly in years with high inflation. They tend to favor Donald Trump, who often appeals to their economic concerns and anti-establishment sentiment.

• What are some of the challenges Democrats face in reaching disengaged voters, and what strategies might they employ to connect with this group?

  Democrats face challenges in reaching disengaged voters due to their distrust of mainstream media, their focus on economic issues, and their susceptibility to alternative media narratives. Democrats need to address these concerns by focusing on economic policies that benefit disengaged voters and by engaging with them on platforms they use, such as social media and alternative media outlets.

• How has the media landscape changed, and how has this change impacted the level of political engagement among voters?

  The media landscape has become increasingly fragmented, with a proliferation of alternative media outlets and social media platforms. This has created a greater opportunity for voters to choose their own information sources, leading to both increased political engagement among those who seek out political news and increased disengagement among those who avoid it.

• What role does political cynicism play in the disengagement of voters, and how can politicians address this issue?

  Political cynicism, the belief that politicians are corrupt and self-serving, can contribute to voter disengagement. Politicians can address this by demonstrating integrity, transparency, and a commitment to serving the public interest.

• How do parasocial relationships with influencers impact political attitudes and engagement?

  Parasocial relationships with influencers can have a significant impact on political attitudes and engagement, as individuals are more likely to be influenced by the opinions of those they perceive as friends or trusted sources. This makes it challenging for politicians to reach disengaged voters who rely on influencers for their political information.

• What are some of the key takeaways from Yana Kropnikov's research on the "other divide"?

  Kropnikov's research highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of political engagement and disengagement, particularly in a fragmented media landscape. She emphasizes the need for politicians to connect with disengaged voters by addressing their economic concerns and by engaging with them on platforms they use.

• What are some of the key challenges and opportunities for politicians in the 2024 election, given the trends in voter engagement and disengagement?

  Politicians in the 2024 election face the challenge of reaching disengaged voters, who are increasingly important in elections. They have the opportunity to connect with this group by addressing their economic concerns and by engaging with them on platforms they use. However, they also face the challenge of overcoming political cynicism and the influence of alternative media narratives.

• What are some of the key factors that influence voter turnout, and how can politicians encourage greater participation in elections?

  Voter turnout is influenced by a variety of factors, including political interest, civic duty, and the perceived importance of the election. Politicians can encourage greater participation by making voting more accessible, by promoting civic education, and by highlighting the importance of every vote.

• What are some of the key challenges and opportunities for political communication in the digital age?

  Political communication in the digital age faces challenges such as the spread of misinformation, the fragmentation of media, and the influence of social media algorithms. However, it also presents opportunities for politicians to connect with voters directly, to tailor their messages to specific audiences, and to engage in more interactive forms of communication.

Show Notes