January 2, 2018--Required Reading

I've been working my way through Dan Carter's richly detailed and very well written, George Wallace: The Politics of Rage, The Origins of the New Conservatism, and the Transformation of American Politics.

Anyone interested in understanding the Trump phenomenon (like it or not, that's what it is) needs to do the same. It shows how economic hard times for many, xenophobia, and racism have previously been an incendiary mix in America culture and politics. 

Not just during the time when the bigoted but compelling George Wallace was a serious contender for the presidency but earlier as well. We have a long and full history of anti-intellectualism and demagoguery. Trump is the latest example.

Here's a brief taste to hopefully pique your interest--

After doing unexpectedly well in Wisconsin's1964 Democratic presidential primary, winning more than a third of the votes, Wallace was euphoric.

Wallace, constantly manipulating television's infatuation with visual action, dramatic confrontation, and punchy sound bites, effortlessly set his own agenda. The usual [nightly] two or three minutes of air coverage [by the three TV networks] allowed only a colorful charge by [Wallace] in a highly visual setting and a complex defensive reaction by [his opponent, favorite son] Governor Welsh. "Without any conscious bias," fumed the editor of the Nation, "the television cameras automatically focus on him and he projects very well."

Sound familiar?

Wallace--Standing In the Schoolhouse Door (University of Alabama)