When They Call You a Terrorist

1. The Rise of Conservative Populism: From Reagan to Trump

"Reagan was something else altogether—he was speaking for people just like them: middle-class, hardworking, never-take-handouts, flag-flying, World War II–generation patriots."

Reagan's populist appeal was rooted in his ability to connect with everyday Americans. He championed:

• Lower taxes
• Smaller government
• Strong national defense
• Traditional values

Reagan's success was built on:

• Articulating a vision of American greatness
• Challenging the political establishment
• Restoring economic prosperity through supply-side economics
• Winning the Cold War without firing a shot

This populist approach laid the groundwork for future conservative movements, culminating in Donald Trump's 2016 victory.

2. Bush's Betrayal: "Read My Lips" and the Collapse of Trust

"Read my lips: no new taxes."

Bush's broken promise shattered the Reagan coalition and eroded trust in the Republican establishment. The fallout included:

• Loss of conservative support
• Emboldening of Democrats
• Economic recession

Bush's presidency marked a shift towards globalism, evidenced by:

• Pursuit of a "New World Order"
• Support for NAFTA
• Interventionist foreign policy

This deviation from Reagan's populist conservatism created a vacuum that would later be filled by more radical populist voices.

3. Clinton's Faux Populism and the NAFTA Nightmare

"NAFTA means jobs, American jobs, and good-paying American jobs."

Clinton's embrace of globalism contradicted his populist campaign rhetoric. Key policies included:

• Passing NAFTA
• Welfare reform
• Tough-on-crime legislation

The consequences of Clinton's policies:

• Decimation of American manufacturing
• Widening wealth inequality
• Erosion of working-class Democratic support

Clinton's presidency demonstrated the growing disconnect between the political elite and working-class Americans, setting the stage for future populist backlash.

4. Bush 43: Neoconservatism and the Abandonment of the Base

"We will be changing the regime of Iraq for the good of the Iraqi people."

Bush's neoconservative turn alienated the Republican base through:

• Costly foreign interventions
• Expansion of government (No Child Left Behind, Medicare Part D)
• Attempts at comprehensive immigration reform

The Bush era saw:

• Soaring national debt
• Economic crisis
• Growing distrust in government institutions

These factors contributed to a growing desire for an outsider to shake up the political establishment.

5. Obama's Presidency: The Catalyst for Tea Party Populism

"We are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America."

Obama's progressive agenda sparked a conservative populist backlash:

• The rise of the Tea Party movement
• Growing opposition to the Affordable Care Act
• Concerns over executive overreach

Key moments of populist resistance included:

• The 2010 midterm "shellacking"
• Grassroots opposition to immigration reform
• The defeat of Eric Cantor

Obama's presidency intensified the divide between the political establishment and the conservative base, paving the way for a more radical populist movement.

6. The Trump Phenomenon: Defying the Establishment

"We will no longer surrender this country, or its people, to the false song of globalism."

Trump's unconventional campaign tapped into long-simmering populist sentiments:

• America First foreign policy
• Opposition to illegal immigration
• Protectionist trade policies

Trump's success was built on:

• Direct communication with voters via social media
• Challenging political correctness
• Promising to "drain the swamp" of Washington corruption

Trump's victory represented a repudiation of both the Republican and Democratic establishments, signaling a new era in American politics.

7. Populism's Future: Sustaining the Movement Beyond Trump

"Populist and nationalist movements in Europe have produced a mixed bag of successes and defeats."

The future of populism depends on:

• Delivering on campaign promises
• Maintaining grassroots enthusiasm
• Adapting to changing political landscapes

Challenges facing the populist movement include:

• Resistance from entrenched political and media elites
• Potential economic disruptions from protectionist policies
• Balancing nationalist sentiments with global realities

The long-term success of conservative populism will require a sustained effort to address the concerns of working-class Americans while navigating the complexities of a globalized world.

Last updated: October 19, 2024