A recent poll by The Wall Street Journal revealed several alarming statistics: 51% of Americans are dissatisfied with capitalism, only 12% believe democracy is working and 68% believe America is declining. Why should Utahns be concerned, and what is the effect on politics?
Cowley: These results are alarming as younger generations begin to inherit this country, complete with all its glory and its flaws. These youthful citizens will set the tone for what America’s next 250 years will look like.
The American dream is seemingly less attainable for my peers and younger generations than it was for our parents and grandparents. The problem is twofold. It’s becoming harder to own a home on a blue-collar salary, but lifestyles don’t match those of our forebears. Frivolous spending and goldbricking run rampant while savings accounts sit empty.
With homeownership out of reach, many wonder if the system is broken. When you think the game is rigged, the only option is to change the game.
This pessimism is shared across political parties. The real question is, if young Americans don’t like the current system, what do they want? Democrats are turning to socialism and Republicans toward populism. Both perspectives seek to empower the working class.
History shows socialism always ends with an authoritarian military regime oppressing its people. Populism rewards crowd-pleasing policies while sacrificing incentives for business growth and innovation. Full adoption of either premise would wholesale retool the framework of what historically made our nation great.
Pignanelli: “The revealing comparison isn’t between socialists and contented capitalists. It’s between DSA and MAGA: rival diagnoses, rival remedies, one shared conviction that the prevailing order has stopped working.” — Gilberto Lopes, Wall Street Journal
In politics (and most things involving humans), perception is reality. Although facts abound proving that our economy and democracy are working, what voters believe prevails.
Especially disconcerting is the bipartisan belief that America’s best days are behind us, divided government cannot solve problems and people are judged by skin color, not character. This dissatisfaction explains the growth of MAGA and the democratic socialists.
History shows that increasing dissatisfaction with traditional institutions leads to a major overhaul of governmental and societal structures. The solution will not come from the top, because there is no faith in the top.
Americans will do what they do best — resolve problems organically. We must affirm that losing an election, legislative vote or court decision is not the end of democracy. Affordability can be substantially improved with commonsense regulatory changes. Those who benefited from capitalism must publicize pride in their entrepreneurial spirit. Social media exaggerates our problems, and we must rely on each other to dismiss the overdramatization.
Utah has the narrowest income gap in the country. The nation should be looking to the Beehive State to solve many problems.
Vice President JD Vance went on the very popular “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast expressing concern for the future of capitalism and the appeal of socialism, especially for young Americans. What does this signal for the future of the Republican Party?
Cowley: Unions played a huge role in electing Trump. In a remarkable pivot from traditional Republican politics, Vance suggested unions could actually play a role in saving capitalism by giving workers more power and a greater chance at the American dream. Vance’s unorthodox endorsement to reinvigorate unions may blaze the trail for his presidential run. Unfortunately, righting generational economic imbalances will take longer than one or even two presidential terms.
A significant workforce shift is currently underway. The proliferation of AI will undoubtedly make many jobs obsolete. Remaining jobs could primarily be skilled labor. Unions have historically flourished in skilled labor markets, but union participation has declined in recent years. As these jobs become more sought after, unions may have the opportunity to exert more power and grow their ranks. It is up to Republicans if they want to tap into that power and influence or fight it.
Vance urges Republicans to give young Americans a win or risk driving them toward socialism. The choice is not between hardcore Ayn Rand libertarianism or Stalin-style socialism. There needs to be a middle ground. The American experiment is ongoing. As a relatively young country, it remains to be seen if the principles of yesteryear will produce further prosperity or peril.
Pignanelli: The Republican vice president, on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, stated, “40 years of failed bipartisan leadership created a shell corporation out of the country. We do not make enough stuff … workers don’t have enough bargaining power. All this could lead to a socialist president.”
Vance is making history. A majority of Americans fear socialism. Thus, the GOP once again has a unique opportunity to build a coalition that spans many demographics.
What do these trends signal for Utahns?
Cowley: The Utah Legislature is already skewing toward populism. Recent 1st Congressional District primary results show Democrats’ growing support for socialism. To avoid extremism in either direction, Utah leaders need to follow Vance’s counsel — ensure dignity for workers by balancing the power between large corporations and employees.
Pignanelli: Recent primary elections demonstrated our local elections are affected by national dynamics. The divisions afflicting the parties, and the coalitions they create, will be reflected in Utah politics.