Jeez, this was some good discussion. So many key little bits of history that Perlstein has un-earthed. ...A lot to suggest that, for instance, Jimmy Carter's technocratic orientation was almost like a proto-Obama in so many ways. Two examples from around 2/3 through the video: (1.) Carter's hard-set clinging to the principles of Austerity seem like they might make sense in a certain type of math equation, but this is really not the real world. In fact, there are many layers of wrong-ness, and well, as Perstein notes, you can sense how the country is then susceptible to Reaganite views. ...So many echoes of the Obama-to-Trump transition... (2.) The story of Carter's chief of staff (Hamilton Nolan) kind of being high-handed with Tip O'Neil or at least not acceding to political reality and kind of stiffing him with opera seats all the way on the top balcony speaks volumes. ...And hey, I'm all about not playing favorites, etc. etc., but if your party wins the White House and actually wants to get something done -- again in reality, not in a math equation -- then making some practical effort to "schmooze" the Speaker of the House in your own party simply has to be done. Not talking about selling-out everything here, but you know, maybe you can pull a couple of decent seats for a show? I mean, come on. ...This is one short step from Sheldon-levels of ignorance of the human condition.
You reminded me why my father, a new deal Democrat, hated Jimmy Carter. Great conversation.
Jeez, this was some good discussion. So many key little bits of history that Perlstein has un-earthed. ...A lot to suggest that, for instance, Jimmy Carter's technocratic orientation was almost like a proto-Obama in so many ways. Two examples from around 2/3 through the video:
(1.) Carter's hard-set clinging to the principles of Austerity seem like they might make sense in a certain type of math equation, but this is really not the real world. In fact, there are many layers of wrong-ness, and well, as Perstein notes, you can sense how the country is then susceptible to Reaganite views. ...So many echoes of the Obama-to-Trump transition...
(2.) The story of Carter's chief of staff (Hamilton Nolan) kind of being high-handed with Tip O'Neil or at least not acceding to political reality and kind of stiffing him with opera seats all the way on the top balcony speaks volumes. ...And hey, I'm all about not playing favorites, etc. etc., but if your party wins the White House and actually wants to get something done -- again in reality, not in a math equation -- then making some practical effort to "schmooze" the Speaker of the House in your own party simply has to be done.
Not talking about selling-out everything here, but you know, maybe you can pull a couple of decent seats for a show? I mean, come on. ...This is one short step from Sheldon-levels of ignorance of the human condition.
Reaganism-Modern Conservatism? I would suggest that Reagan popularized Neo-Liberalism which I equate with Fascism.
How dare you question the conventional wisdom? Especially St. Reagan 😂😂😂