In the latest episode of the Matter of Opinion podcast, hosts Ross Douthat and Reihan Salam delve into the transformation of the Republican Party. They reflect on their previous book, "Grand New Party," which foresaw a shift towards a working-class, multiracial coalition within the GOP. While they accurately predicted this demographic change, they didn't fully grasp Donald Trump's pivotal role in making it happen. Trump's appeal went beyond policy; he connected with voters who felt overlooked by the elite, tapping into their resentment and disenfranchisement. The discussion highlights the ongoing struggle within the party between traditional fiscal conservatism and a more populist, possibly protectionist stance. As the conversation wraps up, there's a lingering question about whether the Republican Party can develop a unified economic agenda to support its newly expanded base.
