cover of episode How NAFTA Broke American Politics

How NAFTA Broke American Politics

2024/10/8
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The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) significantly impacted American politics. It led to the Democratic Party shifting away from its working-class base and the Republican Party adopting a working-class rhetoric. This realignment stemmed from NAFTA's impact on U.S. trade policy and its consequences for the working class.
  • NAFTA realigned both parties' relationships with the working class.
  • The Democratic Party shifted towards the professional class, while the Republican Party adopted a working-class rhetoric.
  • NAFTA's impact on trade policy is a key factor in understanding current political dynamics.

Shownotes Transcript

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are constantly talking about trade, tariffs and domestic manufacturing.

In many ways, these talking points stem from a single trade deal that transformed the U.S. economy and remade both parties’ relationship with the working class.

Dan Kaufman, a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, explains how the North American Free Trade Agreement broke American politics.

Guest: Dan Kaufman), the author of “The Fall of Wisconsin),” and a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine.

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