Patriotism became dishonored due to post-9/11 jingoism, the right's exclusive ownership of the flag, and the need for qualifications when discussing American history.
His cruelty is a feature, not a bug, signaling a moral position of contempt. His lineup and tone are deliberate, designed to appeal to a certain set of instincts and ideas.
They perceive him as ideologically sympathetic and business-oriented, despite his track record, because he 'gets it' in terms of their grievances and concerns.
Empathy helps people feel understood and valued, which is crucial for building trust and support, even without immediate solutions.
The Democratic Party has not created systems to help people through adversity, leading to a sense of abandonment and a search for someone who acknowledges their plight.
Patriotism, when genuine and critical, fosters a belief that the country is worth improving and is not terminally damaged by its flaws.
Immigrants often have a chosen love for the country, recognizing its shelter and opportunities, which fosters a deeper, more appreciative form of patriotism.
People are fed up with anodyne platitudes and outright lies from traditional politicians, finding anti-politicians' authenticity and directness refreshing.
Evan Osnos is a staff writer at the New Yorker, where his work spans everything from national politics to foreign affairs. Just days before the election, Osnos joins Preet to talk about the big questions in American political culture: What does patriotism mean in a divided country? How should we confront cruelty? And is there still room for empathy in our politics?
Plus, Preet offers advice to high school students and to lawyers making the move to private practice.
With the election around the corner, and legal questions certain to follow, understanding the law is more important than ever. From now through November, visit cafe.com/november) to get 40% off your membership for the first year.
For show notes and a transcript of the episode head to: https://cafe.com/stay-tuned/election-trump-harris-evan-osnos/)
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