The Return of Economic Populism

A news analysis in The New York Times spotlights the disagreements over economic policy that exist within the Democratic Party.

On one side of the debate are those who argue that increased global trade with little government regulation is the best way to bring about economic growth. On the other side, are economic populists who hold that current policies concentrate economic gains among a small segment of the society. Government consequently must play a role in ensuring that prosperity is shared broadly.

This debate is important to Southerners in many ways. First, many Southerners, especially those working in traditional industries like manufacturing and textiles, have suffered from current policies. The decision to put workers in such industries in direct competition with low-wage international counterparts (while actively protecting higher-income workers from trade) has destroyed industries, wrecked communities and knocked thousands of people out of the middle class. Moreover, such people rarely receive the help promised to them and instead are told that their problems are a result of personal failings.

Second, economic populism has strong roots in the South and many Southerners are at least familiar with, if not sympathetic to, the messages. Southerners who have been impacted by change have an opportunity to make their voices heard and help push the country towards policies that will help make the economy work for everyone.