PARTY OF THE PEOPLE

There are critical changes taking place in the structure of American politics, and this data-driven study explains how and why.

Is demographics destiny? Ruffini, a veteran Republican pollster and co-founder of the data firm Echelon Insights, argues that it is not, but it is an important factor. In this book, the author focuses on the political trends of the past two decades, as wealthy, well-educated voters have moved solidly toward the Democratic Party, while white, working-class voters have gravitated toward the Republican side. Ruffini does not hide his personal dislike of Donald Trump, although acknowledges that his team articulated a message that resonated with millions of voters. One of the most critical divides within the current political system involves education, and Ruffini assembles a mass of data to support his points. He also looks at the attitudes of far-left activists, whose sense of conviction sometimes manifests as disdain for those who don’t share their views. Their obsessiveness can drive away the moderate voters that are needed for any election victory. Ruffini acknowledges that the white working class is slowly shrinking, so the Republicans must look elsewhere for additional support. Republican planners are working hard to make further inroads with moderate voters, but their key problem is Trump, who repels as many people as he attracts. The author suggests that a Republican candidate who does not generate “nonstop chaos” would be hard to beat. Ruffini’s argument that the current Republican Party is multiracial is highly debatable, and Democratic strategists will find plenty of points to attack. However, while the author doesn’t answer every question he asks, he offers some provocative food for thought, especially for conservative Americans who are dismayed by the toxic culture perpetuated by the MAGA-verse.

A book that avoids simplistic conclusions in its portrayal of the current political landscape.