Summary
Despite broken promises like the return of factory jobs, Donald Trump continues to gain support in Ohio’s rust belt, including Youngstown, a former Democratic stronghold.
Voters feel abandoned by both parties but resonate with Trump’s anti-establishment rhetoric and perceived authenticity.
Economic decline, disillusionment with political elites, and anger over issues like trade deals and student debt forgiveness fuel their frustration.
Many voters believe Trump’s willingness to “tear down the system” aligns with their grievances, even as doubts remain about his solutions.
Their bitterness reflects decades of industrial decline and neglect.
I’m not going to say both sides are equal, they aren’t.
But, look at this graph and I think you’ll clearly see the differences between R and D control of the government.
Or, you won’t, and see that regardless of who’s been in government, there has been almost no impact on real wages while productivity continues to climb.
OBVIOUSLY wages aren’t the only measure of how things are going, and OBVIOUSLY To leadership has made many things meaningfully worse for many people.
But like, there are some GLARING issues that are responsible for a massive chunk of people’s unhappiness and neither party has the balls to do anything about it so they’re both just running identity politics playbooks. It’s pathetic.