I’ll take “Theories of American Politics” for 500, Alex.
Kurt Anderson, a progressive, complains about the effect the ‘mob’ mentality on jobs and the deficit has had on ‘governing’ in America. Basically, the populist rubes have to be placated in order that ‘responsible’ government can be conducted by their betters.
In his article he argues:
the job of serious Washington grown-ups with big populist constituencies–both presidents Roosevelt, Reagan, even Richard Nixon–is to respond to the rage with the minimum necessary demagoguery, throw them a few bones to calm them down, and then make deals with your fellow members of the elected elite.
Which theory of American politics we have discussed does this remind you of?
