Ted Cruz exploits the power of cultural resentment
*It’s interesting how media thought framers coin new terms to fit new political realities. It used to be that angry white voters were a fringe, now they’re a resentful group. I hadn’t read about “cultural resentment” until now. It’s a term used to explain why GOP voters are drawn to messages like Trump’s stump speeches. Some would argue that it’s not resentment at all, it’s plain bigotry. If it were other than white GOP voters, would it be called “resentment?” VL
By Steve Benen, MSNBC
The voting-rights fight in Alabama grew even more controversial in the fall, when the state closed 31 driver’s license offices, which in turn made it that much more difficult for residents to get the ID they now have to show in order to vote. The state’s move, launched in October, has already drawn federal scrutiny.
And as it turns out, it’s an issue in the presidential campaign as well. Hillary Clinton, who has made voting rights an important part of her platform, has been deeply critical of Alabama’s DMV decision, calling it “a blast from the Jim Crow past.” Last week, Ted Cruz campaigned in Alabama, and as theWashington Post reported, the Texas Republican told a local CBS affiliate what he thought of Clinton’s concerns.
“It’s not surprising to see a Democrat like Hillary Clinton coming in and attacking states, particularly Southern states,” Cruz said. “Frankly, it’s a bigotry from the Democrats. They look down on the Southern states like we’re a bunch of hicks. Look, I’m from Texas and Hillary Clinton is not a big fan of my state either. We don’t need more politicians from Washington looking down on us like a fly-over company.
