Why Edwards' message may resonate: The Rise of the Have-Nots

[pnwmom]

From the American Prospect:

http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_rise_of_the_havenots

SNIP

It's no great achievement for a people to recognize that their nation's economy has tanked, but recognizing that their nation's class structure has slowly but fundamentally altered is a more challenging task. It's harder still for a people who are conditioned, as Americans are, not to see their nation in terms of class.

Which is why a poll released this month by the Pew Research Center reveals a transformation of Americans' sense of their country and themselves that is startling. Pew asked Americans if their country was divided between haves and have-nots. In 1988, when Gallup asked that question, 26 percent of respondents said yes, while 71 percent said no. In 2001, when Pew asked it, 44 percent said yes and 53 percent said no. But when Pew asked it again this summer, the number of Americans who agreed that we live in a nation divided into haves and have-nots had risen to 48 percent -- exactly the same as the number of Americans who disagreed.

Americans' assessment of their own place in the economy has altered, too. In 1988, fully 59 percent identified themselves as haves and just 17 percent as have-nots. By 2001, the haves had dwindled to 52 percent and the have-nots had risen to 32 percent. This summer, just 45 percent of Americans called themselves haves, while 34 percent called themselves have-nots.

These are epochal shifts, of epochal significance. The American middle class has toppled into a world of temporary employment, jobs without benefits, retirement without security. Harder times have come to left and right alike: The percentage of Republicans who call themselves haves has declined by 13 points since 1988; the percentage of Democratic haves has declined by 12 points.

SNIP

[Greyhound]

1. We can only hope they catch on before it is too late. n/t

:kick: & R

[DJ MEW]

2. I don't think they will catch on.

Ask those same people if they still believe that they will some day be one of the haves and what political party they feel stands for their best interests.

[grasswire]

3. those stats are stunning

Wow. The American Dream. Good bye.

[midnight]

4. It is a message that is resonating with me. Let's hope that it

resonates with the most entertained population in the world.

[Apollo11]

5. What about the missing 21%?

"This summer, just 45 percent of Americans called themselves haves, while 34 percent called themselves have-nots."

Who are the other 21%?

The ones who call themselves "don't got nuttin's"? :eyes:

Legal disclaimer: Sorry if not funny. No offense intended.

[yellowdogintexas]

8. they were the ones not asked. nt

[Clark2008]

6. It resonates, but he's not the right conduit.

[Th1onein]

7. But, but, but, WAIT........

Isn't this the OWNERSHIP society?

[Ninga]

9. Edwards is like a running back, head down and pounding the line, working to gain

1st down yards.

This is the biggest test of his life.......and ours.....if you believe he can bring home the populist message.

The game is long, and we are barely into the 3rd quarter.

If Edwards is truly made of Presidential qualities, then he has a game plan for this run. For those who underestimate him, I say, just watch.

I believe the work that he did for more that 20 years, planning strategy, doing research, and auguring the law, serves him well....but more importantly, can serve this country, and finally give us a voice at the podium that speaks for all the classes....one that is long overdue.



We no nothing, the game is not over.

[Apollo11]

10. I read that Edwards was a quarterback, back in High School

Compare with George W. Bush - who was a cheerleader.

There must be some kind of a message in there :eyes:

[Greyhound]

11. West Coast morning kick.

:kick:

[pnwmom]

13. Thanks, greyhound1966.

[Greyhound]

14. You're welcome. n/t

:kick::hi:

[antigop]

12. And sHIllary wants an increase in the h1-b visa cap. Thanks for nothing. n/t

[Naturyl]

15. Yeah, this is the attraction of Edwards for me.

I'm not drawn to Edwards on any issue but class. The fact that he is willing to talk about class makes him the most appealing of the "top tier" candidates. I'm a Kucinich guy, but I could get behind Edwards if he gets the nod.