Elitism, Crime, and Borders: Dems in the Hot Seat, Part 2

American Angst

In this follow-up to the previous conversation on MAGA critiques of the Democratic Party, Political Scientist Michael Bailey dives into the final three charges: (1) being elitist cultural snobs, (2) soft on crime, and (3) favoring open borders. Bailey examines how charges of cultural condescension, fueled by moments like Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” comment, have long hampered Democrats’ ability to connect with rural, working-class, and religious Americans. He warns that dismissive rhetoric erodes trust in expertise and institutions, feeding anti-establishment populism. On crime, Bailey notes that U.S. incarceration rates remain among the world’s highest, crime has generally declined since the 1990s, and Democrats should claim public safety as a core civil rights issue—balancing effective policing with constitutional protections. Finally, on immigration, Bailey untangles decades of shifting migration patterns, showing how real policy challenges have collided with false narratives. He argues Democrats must defend humane treatment of migrants while acknowledging border security as an essential element of sovereignty. Throughout, Bailey urges the party to pair principle with pragmatism, confront perceptions head-on, and communicate in ways that earn broad buy-in.

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