Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Why has American politics become so volatile?
Veteran Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to explain the economic and cultural forces reshaping the country—from declining upward mobility and widening wealth inequality to the collapse of trust in institutions.
Drawing from a data-rich presentation, Sosnik argues that Donald Trump didn't create America's frustration—he emerged because of it. The same trends, he says, are also fueling the rise of populism on both the right and the left.
Vote on today's poll and subscribe to the daily newsletter at smerconish.com
Why has American politics become so volatile?
Veteran Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik joins Michael to explain the economic and cultural forces reshaping the country—from declining upward mobility and widening wealth inequality to the collapse of trust in institutions.
Drawing from a data-rich presentation, Sosnik argues that Donald Trump didn't create America's frustration—he emerged because of it. The same trends, he says, are also fueling the rise of populism on both the right and the left.
Vote on today's poll and subscribe to the daily newsletter at smerconish.com
