The Democrats Need To Wake Up - What if Donald Trump Does Not Sink the Republican Party

@Xuan12: I agree with you. Many ask how could anyone vote for Trump, what is wrong with them? However the question should be - What could possibly be occurring that would have them actually vote for Trump?

It is happening in Canada now as well...
http://www.torontosun.com/2017/06/26/of-course-populism-on-the-rise-in-canada

@katielass: I feel Bush Sr was more centralist. And even Bill Clinton. But really is amazing, the lack of self-reflection currently by the Democrat elite. Lacking critical thinking skills. You can see some of the Republican elite getting it, but many have a ways to go. Populism will only go away once people are not fearful for their livelihood and with the increasing Globalization of the world economy...it could be long, long while.

@okaybut: well, I think Bush Sr and even Clinton are seen as being more centrist because both were willing to compromise. Bush was naturally willing and Clinton was willing after losing the house and senate in 94. But I completely agree with the rest of your analysis. I would add however, and this keeps coming up, but for the past 8 years the overwhelming majority of Americans said we were headed in the wrong direction. Naturally half felt we should move this way and the other half thought we should move the other way. But the point is, people were angry and they still are, and likely will be for some time. The dems do seem to have put blinders on and are trotting out the same old tactics, fear and scare tactics, but I'm not convinced the repubs have really, truly gotten the message. I think some have enough to pretend because they think this will blow over. They are in for a huge surprise if that's what they think. It serves both sides for us to be at each other's throats. Takes the pressure off them so they can continue doing what they want. slowly but surely people are realizing this and are stopping, or trying to stop, the animosity.

@Brando: I think it is just currently marketing on the global market value. Eventually as incomes become more similar, so would pricing. I definitely agree that Americans are not more important, but they should in my view focus some of their energies more so on internal issues for a while. The outward looking might be self-serving in the end, but I am not sure. And yes, amazing that the Dems are now more market oriented!

@okaybut: I guess I don't see the two as mutually exclusive. Focus energies at home to do what? Well, it seems (to this moderate former Democrat) to hurt people who can't afford healthcare. To get rid of environmental regulations? Yes, I know that is the goal for many, but for us it's tragic and rather depressing.

@Brando: I would say focus at home to bring better economic equality to us citizens. The gap is starting to get too large. Especially for public vs private workers. And it is a balance between the various needs of the citizens (some things have to wait - for example Germany can afford a lot now and China is waiting for the future).