Voters say the American Dream is dead. Why?
Summary
Hosts discuss a Michigan swing voter focus group revealing strong opposition to Trump's tariffs due to rising prices and direct economic impacts. They analyze the dilemma for Republican down-ballot candidates like Mike Rogers, who must balance loyalty to the unpopular president with appeals to moderate voters. The episode also covers a poll showing widespread pessimism about the American dream among blue-collar voters and notes the Supreme Court's recent ruling blocking the administration's efforts to curtail mail-in voting.
Topics discussed
Intro: Tech leaders want to slow AI, oil prices rise
NPR Politics Podcast intro and hosts
Methodology: Michigan swing voter focus group
Voter sentiment on economy and tariffs
Polling data on Canada tariffs in Michigan
Senate race: Mike Rogers vs. Trump's policies
Affordability crisis and the 'dollar store' effect
Trump's unpopular policies vs. Republican candidates
Promos: This American Life, Where Is Austin Tice, Wait Wait
The decline of the American Dream in Michigan
Political cynicism and pessimism in democracy
German poll on US blue-collar voter views
Midterm outlook: Blue wave vs. structural advantages
Supreme Court blocks mail-in voting curbs
Promo: Through Line on baseball walk-up songs
Promo: It Has Been A Minute podcast
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