The Know Nothing party came to prominence in the mid-1800s as a reaction to the mass immigration of Irish (my people), Italian (my people), and Germans (not my people). They believed in American values, anti-Catholicism, mandatory bible reading, mass deportation, and populism. Sound familiar? Ultimately, the party collapsed because it failed to take a strong stance on slavery, but its ideas had a lasting impact on our country.
People touting all forms of populism are doing a victory dance right now. Even those in the wing of populism that is rooted in nativism, conspiracy theories, and stupidity are having a moment. They won the last election. They are putting their people in power. And the other side keeps making gaffs and exposing its flaws.
Over the past couple of weeks, people in government, scientists, journalists, and academia — America’s elites — have taken some hits, mostly self-inflicted. They have confirmed Republican suspicions that Democrats are plotting the destruction of average Joes and the American traditions. These errors are fueling the upcoming Trump administration and bolstering the Know Nothings that still have a presence in our country.
Read more at Apt. 11D, the newsletter
Apt. 11d 
“Over the past couple of weeks, people in government, scientists, journalists, and academia — America’s elites — have taken some hits, mostly self-inflicted. They have confirmed Republican suspicions that Democrats are plotting the destruction of average Joes and the American traditions.”
Problem is, Laura, it’s still true that people accrue status in their social groups by doing stupid shit which make average voters roll their eyes. Dave
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