The effect of a declining middle class is everywhere -- the medically uninsured or underinsured, the heroin epidemic, declining life expectancy for middle-aged white men, flat wages, weakened unions -- the list goes on and on.
Thomas Frank, author of Listen Liberal or Whatever Happened to the Party of the People, says inequality is the biggest problem we face as a society, and neither political party is doing anything to reverse the widening gap.
People are frustrated in this election season. Many feel frozen out of a middle-class life that once promised economic security and good education if you worked hard and played by the rules. And maverick politicians who recognize their angst are generating enthusiasm and support from voters who reject that this is the best we can do.
Also this hour, a few minutes with Jane Sanders.
GUESTS:
- Thomas Frank - Journalist, columnist for Salon, and author of Listen Liberal or Whatever Happened to the Party of the People; founding editor of The Baffler magazine
- Jane Sanders - Former community organizer, social worker, and president of both Goddard and Burlington Colleges; wife of Bernie Sanders, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate
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Colin McEnroe and Greg Hill contributed to this show.
