In The Optimistic Leftist: Why the 21st Century Will Be Better Than You Think, author Ruy Teixeira argues that the Trumpian populism of the 2010s will likely have no more staying power than the agrarian populism of the 1880s and 1890s, which was similarly driven by demographic groups on the decline as well as undercut by ongoing structural change and the transition to a new economic era.
What will have staying power in the 21st century are the values and priorities of the left. They will not win every battle, but they will win the war.
Join the Center for American Progress for a discussion of Ruy Teixeira’s book—described by E.J. Dionne as “a powerful, provocative and persuasive case that progressives are in a better position than they realize to make our world better…this is the rare political book that could force you to smile.”
Introductory remarks:
Neera Tanden, President and CEO, Center for American Progress
Featured author:
Ruy Teixeira, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress
In conversation with:
Stanley Greenberg, Author, America Ascendant
Moderator:
John Halpin, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress