Why are so many white working class Americans supporting the party that's killing the estate tax, passed massive tax cuts for the rich, gutted workplace safety standards and represses unions? Republicans have succeeded in framing themselves as the party of the people and Democrats as the party of the elite. Democrats have passively accepted their fate. They have sacrificed progressive economic policies on the altar of corporate support. The major media play a crucial role. They rarely report on class and the ever-growing disparity between the haves and the have-nots.

Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank is the founding editor of "The Baffler" magazine. He's the author of, "One Market Under God" and "The Conquest of Cool." His latest book is the bestseller, "What's the Matter with Kansas?"