On "Unequal Democracy" by Larry Bartels
I recently read Larry Bartels' book Unequal Democracy. The book begins by presenting a case that the economic policies of Republican presidents are harmful to most Americans and the policies of Democratic presidents are beneficial to most Americans. Then, he explores why this hasn't led to more Democratic electoral victories. He considers when in the election cycle voters need to see benefits, why voters support tax cuts that mostly benefit the rich / repeal of the estate tax, why the minimum wage hasn't kept up with inflation despite wide public support, etc. Because he argues Democratic policies are better for most people, partisan reactions to the book are likely. While I think GOP policies have been worse for working people than Democratic policies, my impression has been that Democratic policies haven't been as good as he suggests. The Wikipedia item on Pres. Carter's policies describes him as a fiscal conservative, says his first economic proposal cen