Paul Krugman notes the increasing power of the Reactionary faction of the GOP and, quite reasonably, wonders why the party doesn’t turn populist on economic issues. Here are his answers:
- THE REACTIONARIES DON’T THINK THEY CAN WIN NATIONAL ELECTIONS WITHOUT THE DONATIONS, EXPERTISE, AND VOTES OF PBPS: They’re probably right.
- INSTITUTIONAL INERTIA: GOP enforcers and idea producers are predominantly PBP. That won’t change overnight.
- REACTIONARIES HAVE A NATURAL AFFINITY FOR BUSINESSMEN: After all, plenty of them are small businessmen, too. Small business interests historically have been the backbone of fascist parties. Why should that be any different here?