Page 2 - Chip Berlet News Today

Donald Trump's rise as a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination set off a flurry of articles labeling him a fascist. These pieces -- which have appeared on sites as varied as Newsweek, Common Dreams, and CounterPunch -- are misguided. Calling Trump a fascist promotes a distorted understanding of fascism and obscures the fact that Trump's demagogic hate-mongering is deeply rooted in mainstream U.S. politics.

 old WOThe unhinged pursuit of profit is destroying usNeoliberalism has insinuated itself into every corner of contemporary life and society.

Some leftists have declared recently that Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is fundamentally “anti-political” rather than right wing. But the evidence they offer actually highlights the similarities between Trump and earlier right-wing populist candidates Patrick Buchanan and George Wallace. This debate also highlights the need to combat both Trump’s demagoguery and the political establishment he is railing against.

Our politics manifest in this way and what the circumstances are on the ground? >> well, it turns out its not directly linked to fears of economic problems although they are part of this. if people fear a challenge to their prestige and power in economic, political, or social arenas, they can then decide that the other has to be expelled and because thats the only way theyre going to keep their status in the society. and we have to admit that, you know, for a lot of americans who are involved in...

Chip berlet, thank you so much. >> youre welcome. senate minority leader mitch mcconnell of kentucky running for re-election has run into problems when answering questions about health care. >> should connect be dismantled? >> hmm. take away health care coverage for nearly half a million kentuckians, or hand the microphone over to rand paul? you want to take this one, buddy? >> should connect be dismantled? >> i think thats unconnected. >> hes done it again. thats ahead. rtup ny. weve created ...

On the issue of immigration reform. after republicans took a historic shellacking among hispanic voters in the november election, what has been one of the most divisive issues in our recent politics suddenly has lawmakers on both sides ready to make some sort of a deal. >> despite the momentum, there were the predictable efforts to sink a comprehensive immigration deal. >> there are people who are coming here who want to come to cut your lawn and have a better life. but there are people who want...