For the most part, congressional Republicans represent people who are whiter, older and richer than most Americans, and our creaky old political system gives those Americans disproportionate influence over public policy.

Programs aimed strictly at the poorest Americans are always and forever under assault from a Republican Party that still has not dared to cut spending on programs - like Medicare and crop insurance - that also benefit the rich.

Co-opting the conservative line on anti-poverty programs did nothing to halt conservative attacks on anti-poverty programs.

Alex Pareene Quotes