David Brooks: Resist the Pull of ‘Us vs. Them’ Thinking

By David Brooks

Produced by Vishakha Darbha

The New York Times Opinion columnist David Brooks worries that the United States — and much of the world — is being harmed by the rise of populism. In this audio essay, he argues that the “us-versus-them” mentality, so core to populist movements, limits societal growth. Instead, Democrats should promote a positive-sum mind-set, centered on respect and dignity for every individual. He urges President Biden and other American leaders to embody a culture that celebrates what he describes as “liberal capitalism.”

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)

Credit…Illustration by The New York Times; photograph by David Madison/Getty Images

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Alison Bruzek, Kaari Pitkin and Annie-Rose Strasser. Engineering by Efim Shapiro with mixing by Sonia Herrero. Original music by Isaac Jones, Carole Sabouraud and Sonia Herrero. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta.

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