Ezra Klein, a columnist for the New York Times, criticized those blaming Fox News for president-elect Trump’s victory during a Wednesday episode of Pod Save America. In the clip highlighted by Mediate, Klein expressed his frustration, saying, “This notion that the economy is actually doing well or crime is decreasing—it’s all just Fox News. Shut the f— up with that. Talk to some people who live near you.”
He went on to describe his surprise at how Republicans had managed to capture audiences in large cities that usually lean left. “What surprised me the least about the election was the shift toward red in these big cities. Because if you talk to anyone living in them, they’re furious,” Klein said.
Ezra Klein discusses shifting political dynamics in urban areas post-election
Klein attributed some of this frustration to policies like Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s busing of migrants to New York City. “The rage I hear from people in New York is partly because of Greg Abbott sending large numbers of migrants here,” he noted. “And, by the way, there are enough migrants for Abbott to actually bus human beings to New York City.”
Exit polls revealed that Trump made strides with voters focused on issues like immigration, the border, and the economy. According to the Associated Press, the former president gained support in counties near the southern border, such as Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Joaquin in California.
Klein reflected on the growing sense of disorder in these areas, commenting, “Those were real people coming into the country in border states. The sense of chaos is increasing.” He further elaborated, citing concerns not just about crime but also homelessness, street trash, and disruptions on public transportation.
“You just talk to people, and they’re angry about it,” he said. He concluded by emphasizing the widespread frustration in cities like San Francisco: “It feels different than it used to. In San Francisco, the anger is overwhelming.”
