It's the 1970s Again. Democrats Should Study Up on Reagan.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index hit an all-time low, and today, according to the latest survey by the University of Michigan, we are there again: it is at its lowest point in over seventy years. It feels like déjà vu, but with a crucial difference. Everyone thinks that history repeats itself, but the truth is that it never really does—though it always teaches us something. The temptation is to look at the superficial similarities between Trump and Carter and stop there: two presidents who are polar opposites in terms of style and values, but who share a climate of crisis that paves the way for profound political upheaval. Today, as then, there is fear of inflation, tensions with Iran, and a widespread sense that America is losing ground in the world—the difference is that now, mistrust also stems from crumbling historic alliances and from leadership that is perceived as unpredictable and isolationist. One name stands out above all others: Ronald Reagan. In 1980, he managed to transform discontent into a new way of envisioning politics, rewriting both the rules of the game and the tone of public discourse. Reagan didn't just ride the wave of discontent: he understood that Americans weren't just looking for technical solutions—they wanted to feel part of a story of redemption. One detail that many overlook: when Reagan ran for office, trust in institutions was shattered, the economy was at a standstill, and no one would have bet on a Hollywood actor as the country’s savior. Yet, precisely because of that “nothing to lose” atmosphere, he was able to propose radical change. Today, the script seems identical, but the roles are reversed: it is up to the Democrats to understand that it is not enough to promise stability or flaunt technical expertise. They need to rewrite the story, offer a vision that transcends fear and anger, just as Reagan did, but with a progressive slant. Looking at today’s numbers—with Trump’s economic approval rating stuck at around 30% and the threat of a new global recession—it is clear that the groundwork for a paradigm shift is in place. But the real risk lies in thinking that it will be enough to wait for the crisis to overwhelm the opponent, without offering a genuine alternative for the future. Here is a perspective that few consider: In the 1970s, the right figured out before the left how to transform collective distrust into political energy. Today, Democrats have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to learn the opposite lesson. History does not repeat itself, but those who study it can change the ending. If this idea has changed your perspective, on Lara Notes you can press I'm In — it's not a like; it's a way of saying: This lesson is now part of my way of thinking. And if you feel like sharing this story with someone—perhaps at dinner, while watching a news program about the crisis—with Shared Offline, you can tag that person and capture the moment. This Note comes from The New York Times: You have saved at least eight minutes compared to reading the original article.