One of the most vexing problems for a would-be 21st Century Progressive Coalition is the reluctance of White, less-educated (H.S. diploma or less), Christian (mostly Evangelical and Roman Catholic) who tend to dwell in rural, small-town, or exurban areas. Many are prone to accept Acts of Capitalism in the same manner they accept Acts of God--painful but beyond the purview of mere mortals to control.
Another factor contributing to their reluctance to coalesce with progressives is the perception that liberals are elitist snobs who hold them in disdain. When criticism of religious bigotry becomes a blanket denuciation of all relgion, it becomes itself a form of religious bigotry that can make a potential ally feel unwelcome. The same can be said of use of terms like "redneck", "cracker", "hillbilly", or "trailer trash" to name but a few. If a sufficient number of people are offended by such terms, it is important not to give unnecessary offense by being perceived as disrespectful and insensitive. For that reason, I will henceforth, and with great reluctance, give up the use of all forms of "teabag", at least in public discourse.
Russ Douthat is one of those rare reasonable conservatives. He argues that working class Whites belong in the Republican coalition. I disagree with his conclusions but his analysis of the facts is worth our consideration.
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