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LONGVIEW: Deer Hunting With Jesus
Much has been said about white working-class voters. But those who've been doing all the talking are pollsters and political operatives. As part of our Long View series, ANP traveled to rural Virginia to talk to someone who's lived the life and knows from personal experience what those voters are thinking -- author Joe Bageant. His highly-acclaimed recent book, Deer Hunting With Jesus, was lauded by one reviewer as a "raging, hilarious, and profane love song to the great American redneck." In addition to being that, it's also one of the most prescient pieces of analysis about American politics and culture in this election year.
Keywords: Media, Politics, Viewpoint, class war, Deer Hunting with Jesus, Division, Economy, Joe Bageant, McCain, Obama, politics, Rural Voters, Virginia, White voters, Winchester, working class
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Joe Bageant, DHWJ
Book is a great, instructive and entertaining
read; Bageant exudes authenticity. We need lots more of that quality in our public figures. Glad to see this interview. Wonder how his recent book tour in the UK was received. Joe?
Bill O'Neil, SW Ohio, the west coast of Appalachia
Joe Bageant and the USA
It's refreshing for us, outside the US, to know that people like Joe and ANP exist.
I had a quite distorted idea of what Yanks are and why they behave the way they do.
I still oppose much of what the US represents (corporativism, interventionism, international bullying, etc.), but I no longer think all Americans are alike.
THANKS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
As a melanin rich american,I've never understood why poor and working class white people(in recent history) vote against their own economic interest.Joe's book (DHWJ)was extremely enlightning in explaining their cultural biasis and insanities.
While I don't think too much will change(see the current red state support for McCain-Palin)and I've met Joe the author,I'd like to thank you for introducing me to Joe the human.
Straight Talk Express
Bageant's the real deal. Stumbled across him back in '04 and he has been a constant source of wisdom, humor and inspiration. Nicely done, Nick. We need voices like Bageant's out here.
Wow
I just registered just so I could tell you how much I enjoyed this interview. I've shown it to 3 friends already, and e-mailed it to many others. I don't know what struck me most--I think it was Bageant's assertion about "Tom" being this scotch-irish working class fellow who would never take a handout and all that--but it was good stuff.
I grew up in a very working class college town in west Alabama (pop ~3500) and I've been in Birmingham for 6 years now. I think this actually reminded me of home a bit.
I'm certain to buy Mr. Bageant's book.
Joe Bageant Interview
Nick,
Probably your best produced piece to date. Good preparation. Good interview.
Keep up the good work.
Don Meyer
Lightecho Productions
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