On Wednesday on the WarRoom, Josh Hammer of Newsweek joined US Rep. Chip Roy on the program to discuss the ideological and political battles shaping America today. Their conversation touched on the growing populist movement in the United States, contrasting it with what they described as the entrenched political “uniparty” and its impact on Western civilization.
“The rise of the New Right and the populist movement is an uprising that refuses to sit and take it anymore. We are in a struggle against a ruling class that has systematically failed the American people,” Hammer told Roy.
Both Hammer and Roy exposed the urgency and depth of this struggle, arguing that what the American people are struggling with is not merely political but cultural and civilizational.
Josh Hammer and Chip Roy emphasized the rise of a new wave of populism that challenges the status quo of American politics. This movement is rooted in a deep dissatisfaction with both major parties, which many see as failing to uphold the principles and interests of the American people. Hammer articulated this sentiment: “We are not in a political struggle, so to speak… We are not just in a public policy battle; we are in something of a theological, almost civilizational cultural struggle here, and it is a cold Civil War, but at times gets fairly hot.”
This notion of a cultural struggle is central to the populist movement, which Hammer describes as being tired of the “losing and losing and losing” approach of what he terms the uniparty—a political class perceived as being out of touch with the everyday American. This dissatisfaction stems from a belief that the current political system, including parts of both the Democratic and Republican parties, prioritizes power and special interests over the needs of citizens.
The concept of the uniparty is critical to understanding the populist critique of modern American politics. Hammer and Roy argue that the political elites, regardless of party affiliation, have been complicit in undermining American values and sovereignty. This sentiment is echoed in Roy’s critique of establishment Republicans, who, he argues, have been “destroying our way of life, frankly, just as much as Democrats over the last three or four decades.”
Hammer further elaborates on this idea, noting that the uniparty has failed to address key issues facing the nation. “We’re quibbling over top tax rates on the corporate tax code; we’re losing our freaking civilization, we are losing our way of life,” he asserted. This frustration with the political establishment is a driving force behind the populist movement, which seeks to reclaim American sovereignty and uphold its founding principles.
The rise of populism is portrayed as a natural response to the perceived failures of the political establishment. Hammer describes the New Right as an uprising that refuses to “sit and take it anymore.” This movement is characterized by a willingness to engage in political combat and adopt governmental tactics that aim to restore a sense of equilibrium and sanity to the nation.
Hammer references Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist theorist who spoke of a “Long March through the institutions.” According to Hammer, this march is nearly complete, with the left having gained control over key cultural and political institutions. The populist movement, therefore, represents a counterforce to this leftward shift, seeking to reclaim control and restore traditional values.
The clash between populism and the uniparty is not just a battle for political power but a fight for the soul of the nation. Hammer and Roy argue that the current political climate requires a robust response from those who value Western civilization and its foundational principles. As Hammer puts it, “The key point is that Abraham Accord style National interest. Forum policy will actually allow America to strategically pull back from the region.”
This statement reflects a broader desire among populists to pursue policies that prioritize national interests and restore America’s standing in the world.
This divide between the American people, they each claimed, is not merely political but represents a deeper cultural and civilizational struggle. As the populist movement gains momentum, it challenges the established order and seeks to restore a sense of national identity and purpose.
Whether this movement can successfully counter the entrenched uniparty remains to be seen, but its impact on American politics is undeniable.
For more context, watch the full segment featuring Josh Hammer:
