It’s Not Just Liberals: America Drinks Lattes

Conservatives and pundits often deride Democrats as latte-drinking coastal elites who look down on working-class Americans. I want to challenge this pat paradigm in a couple of ways.

Firstly, when they say “working class” they omit the word “white,” leaving out minorities whose working class overwhelmingly votes Democrat. But since the current definition of Democrats is “elites,” I guess black and Latino working people must be part of the “privileged class.” So the next time you hear “Como estas?,” know that you are listening to just another latte-drinking coastal elite.

Secondly, it’s not just liberals: America drinks lattes. I see those exurban vehicles full of Trump voters driving through those highway Starbucks. I see “real Americans” gulping McLattes. Yes, even McDonalds has a McLatte. (They may say, “Oh no, that’s just espresso and steamed milk.” That’s a latte!) So, if they are going to smear elite latte drinkers, maybe we should just take away all the espresso beverages at Dunkin Donuts. “No, not the macchiato!” Yes, even the macchiato.

MSNBC Host Chris Matthews is one who has slammed many Democrats as snobs and out of touch with regular folks. To illustrate, he gave this strange example: A Democrat candidate who listens to the white working class is someone who “…doesn’t got to Carole King concerts all day.” Really? Are the salt of the earth not into Carole King? I would love to go to the heart of the country and ask, “Do you like the song ‘You’ve Got a Friend?” The unanimous answer: “Of course. Who doesn’t?” How about “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”? “One of the best. [Starts singing ‘Looking out on the morning rain…’” Remember the song from the 60s, ‘Locomotion’?” “Ooh, that one is fun.” “Carole King wrote all of them.” “She is so talented.”

So, Chris, pundits, conservatives, let me summarize: 1) Working-class minorities are working class. And yes, they too are “real Americans.” 2) People love Carole King. People sip those lattes. It’s not just coastal elites. It’s America. The only difference is that when pollsters come around to white heartland voters, they must hide their cups of latte … probably under their Carole King posters.