The Republican presidential debate exposed the hollowness of the GOP claiming to be a working class party. When asked about striking autoworkers, Tim Scott sided with bosses over workers. Other candidates like Mike Pence and Vivek Ramaswamy also failed to support the autoworkers. Chris Christie insulted teachers unions. No candidate supported policies to help workers, like making it easier to unionize. Polls show most Americans support the autoworkers but the candidates mostly criticized union leaders. The debate showed the GOP’s continuing devotion to Ronald Reagan and opposition to government assistance. Mike Pence and Tim Scott promised to repeal policies that could have created good union jobs in green energy.

In the end, none of the candidates offered any plans that would not benefit the wealthy 1%.