So logically, the “rest of America” must be united by a beautiful solidarity and converging on a true sense of American identity, while separated by walls of self-effacement and self-deprecating other-regard? 

that's not to say that we should have any enthusiasm for what the ruling class has been up to, and especially not for what the deranged imbecile pseudo-populist aberration is inflicting on the world. But I don't see a way forward without embracing what's actually good about us.
-
-
No political class has a monopoly on being either good or evil, and no class culture is uniquely corrupting or elevating. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Powerlessness corrupts, and absolute powerlessness corrupts absolutely.
-
Tweet unavailable
-
My first reply to you was a joke
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.