Both political parties frequently argue that the American dream is in peril. They say hard work does not pay off, wages have been stagnant for decades, the middle class is shrinking, the US is no longer upwardly mobile. In their minds, the game is rigged, but not by them. Instead, populist frustration says some “other” — the elites, the rich, immigrants, or China — is to blame for today’s economic outcomes.

In “The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It)” (Templeton Press, 2020), AEI’s Michael R. Strain argues against this assessment. He uses persuasive, under-reported evidence to prove that the American dream is alive and well.

Join AEI’s discussion with Dr. Strain on the economic evidence in favor of the American dream and why we must reject populist rhetoric.

This audio first appeared at an AEI event held on February 27, 2020, at AEI’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

Watch the full event here.