" To be clear, no one is saying there weren’t any legitimate economic grievances in Trumpland, nor is anyone claiming that the economy played no role whatsoever. The point, however, is that it wasn’t the major motivating factor for most Trump voters – or, at least, that’s what we learn when we bother to study those voters. Race trumped economics. "
- Mehdi Hasan

The quote suggests that many people who voted for Donald Trump were motivated by issues related to race rather than economic concerns. It acknowledges that there were legitimate economic grievances among voters, but argues that these did not serve as the primary driving force behind their decision to support Trump.

At a deeper level, this statement highlights the complex interplay between social and economic factors in political decision-making. The quote implies that while economics is often considered a key factor in voter behavior, cultural and racial issues can sometimes overshadow economic concerns. It challenges the common narrative that economic hardship was the main reason for the support Trump received during his campaign. By emphasizing the role of race over economics, the statement invites readers to consider how social identities and perceptions of discrimination might influence voting patterns more than purely economic conditions.

The quote is from Mehdi Hasan, a British journalist and political commentator known for his work on issues related to Islam and politics in Europe and America. He frequently writes about topics such as identity politics, racism, and the impact of cultural tensions on voter behavior, often drawing attention to how these factors intertwine with economic issues in shaping public opinion and electoral outcomes.