U Tenn's Nathan Kelly's Research to Put Into Context Romney's Comment About the 47 Percent #Utbigorangebigideas

University of Tennessee political scientist Nathan Kelly can put into context Mitt Romney's comment about the 47 percent. Kelly's research focuses on inequality and politics and he has found that as the rich become richer and the poor become poorer, both sides reduce their support for government programs such as welfare. "This desire only increases as the economic gap widens," he said. "Therefore, inequality is a self-perpetuating phenomenon." His research has also found when Democrats control the White House and liberal policies are enacted, inequality declines. When electing Republicans and pursuing conservative policies, inequality generally increases. Kelly can also speak about the ramifications of the this comment on voting patterns.