The LBJ quote above is a regular theme of American elections.
Through one lens (at least) the political process is best described in https://www.amazon.ca/White-Trash-40.../dp/0670785970; which can be summed as: I'm alright, as long as there is someone I can look down on.
The question of who will occupy the bottom wrung got a little more complicated after the slaves were made citizens...