The Bipartisan Breakdown of American Politics
In their own ways, both Republicans and Democrats contribute to the corruption of public discourse.
Lansing, Michigan, Nov. 8: Not exactly a model of productive discourse.
Photographer: John Moore/Getty Images North AmericaI have a simple and depressing model for understanding the corruption of today’s political discourse. Not only does it explain the issue on both sides, it is likely to offend both of them, too.
Start with the Republicans. Early on in Donald Trump’s presidency, he perfected the technique of “the big lie.” Outrageous claims would be put on the table, and the willingness of a fellow Republican to go along with them was a loyalty test. Embracing the Republican mistruths also rendered the Republican politician or conservative intellectual “on the outs” with polite society, and so further loyalty to Trump was cemented in.