Politics talk

I remember a time when talking politics was fun and interactive. Exchanging view points, making fun of each other respectfully. Having a cold beer while playing some pool with different people ideologies....critical thinking about issues and their perspectives.....what happened?

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BohemianBabe · M

It's a long story, but the short version is: Blame Newt Gingrich. He started reshaping the Right a few decades ago. He would encourage Republicans to call their opponents "sick" and "evil." As time went on, this became more and more common, then we got Trump. Now the extreme Right, which was regulated to the fringe, is the norm.

There was a lot that happened in between, such as the rise of Rush Limbaugh and Alex Jones, internet debates, changing demographics, the end of the Fairness Doctrine, Sarah Palin, and so on. But yeah, this was the short version.

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@BohemianBabe i think it goes back to lee atwater.

Bobby2905 · 26-30, M

@BohemianBabe thank you. most of what you said was aimed towards the Republican party. What do you think the issues are with the democratic party? Short version again.

BohemianBabe · M

@trollslayer Atwater was the father of the Southern Strategy, which was terrible and all, but he didn't do early Trumpism, like Gingrich did. He treated his political opponents like fellow Americans that he disagreed with. Gingrich started the normalization of conspiracy theories and "evil" Democrats purposely trying to destroy the country.

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@BohemianBabe good comparison. Atwater did a lot of underhanded politicking and slander, but didn’t demonize the other side.