Ken Walsh | The Architects of Toxic Politics in America

[@janetlynch5804]

Don't forget about "Citizens United" passed In 2010, and the "Oligarch's."

[@donaldwhittaker7987]

It seems every nation today has its oligarchs. Once upon a time they were called the aristocracy. But today they are all corrupt and self seeking so they are oligarchs. Very sad that our empire is in decline. But it is the way of history.

[@andywinger4197]

On the notion of journalists being entertainers instead of providers of information, a similar statement can be made of politicians. In my view, Marjorie Taylor Green is an entertainer. I am entertained by her antics. But I don't want to be entertained by our representatives in government; I want beneficial legislation and policies that solve problems.

[@SLHJR0390]

Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, JD Vance, all entertainers.

[@lewisjohnson8297]

When I was young, news was a public service, supported by entertainment and advertising. The enterprise was expected to support itself, but the profit motive was writ small. Reputation for accuracy and honesty were writ LARGE. Then came the engraved glossies (weekly, monthly or bimonthly) and the offset Sunday inserts, then b/w TV, followed by color TV. To that point, quality was obvious and advertisers would pay a premium to have their names and products connected to it. The more prominent, the better. Product placement, it was called. Newspapers had one or two editions per day. TV could throw in a newsflash at any time it seemed advantageous. So, the standard idea was that dad picked up a morning edition on the way to work, the afternoon and weekend editions got delivered to the door. Color TV, combined with the portable shoulder held video camera turned news from information to infotainment and all the concommitant misinformation that seemed attractive. Next stop, the internet and it's "choose your news" world.

[@numbersix8919]

It is about the few powerful interests that own the mass media and have agreed on an overarching narrative that forms the framework of public discourse. There are no politics in the United States now. The most substantive debates are limited to so-called social issues, and even then are more like pro wrestling than anything real.

[@annjuurinen6553]

@@numbersix8919 So true. Money controls the debate.

[@umbomb]

I'm not sure "an affair" is what Jefferson had with Hemmings.

[@lewisjohnson8297]

He seems to hold a great deal of pride in the sickness that he describes.

[@davidwilkie9551]

Opinions are opinionated, distracting, wasteful and vocal, not necessarily rational, but reasons are reasons, not necessarily reasonable either, meaning we may not recognize the causal facts, so unreasonable opinions don't count for much while reason dominates naturally?

[@garyjohnson1466]

Great discussion, very informative….

[@catchingthemoon]

Those working class people will find out who Trump is when he makes the working class pay more tax, gives his wealthy donors tax breaks. Takes away medicaid and pensions. Good luck with your showman.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

He's said numerous times he doesn't want to touch social security. He claimed he was going to get rid of obamcare and didn't. This low info fear mongering just makes you look foolish.

[@judywixted9407]

The Affordable Care Act was saved by one vote when John McCain turned his thumb down. Read about Project 2025 which Trump has embraced. It's a blueprint for an authoritarian government utilizing the "unitary executive theory" or, in other words, establishing a king. Obamacare, privatizing Social Security and medical abortions are specifically mentioned. It is a 900 page plan to methodically destroy our system of government.

[@martzenvandenbroek]

They didn't last time

[@catchingthemoon]

@@martzenvandenbroek his handlers at the heritage foundation are more prepared this time round. It's going to be very very different. Project 2025 is not a threat it's a promise.

[@kimsteinke713]

🙏😇💙💙💙💙

[@terrizittritsch745]

Showman? Hard to listen to this guy when he compares FDR to Trump even if he has to do with showmanship. Trump wouldn’t be qualified to carry his bags or shine FDR’s shoes!

[@Miguel_El_Chileno]

Please consider searching for Dog Whistle Politics by Ian Haney López