Political Theatre category archive
“Totally Unfit for Office” 0
Steve Anderson, retired brigadier general, explains why so many generals and national security professionals think reelecting Donald Trump would be a national security disaster.
Via C&L, which has commentary.
Both Sides Don’t 0
Steve M. is fed up with the press’s bothsiderism. He notes that the press seems reluctant? incapable? too wedded to the horse race? to identify the instigators. Indeed, he sees a pattern (emphasis in the original):
Follow the link for his reasoning.
(Broken link fixed.)
No, I Will Not Be Watching the Debate, Reprise (Updated) 0
My friend watched some to the debate while I was watching Inspector Frost.
Based on her reaction to the behavior of one of the participants (you know which one–the one of which she said, “I can’t believe they allowed him to be on that stage”), all I can say is, well, I called that.
Addendum:
An early fact-check from Scripps News.
Facts may not lie, but Donald Trump most assuredly does.
No, I Will Not Be Watching the Debate 0
Whatever happens on the debate stage cannot affect my vote, while subjecting myself to political theatrics and demented right-wing ramblings (you know to whom I refer) will likely serve only to increase my stress level, which is high enough already.
Rather, I will likely watch an episode of A Touch of Frost on Tubi. And you should too.
Foxy Shady 0
David discusses Fox News’s banc-and-forth about the behavior of RFK Jr. and what it tells us about Fox News’s integrity. (Warning: short commercial at the end.)
“But It’s the Only Possible Explanation” 0
At Psychology Today Blogs, Joe Pierre notes that “For politicians–especially those with authoritarian tendencies–conspiracy theories can serve as propaganda that exploits the psychological needs of a voting populace.” He goes on to list six of the ways that conspiracy theories can sway dis coarse discourse:
- To malign opponents
- To sow mistrust in authoritative sources of information
- To deflect blame
- To create “us and them” narratives
- To portray oneself as a victim or an anti-establishment candidate
- To incite or justify violence
Follow the link for a detailed discussion of each of these items and ask yourself if any of them sound something in today’s news.
“The Horsemen of the Rightwing Apocalypse” 0
Emma talks with Rena Steinzor, research professor of law at the University of Maryland, about her recent book American Apocalypse: The Six Far-Right Groups Waging War on Democracy.
The Disinformation Superhighway 0
At Psychology Today blogs, Tahir Rahman takes a deep dive into how “social” media can lead persons to believe stuff that isn’t. A snippet:
Given the flood of falsehoods polluting our polity, I commend his article to your attention.
All the News that Fits 0
Driftglass decodes de code.
All the News that Fits 0
Dick Polman looks at the recent coverage of Donald Trump’s public appearances and asks a (rhetorical) question:
Follow the link for his answer.
Republican Family Values 0
Apparently, suffer the children (and the parents and the grandparents) is a Republican Family Value.
Misdirected Play 0
At The Colorado Sun, Mike Littwin notes that, in their recent interview, Dana Bash asked Kamala Harris about Donald Trump’s racist attacks on her, to which Harris responded, “Same old tired playbook. Next question, please.” .
Littwin goes on to argue that the question was directed to the wrong person:
Follow the link for his reasoning.