To countless scholars, advocates and political actors, the violent mob that stormed the halls of Congress on Jan. 6 was not exactly surprising. To some, it wasn’t a matter of whether a mob inspired by Donald Trump would kick down the doors of the Capitol, but when. “This situation, in […] Read more »
Some in the GOP parrot far-right talk of a coming civil war
War-like imagery has begun spreading in Republican circles after the attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters, with some elected officials and party leaders rejecting pleas to tone down rhetoric calling for a second civil war. … The heightened rhetoric mimics language far-right extremists […] Read more »
Does Violent Political Rhetoric Contribute to Violent Actions? Most Republicans Say No
According to data collected just prior to the 2020 election, a slim majority of Americans (51%) are concerned that harsh and violent language in politics contributes “a lot” to violent actions in society. An additional 32% say violent rhetoric contributes “a little” to violent actions, and just 16% say it […] Read more »
Joe Biden’s Looming War on White Supremacy
For four years, Donald Trump downplayed the risk of white-supremacist violence and denied that racial bias is pervasive in law enforcement. In a single, searing day, the assault on the U.S. Capitol exposed the price of both of those choices—and may have provided Joe Biden new political momentum for reversing […] Read more »
At impeachment hearing, lawmakers will deliberate over a deadly weapon used in the attack on Capitol Hill – President Trump’s words
A video screen displays Donald Trump’s face as he prepares to address a crowd of his supporters. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images Kurt Braddock, American University School of Communication Five days after supporters of President Donald Trump attacked the Capitol building, the House of Representatives introduced a single […] Read more »
The American Abyss
… Post-truth is pre-fascism, and Trump has been our post-truth president. When we give up on truth, we concede power to those with the wealth and charisma to create spectacle in its place. Without agreement about some basic facts, citizens cannot form the civil society that would allow them to […] Read more »