8) Lying No Longer Matters
We’re used to politicians lying. Whether it’s Watergate or Bill Clinton’s infamous “I did not have sexual relations with that woman,” politicians talking bull has a long and ignoble tradition. But lying politicians used to be eviscerated by the press. Now they simply carry on as if it doesn’t matter. The clearest manifestation of this is Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly lied about issues ranging from 9/11 to America’s refugee resettlement plans. Nonpartisan media group Politifact has recorded over 50 occasions when Trump spouted facts that were “mostly false” at best and dangerous fabrications at worst. Nearly all of these lies have been widely reported. Not one of them has damaged The Donald’s poll ratings.
When Trump lies, his supporters don’t seem to care.The real issue here is the rise of alternative media. There are now so many different “news” sites on both sides of the aisle that you can always find someone willing to reinforce your prejudices. Think Jade Helm is a coup? Alex Jones has got you covered. Want to believe that the government is admitting 250,000 Muslim refugees a year even though they’re not? Head to Breitbart. It’s now easier than ever to dismiss the mainstream media, especially when they’re doing something inconvenient like fact-checking a candidate. Unfortunately, when these conspiracy theorists go to the polls, you get people like Louie Gohmert indulging in conspiracy theories he can’t possibly believe. Be sensible, and you become part of the hated “establishment” (and thus voted out). Keep peddling outrageous lies, and you’ll keep your base happy and your job secure.
We’re used to politicians lying. Whether it’s Watergate or Bill Clinton’s infamous “I did not have sexual relations with that woman,” politicians talking bull has a long and ignoble tradition. But lying politicians used to be eviscerated by the press. Now they simply carry on as if it doesn’t matter. The clearest manifestation of this is Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly lied about issues ranging from 9/11 to America’s refugee resettlement plans. Nonpartisan media group Politifact has recorded over 50 occasions when Trump spouted facts that were “mostly false” at best and dangerous fabrications at worst. Nearly all of these lies have been widely reported. Not one of them has damaged The Donald’s poll ratings.
When Trump lies, his supporters don’t seem to care.The real issue here is the rise of alternative media. There are now so many different “news” sites on both sides of the aisle that you can always find someone willing to reinforce your prejudices. Think Jade Helm is a coup? Alex Jones has got you covered. Want to believe that the government is admitting 250,000 Muslim refugees a year even though they’re not? Head to Breitbart. It’s now easier than ever to dismiss the mainstream media, especially when they’re doing something inconvenient like fact-checking a candidate. Unfortunately, when these conspiracy theorists go to the polls, you get people like Louie Gohmert indulging in conspiracy theories he can’t possibly believe. Be sensible, and you become part of the hated “establishment” (and thus voted out). Keep peddling outrageous lies, and you’ll keep your base happy and your job secure.
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