It's Fox's fault. All of it. Most of the crazies in Congress and dysfunctional gov't. All Fox. [View all]
Fox started in 1996. There was a big shift in politics at that time. It allowed more bat shit crazy republicans to get elected by making it seem normal to be bat shit crazy.
Yes, we've always had a few wing nuts in Congress, let's say 10-20% pre 1996 (cough-Gingrich-cough). Now I'm not sure you can find that many sane republicans.
I used to think Fox was harmless because fewer than 2M ppl watched. So what of it melted the minds of 2M Americans. But it also melted the minds of people who ran for office. With gerrymandering they can even get elected. The crazier you are, the more air time you get on Fox AND Fox will defend you if you are crazy enough.
Look at this and the last presidential GOP primary. I'm guessing the powers that be kept the likes of Trump and Cain out of sight before Fox but Fox intimidated the GOP suits. I don't remember a primary pre Fox with so many nut cases in the race.
Fox emboldened the nuts in the party and intimidated the sane ones.
It's starting to backfire but if the Dems don't go after state houses in 2020 we'll be stuck with it longer than necessary. 2016 is important but the stakes are higher in 2020.
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