One wonders how climate change denial will work for Repubs in the general election

[Hortensis]

2. I agree -- unless we get another Sandy

just in time for the election. People don't like being slapped in the face either, but it helps them focus on that reality, even if only temporarily.

Problem is, climate denial is part of a large belief frame with many elements. Many people won't just change their minds on this without developing a new belief structure that will allow them to continue to believe that they were always intelligent and responsible and that the Democrats/liberals were just as wrong and irresponsible as they always are.

In the meantime, although I'm guessing unspoken anxiety over this issue is definitely contributing to the chaos this election, denial from leaders is still probably more comforting than otherwise -- they're not alone, they're still and always part of a big group of good people who feel as they do.