Shift towards extreme conservatism post-Reagan in the 1990s.
Gingrich's Congress control reshaped conservative politics with obstructionist tactics.
Resurgence of pessimistic racism in conservative circles fueled by media personalities.
Deep dives
Shift in Conservative Politics from Reaganism to the 1990s
Conservatism underwent a significant transformation in the 1990s as highlighted in Nicky Hammer's book 'Partisans.' Contrasting the Reagan era, the 1990s saw a shift towards more partisanship and coarsening of political discourse. The discussion delves into the changing landscape of conservatism post-Reagan, emphasizing a move towards more extreme and polarized ideologies.
Impact of Newt Gingrich and Congressional Power
The rise of Newt Gingrich and the Republican Party's control of Congress in the 1990s reshaped conservative politics. Gingrich's leadership ushered in a era of obstructionist politics and heightened partisanship, leading to tactics like government shutdowns. This power shift towards Congress had long-term implications on the trajectory of conservatism within the political landscape.
Racial Politics and Pessimistic Racism in the 1990s
The 1990s witnessed a resurgence of pessimistic racism within conservative circles, manifesting in works like Charles Murray's 'The Bell Curve' and Dinesh D'Souza's 'The End of Racism.' Authors like Peter Brimelow with 'Alien Nation' tapped into racial animosities, promoting divisive views on race and immigration. These publications stoked racial tensions and exploited white fears, contributing to a climate of heightened racial confrontations.
Racial Rhetoric and Political Goals in Conservative Media
Conservative media figures and pundits in the 1990s utilize explicitly racial arguments to oppose Great Society programs aimed at historically discriminated groups. The rhetorical strategies involve shifting from dog whistles to overt statements, promoting policy goals against programs for the poor and marginalized. The rise of conservative media personalities like Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham, and Ann Coulter on cable news highlights the deliberate use of inflammatory language to drive conservative viewpoints and political agendas.
Media Influence on Conservative Punditry and Political Community Building
The 1990s witnessed a merging of media and politics, blurring the lines between entertainment and political discourse. Figures like Rush Limbaugh and Pat Buchanan leveraged talk radio and TV platforms to create a sense of community among like-minded audiences. Conservative media outlets such as MSNBC and Fox News facilitated the interactive engagement of viewers, fostering political identities and affiliations. Media interactions not only shaped conservative punditry but also influenced political discourse on divisive issues, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards media-driven community building.
In this episode, historian Nicole Hemmer returns to the show to discuss her new book, Partisans, about the ascendancy of an angrier, more radical strain of conservatism in the Republican Party in the 1990s—a backlash driven by the right's dissatisfaction with the genial, popularity-seeking Ronald Reagan. As the Cold War ended, many conservatives stopped genuflecting to democracy and freedom and used new forms of media—talk radio and cable news especially—to spread their grievances. Topics include: Pat Buchanan's campaigns for the presidency, Ross Perot, Newt Gingrich and the GOP's takeover of the House of Representatives, Rush Limbaugh, Dinesh D'Souza, and the new breed of anti-feminist, rightwing women such as Laura Ingraham and Ann Coulter.
