Undercurrents Richie McGinniss: What happened to the Resistance?
Feb 11, 2025
Richie McGinniss, an author known for his book 'Riot Diet,' discusses the struggle of the left to create effective resistance during Trump's second term. He reflects on his experiences covering significant events like the antifa protests, Kyle Rittenhouse's actions, and January 6th, shedding light on political polarization. The conversation addresses the impact of disillusionment among youth, the role of media in shaping perceptions, and the complexities behind recent protests, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding amidst political chaos.
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Muted Resistance
- The left's resistance during Trump's second term is smaller than during his first term.
- Several factors could be at play, including demoralization, and perceived reduced threat.
Tinderbox Politics
- The 2017 political climate was a "tinderbox" of high-stakes stances and performative activism.
- Now, protests are muted, and the "fascism versus anti-fascism" narrative has lost its power.
Mobilization Challenges
- Richie McGinniss observed that Democratic politicians struggled to mobilize large crowds despite Trump and Musk's actions.
- McGinniss believes this is due to fatigue after years of heightened political rhetoric.