Author John Ganz discusses how figures like David Duke, Murray Rothbard, and Pat Buchanan shaped American right-wing populism in the '90s, leading to Trump's rise. They explore extreme ideologies, Ross Perot's eccentricities, QAnon's appeal, and the book 'When the Clock Broke'.
The early 90s were crucial for the development of American right-wing populism, leading to the rise of Trump and QAnon.
Murray Rothbard's writings on right-wing populism influenced contemporary far-right figures and their disruptive strategies.
Pat Buchanan mainstreamed white supremacist ideas, navigating elite spaces while harboring extremist beliefs.
Deep dives
David Duke's Influence on the Right-Wing Populist Movement
David Duke's political career, though mostly unsuccessful, served as a launching point for the far-right movement. His defiance of the Republican establishment made him appealing to the far right, signaling the viability of their politics. Buchanan and Buchanan were inspired by Duke, using his success to shape their strategies and gain momentum within mainstream politics.
Murray Rothbard's Far-Right Strategies and Views
Murray Rothbard's writings on 'right-wing populism' and 'The Strategy for the Right' laid the groundwork for far-right movements. He encouraged confrontational and menacing tactics to disrupt the establishment, similar to Joe McCarthy's approach. Rothbard's ideological influence extended to contemporary far-right figures, shaping their strategies and political ideologies.
Pat Buchanan's Mainstreaming of White Supremacist Ideas
Pat Buchanan played a pivotal role in mainstreaming white supremacist ideas, drawing inspiration from David Duke's campaigns. Despite Buchanan's political career and media presence, his views were deeply rooted in far-right ideologies, gradually influencing larger audiences. His ability to navigate mainstream media while harboring extremist beliefs sheds light on the complicity of elites in tolerating dangerous ideologies.
Ross Perot's Popularity and Beliefs
Ross Perot gained popularity by presenting himself as a hyper-competent problem-solver, appealing to those with anti-government views. He supported extreme sections of the POW-MIA movement, fueling beliefs in rescue missions despite evidence against live prisoners in Southeast Asia. Perot's involvement endeared him to bitter Vietnam War veterans, fostering a right-wing populist sentiment against the establishment.
Trump's Political Strategy and Conspiracy Theories
Donald Trump's political strategy involved catering to neglected constituencies, such as anti-vaxxers, by promoting conspiracy theories like birtherism. He engaged with fringe ideas to mobilize support and tap into anti-establishment sentiments, portraying himself as listening to marginalized groups. Trump's skill in adjusting his message and understanding fringe concerns allowed him to rally a base but hindered his mainstream appeal, creating a dynamic akin to a populist leader engaging with followers.
Do you look back on the early 90s with a sense of fondness? In this episode, we hope to ruin that for you just a little bit. What if we told you that this time period was crucial in the development of American right wing populism and therefore crucial for the eventual election of Donald Trump and the rise of QAnon? Bet you’re a little less nostalgic for those slap bracelets now.
We speak with John Ganz, author of the new book When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s. He explains how KKK Grand Wizard David Duke, Economist Murray Rothbard, Paleoconservative Pat Buchanan, Texas Tycoon Ross Perot, and other colorful figures laid the groundwork for the results of the 2016 election and all its consequences.
When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374605445/whentheclockbroke
John Ganz on Twitter
https://x.com/lionel_trolling
Subscribe for $5 a month to get an extra episode of QAA every week + access to podcast mini-series like Manclan, Trickle Down, Perverts and The Spectral Voyager: www.patreon.com/QAA
Editing by Corey Klotz. Theme by Nick Sena. Additional music by Pontus Berghe. Theme Vocals by THEY/LIVE (instagram.com/theyylivve / sptfy.com/QrDm). Cover Art by Pedro Correa: (pedrocorrea.com)
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QAA was formerly known as the QAnon Anonymous podcast.
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