Gabriel Gatehouse, a journalist delving into historical conspiracies and modern politics, uncovers the surprising connections between the John Birch Society and today's Republican Party in Idaho. He discusses the humorous yet revealing 'Pizza Gate' incident that spotlighted internal tensions. Gatehouse highlights the radical shift in Idaho’s GOP, exploring the rise of militia groups and their influence on political ideologies. He examines how past events, like the Bundy Ranch standoff, fuel contemporary fears and the perception of government as an adversary.
The Pizza Gate incident during the Idaho Republican Party convention signifies rising tensions and conspiracy theories within local political dynamics and factions.
Dorothy Moon's leadership reflects a shift towards radical right-wing ideologies in the Idaho Republican Party, facilitating a struggle for control and traditional conservative values.
Deep dives
The Pizzagate Incident in Idaho
A prank during the 2022 Idaho Republican Party convention led to an unexpected influx of homeless individuals seeking free pizza, an event coined 'Pizza Gate.' This incident, seemingly harmless, drew attention as individuals speculated about who orchestrated it, with some blaming a rival candidate, Dorothy Moon, who denied any involvement. The situation highlighted underlying tensions within the party and drew parallels to the original Pizzagate conspiracy, showcasing a growing trend of conspiracy theories manifesting in local political dynamics. Activist Ben Furman, witnessing this event, recognized it as a sign of an emerging problem within the party, suggesting the beginning of a more significant ideological conflict.
The Rise of Dorothy Moon
Dorothy Moon's election as the chair of the Idaho Republican Party signaled a shift in the party's direction, bringing a more radical right-wing ideology to the forefront. Moon, who champions the beliefs of the John Birch Society, has led efforts to rebrand the party, fostering the emergence of new factions that accuse long-standing Republicans of being 'Republicans in name only.' This realignment saw the infiltration of local Republican committees by groups with extreme views, resulting in a takeover of party infrastructure and a subsequent power struggle. As traditional conservative voices found themselves marginalized, many began to view their own party as hostile territory, leading to legal actions against Moon and her supporters.
The Influence of the Idaho Freedom Foundation
The Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) has played a crucial role in shaping the extreme political landscape, promoting ideas that align with far-right ideology, including the abolition of public education. Former leaders within the Republican Party have expressed concern over the Foundation's shift from a think tank to a more radical entity that utilizes dark money to influence local politics. With a focus on labeling legislation as either supportive or detrimental to government size, the IFF has effectively created a scoring system that pressures legislators to conform to its agenda. Many traditional Republicans feel that the Foundation's sway is indicative of a broader takeover of the party by extremist elements, aligning with their concerns regarding Moon's leadership.
The Militia Movement and Eric Parker's Story
Eric Parker, emerging as a militia leader following his involvement in the Bundy Ranch standoff, embodies the growing radicalization within Idaho’s political sphere. His perception of the federal government as a tyrannical force illustrates the increasing distrust felt by certain factions, who view themselves as defenders of constitutional rights. Following his controversial charges and subsequent acquittal, Parker's narrative has evolved into one where he sees the government as the primary threat to American democracy. This evolving dynamic between established conservative values and radical ideologies highlights a stark divide within the party, with Parker representing those ready to dismantle the system they believe is corrupted.
A prank about pizza is the moment members of the Republican Party in Idaho realise the conspiratorial John Birch Society has burrowed into mainstream politics. These people are dredging up ideas from the past, about communist plots and hidden hands, and repurposing them for the 21st Century.
An alliance is forming in the Pacific Northwest state between the John Birchers and another group of people who never trusted the federal government of America. Gabriel Gatehouse meets the leader of The Real 3%’ers of Idaho, anti-government activists who are part of the militia movement. He hears how a stand-off in the desert a decade ago between government bureaucrats and cowboys became a defining moment, for those who don’t trust the institutions of the state, and also for the FBI, as everyone looks at the January 6 Capitol riot as evidence of the enemy within.
Producer: Lucy Proctor
Sound design and mix: James Beard
Editor: Richard Vadon
Script consultants: Richard Fenton-Smith and Afsaneh Gray
Commissioning editor: Dan Clarke
Original music: Pete Cunningham
Credits:
Dorothy Moon speaking at the Kootenai County Republican Women Federated’s fundraiser
Idaho Freedom Foundation Investigation by KTVB
Dorothy Moon introducing Eric Parker of Hailey during the Idaho House session on Jan. 16, 2018.
Leaked bodycam footage of the Bundy Ranch stand-off fromThe Pete Santilli Show, Rumble - original owner unknown
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