REPLAY: Nina Burleigh on Trump 2.0, the GOP's American Freakshow, & Her Novel Zero Visibility Possible
Jan 9, 2025
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Nina Burleigh, an award-winning investigative journalist and bestselling author, dives into the chaotic potential of a second Trump presidency and the bizarre dynamics of the modern GOP. She discusses her insightful piece, 'Trump 2.0: Here Comes the Night,' and reflects on the grotesque excesses of contemporary politics detailed in her Substack blog, American Freakshow. Nina also previews her new novel, Zero Visibility Possible, which tackles themes of disinformation and societal madness in today's America.
Nina Burleigh warns about potential authoritarianism under a Trump 2.0 presidency, raising concerns about political retribution and civil liberties.
Burleigh critiques the financial motivations behind right-wing movements, emphasizing how they often betray the labor interests of average Americans.
Deep dives
Nina Burleigh's Perspective on Current Political Climate
Nina Burleigh expresses deep concerns about the potential authoritarianism in the current political climate, drawing parallels with historical examples such as Argentina in the 1980s. She highlights the alarming rhetoric from political figures that suggests a willingness to engage in political retribution and challenge democratic norms. Burleigh suggests that the Trump administration might implement shock tactics through executive orders immediately upon taking office, including the controversial Schedule F initiative to reclassify federal employees and increase political loyalty among appointees. This troubling scenario raises questions about the implications for civil liberties and the integrity of democratic institutions in the U.S.
Impending Media Suppression and Corruption
Burleigh warns about an anticipated crackdown on media organizations and civil society groups under the next administration. She notes that recent legislative efforts, such as H.R. 9495, could be used as a tool to delegitimize anti-Trump organizations by labeling them as terrorist-financed. This concern extends to the transformation of the media landscape, where journalists and critics could face significant challenges to their freedom and safety. The specter of historic media suppression looms large, especially as figures with a history of disdain for journalistic integrity gain power.
The Role of Disinformation in Shaping Public Perception
Burleigh's novel, 'Zero Visibility Possible,' addresses the pervasive issue of disinformation following major political events, specifically the Las Vegas shooting. Through a narrative that reveals the layers of conspiracy theorizing, the novel highlights how media narratives can be manipulated to serve political ends. Characters within the story struggle against the backdrop of sensationalized media coverage and attempt to navigate the twisted realities crafted by both the government and private interests. This fictional exploration underscores a broader commentary on the dangers of a fractured media landscape and the potential consequences of unchecked conspiracy theories.
The Financial Motivations Behind Political Movements
Burleigh critiques the financial underpinnings of right-wing political movements, suggesting that they often prioritize the interests of the wealthy over those of struggling labor communities. She emphasizes the discontent felt by working-class voters who have been misled by promises from politicians like Trump, who portray themselves as champions of the average American while serving elite interests. This dynamic is particularly evident in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, where local economies have suffered under policies influenced by corporate donations and political grift. Burleigh advocates for a return to political figures, such as Bernie Sanders, who truly address the economic struggles of ordinary people and propose tangible change.
On this edition of Parallax Views, author and investigative journalist Nina Burleigh returns to discuss a potpourri of topics related to upcoming 2nd Trump Presidency after the 2024 election defeat of Kamala Harris. Nina is currently a contributing editor and writer at The New Republic and has authored such books as Virus: Vaccinations, the CDC, and the Hijacking of America's Response to the Pandemic, Golden Handcuffs: The Secret History of Trump's Women, and, most recently, her first novel, Zero Visibility Possible. The conversation initially came about due to Nina's New Republic piece, "Trump 2.0: Here Comes the Night". We'll discuss what she expects out of Trump's second Presidency as well as some recent pieces from her Substack blog American Freakshow, which chronicles the carnival-esque grotesquerie and excess of the 21st century GOP. Additionally, Nina will preview her new novel, the aforementioned Zero Visibility Possible, which deals with the madness of America in an age of fake news, mass violence, disinformation, and the breakdown of consensus reality.
In terms of Nina's American Freakshow blog we'll discuss her articles "Predators’ Ball", about the creeps who Trump have surrounded himself around (with a particular focus in this conversation on Trump's Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth), and "God and Guns in Pennsylvania", in which Nina goes over her experiences attending a Pennsylvania MAGA rally. Interestingly, said rally has ties to Rev. Sun Myung Moon and the Moonies and one of its key speakers was Sebastian Gorka, who is set to play a role in the Trump administration as counter-terrorism chief. In this regard we'll delve into the Moonie off-shot group AR-15 and look at Sebastian Gorka penchant for wearing symbols related to Hungarian fascism. All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views!
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