The Bulwark Podcast Tom Nichols: The Cat Was in the Basement
Sep 18, 2024
Tom Nichols, Professor Emeritus at the Naval War College and staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the absurdities of contemporary political discourse. He discusses JD Vance's bizarre cat conspiracy and how Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric fuels division. Nichols explores the manipulation of fear in political narratives, the impact of incendiary language on society, and the need for responsible leadership. The conversation sheds light on the consequences of polarization and critiques the motivations behind political actions, offering sharp, insightful commentary throughout.
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Miss Sassy Gate
- JD Vance's campaign cited a police report about a missing cat, supposedly taken by Haitian neighbors, to the Wall Street Journal.
- The cat was later found safe in the owner's basement, highlighting the absurdity of the Vance campaign's claims.
Moral Panic
- Trump and Vance exploit moral panics, similar to the satanic daycare panic, to manipulate voters.
- These panics bypass rational thought, influencing voting decisions based on fear instead of policy.
Vance vs. Frum
- JD Vance responded to David Frum's criticism by falsely claiming Frum's "team" tried to kill Trump twice.
- Vance uses this dangerous rhetoric to silence critics and discourage discussion about Trump's actions.
