The News Agents Has American politics been taken over by conspiracy theories?
Sep 12, 2024
Gabriel Gatehouse, a writer and former BBC colleague, joins to discuss his book 'The Coming Storm' and the pervasive influence of conspiracy theories in American politics. The conversation delves into why America is particularly prone to such beliefs and their significant impact on social cohesion. Gatehouse highlights the role of figures like Trump and the viral nature of conspiracy theories, particularly QAnon. They also explore the challenge journalists face in combating misinformation and the potential shifts towards authoritarianism spurred by these narratives.
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Trump on QAnon
- Trump was asked about QAnon, a conspiracy theory about satanic pedophiles controlling America.
- He responded by saying he didn't know much about it, but asked if it was a bad thing, adding that "they like me."
Conspiracy in the Mainstream
- Although QAnon is dead, the underlying narrative about elite child sex trafficking has entered mainstream politics.
- Polling shows that many voters believe senior politicians from both parties are involved.
Conspiracy as a Political Divide
- American politics has a history of conspiratorial thinking, but the current situation feels different.
- It's now a battle between those who want to preserve the system and those who believe it's rotten and want to tear it down.
