The Trump Campaign Continues to Spew Lies about Springfield. Plus, Support for Political Violence Is On the Rise.
1Digest
This podcast delves into the alarming rise of political violence in America, tracing its roots to the spread of misinformation and the normalization of extremist ideologies. The first chapter focuses on the real-world consequences of lies spread by the Trump campaign about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, which led to threats of violence and forced the closure of schools and city buildings. This chapter highlights the normalization of political violence in America, citing examples of attacks on election officials and the rise of right-wing extremism. The second chapter examines the two assassination attempts on Donald Trump's life and the accusations from the MAGA universe that it is democratic rhetoric that is putting his life at stake. This chapter explores the role of political rhetoric in fueling violence and the increasing tolerance for political violence in America. The final chapter examines the rise of American Patriots 3% (AP3), one of America's largest militias, and its involvement in the events of January 6th. The chapter explores how AP3 has been able to recruit new members and expand its influence, particularly in the wake of January 6th. The podcast concludes by discussing the need to address the root causes of political violence, including the spread of misinformation, the normalization of extremist ideologies, and the lack of accountability for violence. It emphasizes the importance of promoting responsible leadership, fostering a culture of tolerance and respect, and holding individuals and groups accountable for their actions.
Outlines
The Spread of Lies and Violence and the Normalization of Political Violence
This chapter explores the real-world consequences of vicious lies spread by the Trump campaign about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. The lies led to threats of violence, forcing the closure of schools and city buildings. The chapter also examines the normalization of political violence in America, citing examples of attacks on election officials and the rise of right-wing extremism.
The Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump and the Role of Political Rhetoric in Fueling Violence
This chapter discusses the two assassination attempts on Donald Trump's life and the accusations from the MAGA universe that it is democratic rhetoric that is putting his life at stake. The chapter explores the role of political rhetoric in fueling violence and the increasing tolerance for political violence in America.
The Rise of American Patriots 3% and the Growth of Militias
This chapter examines the rise of American Patriots 3% (AP3), one of America's largest militias, and its involvement in the events of January 6th. The chapter explores how AP3 has been able to recruit new members and expand its influence, particularly in the wake of January 6th.
Keywords
Political Violence
The use of force or the threat of force to achieve political goals. It can range from individual acts of violence to organized campaigns of terror.
Militia
A group of armed civilians organized for military purposes, often without official government authorization. Militias can be motivated by a variety of factors, including political ideology, self-defense, or a desire to overthrow the government.
Voter Intimidation
The use of threats or violence to discourage people from voting or to influence their vote. It is a serious crime that can undermine the integrity of elections.
Right-Wing Extremism
A political ideology that emphasizes traditional values, nationalism, and often hostility towards minorities and immigrants. Right-wing extremists often resort to violence to achieve their goals.
January 6th
The day in 2021 when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election. The event was a major turning point in American politics, highlighting the growing threat of political violence.
Political Rhetoric
The language used by politicians to persuade and influence others. Political rhetoric can be used to inspire, to demonize, or to incite violence.
Domestic Terrorism
The use of violence or the threat of violence to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or government in furtherance of political or social objectives. Domestic terrorism is often carried out by individuals or groups within a country.
Partisan Identity
A strong identification with a particular political party. Partisan identity can lead to polarization and conflict, as people become more likely to see the world through the lens of their party.
Q&A
What are some of the real-world consequences of the lies spread by the Trump campaign about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio?
The lies led to threats of violence, forcing the closure of schools and city buildings. Haitian immigrants in Springfield reported feeling unsafe and targeted.
How has the normalization of political violence in America affected the country?
The normalization of political violence has led to an increase in attacks on election officials, threats against politicians, and the rise of right-wing extremist groups.
What is the role of political rhetoric in fueling violence?
Political rhetoric can be used to demonize opponents, incite hatred, and justify violence. The use of inflammatory language can create a climate of fear and hostility, making violence more likely.
What are some of the factors that have contributed to the rise of militias in America?
The rise of militias in America is linked to a number of factors, including political polarization, distrust of government, and the availability of firearms. The events of January 6th have also contributed to the growth of militias.
What are some of the ways that we can prevent political violence from escalating in America?
Preventing political violence requires a multi-pronged approach, including addressing the root causes of polarization, promoting responsible leadership, and fostering a culture of tolerance and respect. It is also important to hold individuals and groups accountable for their actions.
Show Notes
Lies that immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, Ohio have inspired dozens of threats against the town, and toward Haitian-Americans across the nation. On this week’s On the Media, hear how public acceptance of political violence has grown. Plus, how January 6 became a recruiting tool for one of the country’s largest militias.
[01:00 ] Host Brooke Gladstone speaks with Macollvie Neel, special projects editor at The Haitian Times, to talk about the recent wave of rhetoric and threats aimed at the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, and why Neel and other reporters saw it coming.
[13:29 ] Host Brooke Gladstone interviews Lilliana Mason, Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University, about the growing acceptance of political violence in America, and the reasons behind it.
[27:14 ] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Matthew Dallek, a historian and professor of political management at George Washington University, to look at the history of political violence and presidential assassinations.
[37:32 ] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Joshua Kaplan, reporter at ProPublica, about how one powerful, but largely unseen militia avoided scrutiny after January 6th. And why a day that led many members to quit, turned into a call to arms.
Further reading:
- “Haitians in Springfield: A tale of Black immigration in ‘Anytown USA,’” by Macollvie J. Neel
- “How to Prevent a Spiral of Political Violence in America,” by Lilliana Mason
- “Radical American Partisanship,” by Nathan Kalmoe and Lilliana Mason
- “The Fading Line Between Rhetorical Extremism and Political Violence,” by Matthew Dallek
- “Political Violence May Be Un-American, but It Is Not Uncommon,” by Matthew Dallek and Robert Dallek
- “Armed and Underground: Inside the Turbulent, Secret World of an American Militia,” by Joshua Kaplan
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