Untitled Flashcards Set

What role did political rallies play for Trump supporters in Huntington, West Virginia, in August 2017?

They served as a sacrament—a ritual that established beliefs and provided a moment of escape from the troubles in their city.

What significant event had just occurred prior to Trump’s rally in Huntington in 2017?

Trump had won the White House almost nine months earlier.

What role did political rallies play for Trump supporters in Huntington, West Virginia, in August 2017?

They served as a sacrament—a ritual that established beliefs and provided a moment of escape from the troubles in their city.

What significant event had just occurred prior to Trump’s rally in Huntington in 2017?

Trump had won the White House almost nine months earlier.

What economic condition did Huntington, West Virginia, face?

The population had declined by more than a third since the 1960s and the city was a hot spot in the opioid crisis.

What was Trump criticized for in the week leading up to his Huntington rally?

He faced backlash for false claims about Obamacare, a resignation in his communications team, and questionable comments about police treatment.

What were some of the main themes Trump spoke about during the rally?

The 'swamp', 'fake news', and the resurgence of 'clean coal'.

How did Trump characterize the press, the Justice Department, and Congress during his speeches?

He instructed his supporters not to trust them.

What did Trump's rhetorical style during rallies combine?

Spectacle and substance.

What historical event was paralleled to Trump’s political rallies in terms of public engagement?

The Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Describe the nature of the Lincoln-Douglas debates compared to modern political rallies.

They featured extensive, structured discourse with participation from a diverse crowd, focusing on serious issues.

What was Abraham Lincoln’s key message in the final debate against Douglas?

He framed the struggle between the principles of right and wrong regarding slavery.

How did violence play a role in American politics during the antebellum period?

It was often resorted to by political leaders as a means of proving dominance and leadership.

What did Richard Hofstadter analyze about violence in American politics?

He noted that political violence in America often stemmed from established citizens targeting minorities, rather than from the oppressed rising against authority.

What tactics did those on the left and right use in politics according to the lecture?

Both sides adopted violence and confrontational rhetoric, with groups like Antifa on the left and Proud Boys on the right.

What shift occurred in politics regarding the perception of facts?

There was a growing disdain for facts as ideas became weaponized in political discourse.

What term did Kellyanne Conway use to describe false claims made by the Trump administration?

Alternative facts.

What phenomenon did 'Pizzagate' represent in modern political culture?

The spread of unfounded conspiracy theories in political discourse that fueled distrust among the populace.

What is QAnon’s central theme?

The belief in a hidden cabal of powerful elites engaged in sinister activities.

How did Trump’s speeches affect the perception of established facts among his supporters?

He encouraged them to reject traditional sources of factual information in favor of his narrative.

What was the impact of social media on modern political movements?

It allowed marginalized groups to connect, amplify their discontent, and spread conspiracies widely.

What were the effects of the decline in local newspapers on communities?

It created a void for local opinions and reduced opportunities for informed civic engagement.

How did economic and technological changes influence political beliefs in America?

They contributed to feelings of dislocation and anger, making people more susceptible to extreme ideologies.

What did the increasing political violence in recent years indicate about American society?

A growing belief that established norms of democracy and civility could not be upheld.

What troubling mindset was reflected in survey responses from marginalized groups regarding politics?

A desire to see institutions burn or collapse due to feelings of powerlessness.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Drain the Swamp' in Trump’s political rallies?

It resonated with audiences by expressing anti-establishment sentiments tied to anger and resentment.

How did violence move from fringe groups to mainstream politics according to the lecture?

Mainstream figures began normalizing language and sentiments that previously belonged to extremist factions.

What did Trump’s victory signify in terms of American political culture?

A shift toward populism fueled by discontent, fear, and conspiracy thinking among the electorate.

How has the notion of shared reality changed in contemporary politics?

It has been undermined, with differing perceptions of truth becoming a hallmark of political engagement.