PDF Summary:How the Right Lost Its Mind, by Charles J. Sykes

In How the Right Lost Its Mind, Charles J. Sykes chronicles the erosion of intellectual and ethical integrity within American conservatism. He contends that the traditional conservative values of limited government, free markets, and individual liberty have been supplanted by a populist, emotionally driven movement fueled by conspiracy theories, outrage, and disinformation.

Sykes explores how this shift has been facilitated by the rise of right-wing alternative media, the influence of grifters and ideological profiteers, and ultimately the unifying force of Donald Trump's ascendancy. By forsaking conservative principles in pursuit of political power, Sykes argues, the movement has betrayed its core mission and potentially alienated key demographic groups for years to come.

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• Engage in constructive dialogue with individuals of diverse political views to challenge extremist tendencies. Reach out to friends, family, or online communities with differing opinions for calm and respectful conversations. Focus on listening and understanding their perspectives while sharing your own. This exchange can broaden your understanding of the political spectrum and reduce the influence of extreme views.
• Analyze social media trends to see how political ideas spread and evolve. Use tools like social media analytics or even simple hashtag tracking to observe which political ideas are gaining traction and how they might be influenced by or influencing extremist views. This can give you a sense of the digital landscape's role in shaping political narratives.

Conservative Traction For Birtherism & 9/11 Conspiracy Claims

Sykes draws a direct connection between the Birchers and contemporary conspiracy theories that have gained a following within conservative circles, including birtherism and the idea that the U.S. government was complicit in the 9/11 attacks. He notes that these theories, despite being demonstrably false, have been actively promoted and legitimized by figures like Trump and by media outlets like Breitbart News. The fact that these discredited claims found traction among many Republican voters demonstrates, according to Sykes, how much today's conservatism has abandoned its commitment to facts and reason.

Context

• Figures in contemporary politics have sometimes used conspiracy theories to galvanize support, echoing tactics used by the Birchers to rally their base by appealing to fears of hidden threats.
• As a public figure and later as President, Trump's endorsement of conspiracy theories lent them a degree of legitimacy and visibility, influencing public opinion and media coverage.
• Numerous fact-checking organizations and investigative journalists have worked to debunk these theories, providing evidence and expert analysis to counter misinformation.

Other Perspectives

• Not all individuals within conservative circles have embraced birtherism and 9/11 conspiracy theories; these views are not universally held and may only represent a vocal minority rather than the majority of conservative thinkers.
• Not all Republican voters support these discredited claims; it is a generalization to suggest that the entire group endorses such theories.
• It is possible to find instances where conservative policies have been informed by data and rigorous analysis, suggesting that the movement has not entirely forsaken a commitment to facts and reason.

Conservative Movement's Co-option by Grifters and Media Transformation

Sykes argues that political grifters and a new generation of media figures, who prioritize profit and personal gain over principled advocacy, have increasingly co-opted the conservative movement. He highlights the emergence of deceitful political action committees and how talk radio has evolved as key examples of this trend.

The Spread of Dishonest PACs and Exploitative Fundraising Practices

Sykes laments the emergence of Tea Party-branded Scam PACs that flooded conservative inboxes with alarmist fundraising emails, only to divert a vast majority of the donations to enriching their own consultants. He explains how these deceptive operations exploited conservatives' legitimate frustrations and anger over the nation's direction, promising to hold Republican politicians accountable while lining their own pockets.

Tea Party Diverted Donor Funds to Benefit Consultants

Sykes cites reporting from sources like Politico and the Post documenting how millions of dollars donated to Tea Party PACs were actually spent on overhead, fundraising costs, and payments to consultants, with just a small portion ever reaching the grassroots activists or candidates they claimed to support. This, he argues, highlights how the conservative agenda has been increasingly dominated by cynical operatives who profit from stoking outrage and fear among the base.

Context

• These include expenses related to organizing events, marketing, and communication efforts aimed at soliciting donations from supporters.

Other Perspectives

• The proportion of funds reaching grassroots activists or candidates might be small when viewed in isolation, but could still represent a significant amount of money that has a meaningful impact.
• The use of consultants and fundraising costs is a common practice across all political spectrums, not just within conservative circles, and does not necessarily indicate a dominance of cynical operatives.

Conservative Outlets Profited by Spreading Misinformation and Stoking Base Anger

Sykes argues that the proliferation of fraudulent political action committees is directly linked to right-wing media's embrace of outrage as a business model. He cites his own experience attempting to push back against misinformation and conspiracy theories on his radio show, only to be met with resistance and even anger from listeners who had grown used to hearing their fears and biases confirmed by others like them. This dynamic, he argues, created a feedback loop that ultimately empowered figures like Trump and Steve Bannon, who understood how to effectively manipulate modern media systems to their advantage.

Practical Tips

• Create a social media challenge that rewards critical thinking, where participants post a video or text debunking a common myth or piece of misinformation they've encountered. This not only promotes media literacy but also creates a supportive environment for those who may be hesitant to speak out against misinformation.
• Create a "Fear-Busting" journal where you document and analyze your fears. Each time you encounter a fear, write it down, and then seek out information from a credible source that challenges or provides a different perspective on that fear. This practice encourages critical thinking and can help reduce the influence of confirmation bias.
• Create a personal blog or vlog series that explores topics you find important, aiming to start a dialogue with your audience. Encourage comments and discussions, and use the feedback to understand your audience better and to create content that resonates with them, thus creating your own feedback loop.
• Develop a personal branding strategy by observing influential figures on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Note the types of content they share, the language they use, and how they interact with their audience. Then, apply these observations to your own posts, tailoring your message to resonate with your audience while maintaining your unique voice.

The Merger of Right-Wing Media and Trumpism

Sykes argues that the most alarming development during the 2016 election cycle was the merger of Trumpism and right-wing media. He cites examples of how Fox News and Breitbart effectively became offshoots of the Trump campaign, abandoning traditional journalistic standards in order to boost their chosen candidate. This, he argues, further exacerbated the existing problems among conservatives, as leading media figures actively chose to abandon their allegiance to conservative principles in order to advance a populist nationalist agenda.

Fox News and Breitbart Became Trump Campaign Extensions

Sykes highlights how Fox News and Breitbart News, despite their occasional clashes with Trump during the campaign, provided him with an unprecedented level of positive coverage and actively worked to promote his bid for office. He describes how Fox News executives, including Roger Ailes, made a conscious decision to align the network with Trump, recognizing that his brand of populist outrage resonated with their audience. Similarly, under Steve Bannon's leadership, Breitbart aggressively promoted Trump, attacking his rivals within the Republican party, smearing those who opposed him, and rationalizing his many controversies and gaffes. This, according to Sykes, underscored the extent to which those media organizations had prioritized success over values.

Other Perspectives

• Some argue that the coverage was a response to audience demand, and that media outlets are driven by ratings and viewership, which can influence their content choices.
• It could be pointed out that the term "alignment" oversimplifies the relationship between Fox News and Trump, as the network did provide coverage of his opponents and critical commentary, suggesting a more complex interaction than total alignment.
• The focus on attacking Republican rivals and defending Trump could be viewed as a strategic choice to differentiate Breitbart from other conservative media outlets and carve out a unique space in the media landscape.
• Some might contend that the definition of "values" is subjective, and what Sykes perceives as a compromise of values may align with the core values of Fox News and Breitbart's editorial policies.

Conservative Media Forsook Principles to Aid Trump's Ascendancy

Sykes argues that the conservative media's embrace of Trump represented a decisive break from the movement's traditional commitment to ideas and principles. He recounts the tortured attempts by figures like Rush Limbaugh to rationalize Trump's inconsistencies and defend his offensive behavior, highlighting the growing disconnect between the former president and the values he claimed to represent. The willingness of so many influential voices within the conservative media to subordinate their principles in order to boost Trump, he argues, paved the way for him to aggressively seize control of the Republican Party and set the stage for the current crisis within conservatism.

Other Perspectives

• Limbaugh's rationalizations of Trump's actions might be considered a form of advocacy journalism, which involves supporting a particular viewpoint or political agenda, a practice not uncommon in media regardless of political affiliation.
• The notion of a gap might be challenged by the argument that Trump's direct and unfiltered communication style was itself a value appreciated by his base, representing transparency and authenticity.
• The support for Trump by conservative media may reflect the prioritization of pragmatic political victories over strict adherence to traditional conservative doctrine.
• The notion of a crisis within conservatism might be overstated, as ideological movements often go through periods of change and redefinition.

Trump's Influence on Conservatism and the Resulting Crisis

Sykes argues that Trump’s rise to power represents both the peak of the trends he has documented and a new chapter in conservatism’s ongoing crisis. He argues that the authoritarian, nationalist, and protectionist aspects of Trumpism are a fundamental rejection of the Reaganite tradition that defined American conservatism for decades.

Trump's Aggressive Seizure of the GOP

Trump's aggressive acquisition of the GOP was fueled, according to Sykes, by his deft exploitation of grievances and anxieties that had been festering within conservatism for years. Despite Trump's inconsistencies and lack of any discernible commitment to many traditional conservative principles, he was able to secure the support of a significant majority of Republican voters, effectively marginalizing his rivals within the party and driving out many Never-Trumpers.

Trump's Message Challenged Conservative Beliefs on Trade, Immigration, and Government

Trump's message, with its emphasis on economic nationalism, protectionism, and an aggressive "America First" foreign policy, was at odds with many long-standing conservative positions on free trade, immigration, and the role of the U.S. in the world. Despite his many inconsistencies and flip-flops, Trump was able to successfully present himself as a defender of the "forgotten man" and a fearless truth-teller willing to push back against the established order, appealing to a populist impulse that has long been a part of the American political landscape.

Other Perspectives

• Trump's "America First" policy can be seen as an extension of conservative principles of sovereignty and national security, rather than a challenge to conservative beliefs.
• Protectionist policies can stifle innovation and competitiveness by shielding domestic industries from global market forces.
• The appeal to populism might have overshadowed a comprehensive policy approach, potentially neglecting the complexity of issues at hand.
• Others might argue that Trump's success was not solely due to populist appeal but also due to a combination of factors, including dissatisfaction with the political establishment and strategic electoral campaigning.

Conservatives Marginalized and Vilified by Trumpist Wing

Conservatives who refused to embrace Trump were vilified by the new populist faction of the movement as "cuckservatives," "globalists," and "elitists," effectively purging the movement of many of its leading voices. The Trumpist wing, empowered by alternative media networks, routinely deployed tactics of bullying and intimidation to silence dissent and enforce conformity, creating an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship within conservatism. Sykes himself was subjected to this kind of intimidation following his criticisms of Trump, highlighting the increasing hostility toward dissenting voices among conservatives.

Context

• Labeling someone as an "elitist" implies they are out of touch with ordinary people, often used to criticize those perceived as part of the political or intellectual establishment.

Other Perspectives

• The term "bullying and intimidation" could be subjective, and what some view as enforcement of conformity, others might see as passionate advocacy for their beliefs.
• The use of pejorative terms like "cuckservatives" by some individuals does not necessarily represent the views of the entire Trumpist wing or alternative media networks.
• Some leading voices within conservatism may have voluntarily stepped back from the movement due to personal disagreements with the direction it was taking, rather than being actively marginalized or vilified.
• The political landscape is often contentious, and robust exchanges, including criticism, are part of the democratic process, which can lead to the strengthening of ideas and positions rather than their suppression.

Conservatives' Internal Divisions and Ethical Reckoning

Sykes asserts that Trump's rise has exposed deep internal divisions within conservatism and forced a moral reckoning among those who were willing to compromise their principles in order to secure a political victory. This ethical compromise was particularly evident, he argues, in the evangelical Christian community, which had long highlighted how critical character and personal ethics are in political leaders, before ultimately abandoning those standards to support Trump.

Christians and Conservatives Compromised Values to Back Trump

Sykes describes how the Christian Right, which had been at the forefront of efforts to hold Bill Clinton accountable for his personal misconduct, ultimately chose to disregard Trump's numerous scandals and indiscretions, rationalizing his behavior in the name of political expediency. Sykes argues that this demonstrated a profound shift in values and a willingness to surrender ethical standards to gain political power.

Other Perspectives

• The Christian Right may have supported Trump based on policy alignment rather than overlooking his scandals, prioritizing issues such as abortion, religious freedom, and conservative judicial appointments.
• It could be argued that the decision to support Trump was not a compromise of values but rather an expression of the belief that his policies would lead to greater overall good, despite his personal failings.
• There is a perspective that suggests all politicians have flaws and that it is unrealistic to expect perfect moral conduct from political leaders; thus, the focus should be on their ability to govern effectively.
• The notion of a shift in values assumes a monolithic set of values for the Christian Right, which may not accurately reflect the diversity of thought and opinion within the group.
• Ethical standards are subjective and can evolve over time; what is seen as a sacrifice by some may be viewed as a necessary adaptation by others.

Conservatives Chose Partisanship Instead of Principles

The widespread embrace of Trump, who was demonstrably at odds with many traditional conservative principles, underscored how much conservatives ultimately chose partisanship over principles. This binary choice, driven by the belief that a Hillary Clinton presidency represented an existential threat to the country and that Trump was the only alternative, required conservatives to overlook his many flaws and surrender their standards of truthfulness, civility, and personal conduct. Sykes warns that this surrender, justified by the perceived urgency of the situation, will affect conservatism and American political culture over the long run.

Context

• The decision to support Trump despite his deviations from traditional conservatism has sparked ongoing debates within the conservative movement about the future direction of the Republican Party and the definition of conservatism itself.
• Conservative media outlets often portrayed Hillary Clinton in a negative light, emphasizing scandals and controversies associated with her, such as the email server investigation. This portrayal heightened fears among conservative voters about the potential consequences of her presidency.
• Many conservatives prioritized the potential for Trump to appoint conservative judges to the Supreme Court and other federal courts, viewing this as a long-term strategy to influence American law and policy in line with conservative values.
• The political climate during Trump's rise often involved the spread of misinformation and "alternative facts," which challenged traditional standards of honesty in political discourse. This environment made it difficult for conservatives to maintain a commitment to truthfulness without appearing disloyal to their party.
• Many conservatives were concerned about economic policies under a potential Clinton administration, fearing increased regulation and taxation that they believed would stifle economic growth.
• The acceptance of behavior previously deemed unacceptable might lower the standards of political discourse, making it more polarized and less focused on policy.

Enduring Impact of Trump's Politics on the Conservative Brand

Sykes contends that Trump's time as president is likely to leave a lasting mark on the conservative brand, potentially alienating key demographics and poisoning the well for a generation. He warns that the GOP's embrace of Trump, with his nativist, populist rhetoric and authoritarian tendencies, risks tarnishing the conservative movement by association and making its ideas increasingly unappealing to younger generations of voters.

Trump Embrace May Alienate Key Groups From GOP For a Generation

The Trumpian capture of the GOP, according to Sykes, has alienated key voting demographics, including Hispanics, Asians, Muslims, Black people, and women, potentially leaving the party with a diminished base and a shrinking electoral map. He notes that Trump's adoption of strict immigration stances and his racially provocative statements, while appealing to parts of his base, have also had the effect of alienating many people from the GOP, possibly for decades.

Practical Tips

• Start a book club focused on authors from diverse backgrounds to expand your perspective. By reading and discussing works by Hispanic, Asian, Muslim, Black, and female authors, you and your book club members can explore a variety of viewpoints and life experiences. This can lead to a deeper appreciation of the challenges and contributions of these demographics.
• Write an op-ed or a blog post about the importance of balanced immigration policies for a local or online publication. Use your personal experiences or observations to illustrate how inclusive policies can benefit the community and the economy. Sharing your thoughts publicly can influence the conversation and potentially sway opinions towards a more welcoming stance on immigration.
• You can analyze political language by creating a personal glossary of terms and phrases that signal inclusivity or exclusivity. Start by noting down phrases you hear in political speeches or read in articles, categorizing them based on whether they seem to include or exclude groups of people. This will help you become more aware of the language used in politics and its potential impact on different demographics.
• Volunteer for a local political campaign or organization that aligns with your values to see firsthand how strategies are adapting. By being involved in the grassroots efforts, you'll observe the tactics used to engage voters and expand the base. Notice if there's an emphasis on reaching out to new demographics or if there's a change in messaging that might be a response to the broader political climate.

Conservatism's Reputation Tainted by Trump's Divisiveness, Dishonesty, Bigotry

Sykes argues that regardless of its policy successes, Trump's time in office has already significantly damaged the reputation of conservatism by associating it with divisiveness, dishonesty, and bigotry. He argues that the new normal during the Trump presidency is characterized by a disregard for truth, a disdain for democratic norms, and an embrace of authoritarian tactics, which are fundamentally incompatible with the values of smaller government, personal freedom, and civil discourse traditionally championed by conservatives. This, Sykes concludes, will make conservatism's efforts to recover from its current crisis incredibly difficult, as it struggles to rebuild its credibility and reclaim its intellectual and moral authority.

Context

• Donald Trump's approach to politics often involved a populist and confrontational style, which included frequent use of social media to bypass traditional media channels. This style was a departure from the more measured and policy-focused approach of previous conservative leaders.
• Globally, Trump's presidency altered the perception of American conservatism, with many international observers viewing it as more isolationist and less committed to traditional alliances and democratic values.
• The Trump administration's approach to governance included challenges to the independence of institutions like the Department of Justice and intelligence agencies, raising concerns about the politicization of these bodies and their ability to function impartially.
• Trump issued pardons to political allies and associates, which some viewed as undermining the rule of law and accountability.
• Many conservatives have historically valued moral and ethical behavior in leadership, believing that leaders should exemplify integrity and honesty as role models for society.
• As societal values evolve, particularly around issues like race, gender, and immigration, conservatism faces the challenge of adapting its message to remain relevant to a broader audience.