The Spinal Tap Election: Everything Is Turned Up To 11

Extreme Political Polarization

According to the candidates and their representatives, the current political climate resembles that of Weimar Germany in 1932, with only fascists and communists and no middle ground. The candidates have been quick to label their opponents with these negative terms. This point was emphasized by MSNBC's coverage of Trump’s final rally at Madison Square Garden, where they inserted clips of Nazi rallies alongside clips of the Trump event.

Spinal Tap Analogy

A more fitting comparison might be to “Spinal Tap,” a mockumentary about a struggling heavy metal band. In one scene, the band’s guitarist, Nigel Tufnel, explains that his amplifiers are louder than others because they go up to 11, not just 10. This mirrors the current state of American politics - everything is turned up to 11, making it impossible for anyone to hear each other.

Pushing America Toward the Cliff

With the volume turned up and the country ideologically divided, America is being pushed towards a precipice. Both parties blame each other for this. These deep-seated passions will not dissipate after the election, particularly if the results are close. In both 2016 and 2020, the losing candidates questioned the legitimacy of the results, which only serves to incite their most extreme followers and increase the potential for violence.

Short-term and Long-term Fears

The current political turbulence has two main causes. The short-term cause is a cynical tactic to increase partisan turnout by playing on voters' fears. The long-term cause is the genuine fear both sides have about what the other will do if they win. These two factors reinforce each other, pushing the country closer to the edge.

Constitutional Institutions as Protection

The best protection against extreme dangers is strong constitutional institutions and impartial law enforcement. These include the separation of powers, respect for the rule of law, impartial enforcement of laws, protection of minority party rights through the Senate filibuster, limits on presidential power, and effective oversight of the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies.

Deep Policy Differences

Policy differences between the two parties are deeper and more fundamental now than they have been in the past. These differences are amplified by the current media landscape, where separate audiences have their own silos. Both parties have moved away from the center, making compromise more difficult.

Social and Cultural Issues

These divisions are particularly evident in social and cultural issues such as abortion and transgender rights. These issues carry both practical consequences and symbolic weight. They are seen as fights over cultural symbols that matter to many people, even those who have no direct, personal stake in them.

Economic Changes and Political Realignments

These differences are playing out against a backdrop of rapid economic change, which is causing social dislocation and disorientation. Both political parties have responded by supporting trade protection. Amid these vast changes and bitter ideological differences, political discourse has become more virulent, with the opposition often depicted as “enemies.”

Democratic Institutions as the Solution

The only way to peacefully manage these differences is to channel them through established democratic institutions, using well-established procedures. Proposing major changes to these institutions risks further undermining their already shaky legitimacy. Imposing these changes for immediate political victories, with support from only one party, is dangerous.

Bottom Line

Our political climate has become a deafening cacophony, with the volume turned up to 11. The only way to navigate this is through the use of our democratic institutions and procedures. What are your thoughts on this? Share this article with your friends and let's have a conversation. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is everyday at 6pm.