Talk Isn’t Cheap: The High Cost of Lies and Gossip in Political Discourse (w/ Dr. Christopher Elias)

Deep Dive with Shawn C. Fettig

What if the very tools meant to inform and unify us are actually tearing our democracy apart? In this episode, we explore how gossip, rumor, and disinformation are used as tools in American politics, especially in the Trump era, to distort truth and threaten democracy. I chat with historian Dr. Christopher Elias, author of Gossip Men: J. Edgar Hoover, Joe McCarthy, Roy Cohn, and the Politicss of Insinuation, to unravel the intricate and often nefarious role of gossip, rumor, and misinformation in American politics. Discover how political figures like Donald Trump, J. Edgar Hoover, Joe McCarthy, and Roy Cohn have weaponized these tactics to manipulate public opinion, sidestep substantial policy debates, and undermine trust in our institutions.
We discuss the role of bad information in American politics from Alexander Hamilton to the present day with figures like Donald Trump and JD VAnce, and revealing how advances in media technology have transformed political gossip into a powerful tool for shaping narratives. We consider the ethical implications of these tactics and the enduring impact of figures like Trump, JD Vance, and the Republican Party who have brought them to unprecedented levels, reshaping U.S. politics and public discourse. Learn about the nuanced differences between gossip, rumor, and insinuation, and how each serves its purpose in this strategic manipulation.
As we explore the broader implications for democracy, underscoring the critical need for truth and communal trust in safeguarding our democratic processes. Finally, we touch on the evolving history of masculinity in American politics, the widening gender gap in American politics, providing insight into how these elements intersect and impact our political landscape.

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Chapters

1. The Role of Gossip in Politics (00:00:00)

2. Exploring the Role of Gossip (00:04:54)

3. The Impact of Gossip in Politics (00:15:45)

4. Trump's Unprecedented Use of Gossip (00:29:51)

5. The Threat of Political Manipulation (00:35:03)

6. Contemporary Masculinity in American Politics (00:48:41)

7. The Impact of Political Gossip (01:00:10)