Populism

The maths of rightwing populism: Easy answers + confidence = reassuring certainty

— Right-wing populists thrive by simplifying messages in a noisy information landscape. Communication theory elucidates how misinformation polarises society, favouring certainty over complexity, especially on the political right.

COMMENT

… nevertheless, she persisted. Is that the Nikki Haley agenda?

— Nikki Haley, trailing behind Trump in polls, pledges to persist in the presidential race. Speculation suggests her candidacy aims to challenge Republicans and offer an alternative.

2024 US Presidential Election

Joe Biden has raised more than Trump so far – Here’s how US election fundraising is working out

— Research shows that US campaign spending in elections tends to mobilise people to vote rather than to switch support.

2024 US Presidential Election

Five reasons why Trump’s Republican opponents were never going to beat him

— Despite initial doubts, Donald Trump’s 2024 Republican nomination was inevitable due to boosted momentum from criminal prosecutions, ballot disqualifications, party machine support, and a genuine desire for Trumpism.

OPINION

My Trump-supporting friends, please take a step back

— B. Jay Cooper tells his friends supporting Donald Trump to reflect on his character and actions, especially his silence on Putin’s actions, including the death of Navalny, and his disregard for NATO solidarity, risking alliances.

Vladimir Putin

Tucker Carlson’s Putin interview gave Russian leader a platform to boost his own cause – and that of Donald Trump

— Tucker Carlson, ex-Fox News host, has interviewed Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, US politics, and NATO. As a vocal critic of Biden, Carlson’s interview raises questions about humanising Putin.

US Politics

Should Donald Trump be disqualified from state ballots in presidential election? Here’s how the US Supreme Court might rule

— The US Supreme Court is set to hear Donald Trump’s appeal against exclusion from the Colorado Republican primary, facing constitutional issues on insurrection charges and Section 3 application. The outcome’s uncertainty raises concerns for American democracy.

OPINION

Bet on the Deep State!!

— Taylor Swift, allegedly a government plant, is theorised by right-wing conspiracists to strategically endorse Joe Biden with boyfriend Travis Kelce before the November election.

2024 US Presidential Election

Joe Biden could still stand down before the election – here’s how and what would happen next

— When Joe Biden became president in 2021, expectations were to heal after Trump. Now, facing low approval and Trump’s rise, Democrats debate Biden’s 2024 run, fearing a risky legacy.

2024 US Presidential Election

Two charts that reveal a key weakness in Trump’s reelection bid

— Donald Trump’s New Hampshire primary win strengthens his 2024 Republican nomination chances, but winning independents poses a challenge. The 2020 study suggests Biden’s broader appeal and likability may challenge Trump’s divisive strategy.

2024 US Presidential Election

Donald Trump and the ‘madman theory’ of foreign policy

— Donald Trump champions a ‘madman’ foreign policy, lauded by supporters for unpredictability. Critics label it reckless. Historical examples show such tactics often fail due to credibility erosion.

2024 Republican Party Presidential Primaries

Trump’s political encore: A night of victory and verbal offence in New Hampshire

— Donald Trump has secured the Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire, marking his second consecutive win in the GOP nomination process.

2024 US Presidential Election

US election 2024: Trump victory in Iowa caucus not as big as he may have hoped – here’s why Biden still wants him to get GOP nomination

— Donald Trump’s Iowa caucus win attracts attention, but its predictive value is historically low due to unrepresentative demographics. Media should avoid overstating Trump’s success and political resurgence based on one caucus.

Conspiracy Theories

How liberal conspiracy theories can be just as destructive as their extremist counterparts

— Liberal conspiracy theories, often dismissed as fringe, can be more damaging than their counterparts. The exaggeration of antisemitism in Labour and false Trump-Russia collusion claims showcase their negative impact.

US Politics

Will Biden’s ego bring Trump back to the White House?

— Is President Joe Biden’s ego outpacing his ability to govern, given his strong legislative achievements and ongoing popularity? Voters will have to assess his leadership in the 2024 election, considering the complex interplay of personal emotions and pragmatism.

US Foreign Policy

Why Russia and China have been added to Republicans’ new ‘axis of evil’

— The term ‘axis of evil’ is being revived by some Republicans to describe China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. However, the new grouping differs in principles and has more tenuous links to US policy. It also appears driven by Republicans in Congress rather than the White House.