Also to suggest that this is all from the genius of Musk, Trump and co. alone is a stretch. Years of Republican propaganda, lies, gerrymandering, erosion of ethics and laws, democrats sitting idly by, as well as building up an army of news organizations and influencers did contribute a lot to their rise to power. There are definitely some cunning people on the Republican side, and populists like Trump now profit from the environment they created.
Yeah, populism is very effective. Especially if the schools are lacking, but also to everyone else.
Also to suggest that this is all from the genius of Musk, Trump and co. alone is a stretch. Years of Republican propaganda, lies, gerrymandering, erosion of ethics and laws, democrats sitting idly by, as well as building up an army of news organizations and influencers did contribute a lot to their rise to power. There are definitely some cunning people on the Republican side, and populists like Trump now profit from the environment they created.