The brutal attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband is the latest example of political violence in America. It also serves as a potential harbinger of a dangerous era where rampant online disinformation and demonization of political opponents inspire more unhinged Americans to resort to violence.
Matt Dallek is a professor at the GW Graduate School of Political Management and a political historian who studies political extremist movements in post-World War II America. In an essay published this week in the New York Times, he notes that dangerous political rhetoric is not a new phenomenon. However, while past leaders from both parties swiftly condemned such radical ravings, today’s leaders (mainly on the right) embrace the extremist rhetoric for political gain. Unless that dynamic changes, Dr. Dallek fears we are racing toward a dark future where political violence becomes all too common.
“Until the acceptance of fringe ideas and extremist language and individuals becomes politically costly, and until a set of cultural democratic norms — including the peaceful transfer of power and a healthy tolerance for ideological differences — are restored, we can expect those inspiring political warfare to gain rhetorical strength.
We may be entering an even uglier phase in which assaults on lawmakers and their families become routine, and the ‘apostles’ of violence and bigotry gain power.”
If you would like to schedule an interview with Dr. Dallek, please contact GW Media Relations at [email protected].