Fear, Loathing and Desperation

Observations on the right-wing's collective temper tantrum and epic meltdown in response to Joe Biden's decision and Kamala Harris' ascension, and what may be next.

(Image: Bridget Bennett / The New York Times)

I have reported on the conservative movement and right-wing politics for more than a decade, and I have never seen anything quite like the collective temper tantrum and epic meltdown that has occurred during the past few weeks. Within the ecosystem of right-wing media and the various corners of far right spaces online, there is a palpable amount of fear, loathing and desperation.

That being said, any predictive analysis based on this limited timeframe and anecdotal evidence should be viewed with healthy skepticism. However, there are some factors to consider and some observations that may provide some insight into what may happen during the next 90 days.

First, never underestimate the mainstream media’s tendency to overcompensate for any perceived political bias, and the right-wing’s ability to exploit that perceived political bias. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will inevitably receive disproportionately critical media coverage, and Donald Trump and JD Vance are already seeking to “reset” the media narrative.

Second, there will be almost certainly be numerous media and online controversies attributed to the so-called “culture wars.” Regardless of any dubious facts and the manufactured nature of the outrage, these controversies will drive the media coverage’s of the presidential campaigns.

While it is impossible to predict the subject of these controversies, there are several topics that could become the topic du jour within right-wing media: Any topic related to immigration, specifically any examples of violent crimes committed undocumented immigrants. Any topic related to gender and sexuality, especially anything related to health care for LGBTIQ youth.

Third, the conservative legal movement learned valuable lessons from the failed effort to overturn the results of the election in 2020, and has already launched a legal campaign utilizing an updated playbook of strategies and tactics intended to undermine the legitimacy of the election process.

Republican state officials will seek to further restrict access to the ballot, election workers will be under constant scrutiny from right-wing activists, and lawsuits will be filed challenging the legitimacy of election results in targeted counties.

Fourth, there has been a systematic purging of Republican officials deemed insufficiently loyal to Donald Trump or unwilling to accept the demands of right-wing activists. From precinct chairs to county clerks to state senators to secretaries of state to members of Congress. There are no longer any Republican elected officials that would refuse to “find votes.”

Finally, far right extremists view any election as corrupt and illegitimate unless it results in victory for Donald Trump. From anti-immigrant border militias to White Nationalist neo-Nazi fight clubs, there are numerous far right extremists groups that adhere to various ideologies. The far right has continued to organize, both offline and online, and developed effective organizational models and recruitment strategies.

There is a real possibility of extremist violence before, during, and after the election.

I understand why many people view the current moment as a time for renewed hope and optimism, and that these observations could be perceived as provocative or alarmist or pessimistic or cynical. Maybe. But, maybe we need more than hope and optimism to fight fascist authoritarianism.

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