4 chapters across the catalog
A supercut of cable news commentary illustrated a sharp increase in aggressive rhetoric, with pundits describing the MAGA movement as a "fascist" threat to democracy. The clips featured various commentators suggesting that the United States is on the brink of, or already engaged in, a civil war.
Soleimani Assassination, Political Rhetoric, and Imminent Threat
Political figures and media outlets utilized repetitive "but" and "however" phrasing to acknowledge Qasem Soleimani's history while criticizing the Trump administration's decision to assassinate him. Joe Biden and other Democrats characterized the strike as dangerously incompetent and a distraction from impeachment. The administration's claim of an "imminent threat" became a central point of contention in the ensuing legislative debate.
The hosts discuss escalating tensions between the US and Russia, specifically highlighting aggressive rhetoric from the US Army Chief of Staff. A clip features a general threatening to "beat" adversaries harder than ever before. The discussion questions why the US is considering a "quick war" with Russia while still struggling in long-term conflicts like Afghanistan and Iraq.
Blood and Treasure, Psychological Warfare Study
A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggests that the term "blood and treasure" is used by politicians to trigger a "sunk cost" mindset in the public. This rhetorical device frames past casualties as an investment that can only be recouped by continuing the war, a tactic observed in speeches by Obama, McCain, and Kerry.
