Brian and historian Rick Perlstein delve into the decades of media manipulation perpetrated by the American conservative movement and the role of wealthy individuals in shaping political narratives. They discuss the historical context of polarization in the U.S. and how right-wing think tanks have influenced public perception. The conversation also touches on the use of racism as a political tool and the importance of fostering connections among individuals to combat divisive narratives. As they look to the future, they emphasize the need for healthier information and collective action against manipulation.
Head to publicenlightenment.com to fight for healthier information. And like and follow the socials here: https://linktr.ee/public_enlightenment
Find Rick’s books here.
Rick’s (partial) information diet:
John Ganz https://www.unpopularfront.news/
Talking Points Memo https://talkingpointsmemo.com/
Brian Beutler https://www.offmessage.net/
RESEARCH
Read Rick’s ‘Peter’s Choice’ piece that Brian did a poor job of contextualizing.
The 1997 report by the National Committee For Responsive Philanthropy.
All that horrible stuff from GOP political operative Lee Atwater about how they had to stop being overtly racist and start using abstract language to appeal to segregationist voters.
How Right Wing Media Took Over America - Leeja Miller Why, America? Podcast
