>>17009313Because the current paradigm is based on sensationalist journalism and moral outrage.
They've actually known this for a long time now--that anger drives engagement--which is why, despite both parties agreeing on 90% of policies, they go out and pick the wedge issues and debate them vehemently in order to give something, anything to differentiate themselves. It's been going on for a long time; even back in the 90s, the Dems were saying that Clinton's welfare reform was going to see thousands literally dying in the streets. But due dissolving trust in the government, and the growth of alternative media where these institutions now have to compete for your attention, they've had to dial up the theatrics.
