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It's normal that elections make fierce partisans of many…

“It's normal that elections make fierce partisans of many of us. It's normal that Mr. Trump would attract the usual right-wing buffoons to his banners. Normal, also, is that many voters may not be troubled by Mr. Trump's cruder statements when they hear him addressing their deepest economic and…” quote by Bret Stephens
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“It's normal that elections make fierce partisans of many of us. It's normal that Mr. Trump would attract the usual right-wing buffoons to his banners. Normal, also, is that many voters may not be troubled by Mr. Trump's cruder statements when they hear him addressing their deepest economic and social anxieties.”

Bret Stephens

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Elections intensify partisan identities, especially when leaders appeal to voters' deep economic and social concerns.

In simple terms: Elections make people strongly partisan.

Key Takeaway

Be aware of how emotions and anxieties fuel political division.

Themes

politics partisanship media influence

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

political observational

When to use this quote

  • voting decisions
  • campaign messaging
  • public discourse
  • media consumption

Key Concepts

psychology sociology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do voters ignore harsh rhetoric?
  • How can media reduce partisan polarization?
A Different Perspective

Emotions can override rational evaluation of candidates.

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