Skip to content

Several decades ago, a detachment of the American right…

“Several decades ago, a detachment of the American right cut itself loose from reason, and it has been drifting along happily ever since. If the birthers are more evidently kooky than the global-warming "skeptics" or the death-panellers or the supply-siders or the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth…” quote by Elizabeth Kolbert
Download Open image
“Several decades ago, a detachment of the American right cut itself loose from reason, and it has been drifting along happily ever since. If the birthers are more evidently kooky than the global-warming "skeptics" or the death-panellers or the supply-siders or the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, they are, in their fundamental disregard for the facts, actually mainstream.”

Elizabeth Kolbert

About This Quote

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

The American right has abandoned reason, drifting into mainstream absurdity.

In simple terms: Right wing ignores facts, becoming mainstream absurd.

Key Takeaway

Promote fact‑based discourse and critical thinking.

Themes

politics reason media

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

journalistic critical

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • public debates
  • social media
  • education

Key Concepts

cognitive bias information ecology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can reason be restored in public dialogue?
  • What role does media play in this drift?
A Different Perspective

Some may view facts as partisan, limiting impact.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Elizabeth Kolbert

Explore all 90 Elizabeth Kolbert quotes

More Boat quotes

Browse all 1,788 Boat quotes