When politics becomes a tribal conflict where the opposing side is seen as an existential threat, supporters are conditioned to disbelieve any negative information about their own leaders. This tribal loyalty effectively exonerates leaders from accountability for unethical actions.
The public's tolerance for political corruption stems from a broader cultural shift mirroring an economic model where success is celebrated regardless of ethical costs. If CEOs can decimate communities for profit, politicians are seen as entitled to their rewards after winning an election.
Laws do more than just enforce rules; they act as a public signal that redefines moral expectations for society. For example, the 2022 gun law helped reduce violence not just through enforcement but by signaling a new, serious standard against it, thus shifting public morality.
Despite China's long-term strategic relevance, its use as a political argument is less effective today. Politicians and the public are focused on more immediate threats like the state of U.S. democracy and the war in the Middle East, which now dominate political discourse.
Sen. Murphy advises against a quiet approach to AI regulation. He argues that since AI companies will inevitably fund Republican opponents, Democrats are better off proactively making AI regulation and the industry's political spending a central, and likely winning, campaign issue.