Legal indictments against figures like Donald Trump can have the unintended consequence of boosting their political standing. The constant media coverage, even if negative, monopolizes public attention and galvanizes their base, potentially making them stronger.
Trump's political invulnerability stems not from genius, but from an electorate that no longer cares about truth or consistency. Unlike a traditional con man who must be believable, Trump thrives because his base signals loyalty by accepting blatant contradictions.
The quality of public debate has genuinely decreased due to social media creating information bubbles and the proliferation of podcasts that prioritize 'hot takes' and entertainment over intellectually rigorous conversation, leading to a less informed populace.
People simultaneously reject any information from opposing viewpoints while uncritically accepting everything from sources within their own tribe. This combination of extreme skepticism and gullibility fuels polarization and makes good-faith debate nearly impossible.
The immediate vilification of the lab leak hypothesis as racist was illogical and counterproductive. This misstep alienated people who were simply following a reasonable line of inquiry, ultimately eroding public trust in health officials and media institutions.
The increasing tendency to demand criminal prosecution for political opponents over policy disagreements or ethical lapses is a dangerous trend. This 'lock them up' mentality blurs the line between crime and political opposition, threatening the rule of law.