when do the gloves come off? We need versions of the Goldwater ad that destroyed the gOP in 1964 to

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14. the media had a lot to do with it.

back then, there were 3 tv stations (ok, plus pbs) and they were all trying to appeal to as wide an audience as possible.

so tolerance and moderation and calm dignity and gravitas worked well in the news and in politics.

goldwater did not play well in that environment. his politics works much better now that the media and society is more balkanized and partisan and confrontational.

of course, these days none of the extremists on the right would call themselves extremists. they understand propaganda better than goldwater did. they know that the word "extremist" simply not a word you want to use to describe yourself, even if it's in defense of liberty.