The United States, torn apart by mass uprising and disinformation, is witnessing a political and social realignment that unfolds in real time: we are dividing into three Americas.
Why it matters: America, in its modern basic components, is turning into blue America, red America and Trump America – all with different policies, social networks and media channels.
The existential question for Republicans, and perhaps for America, it is whether Trump America – excited by names like Newsmax + Rush Limbaugh + Tucker Carlson + Parler (or whatever replaces him) – eclipses traditional Red America in power for years to come.
- The danger: Parts of Trump America, canceled by Twitter and so many others, are breaking their ties with the reality of the other Americas and, basically, going underground. There will be less awareness and perhaps less scrutiny than what is being said and done.
- Sara Fischer from Axios reports that Apptopia shows an increase in downloads from conservative social networks – Parler, MeWe and Rumble – in the last two days, after Trump’s ban by major social media and technology.
The big picture: The Republican Party is splitting in two, starting with the relatively small Never Trumpers breaking up in 2016 and joining four years later by a new slice of establishment Republicans repelled by President Trump’s post-election actions.
- We have no idea how big this faction is going to grow. But it seems clear that the Trump vs. Saga they will dominate the coming months, and perhaps years.
There is no concrete evidence still, Trump America has shrunk significantly, despite the lies about the election and the crowd’s attack on the United States Capitol.
- There is concrete evidence Trumpers are switching to social media groups and far-right vehicles like Newsmax to get and share news that reinforces their views.
- It will take a while to determine whether voters share the anti-Trump views of Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell or Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
- From Twitter decision permanently suspending Trump forces this faction further underground.
Blue America is ascending in almost all areas:
- Gained control all three branches of government; dominates traditional media; owns, controls and lives on the dominant social platforms; and it has the employee-level power in large technology companies to force corporate decisions.
The end result: Now, more than ever, it is time to read and reflect: our nation is rethinking politics, freedom of speech, the definition of truth and the price of lies. This moment – and our decisions – will be studied by our son’s grandchildren.