The Great, Unrecognized Political Realignment

 Political change is described as slow-moving, resembling a supertanker that changes direction imperceptibly, with sporadic events marking its shifts. This analysis explores the dynamics of political gaslighting in America, particularly from the perspective of Glenn Reynolds, who focuses on the manipulation of public perception.

1. Nature of Political Change: Changes in political direction are gradual and often interrupted by backslides. This process can take decades and includes periods of regression.

2. Gaslighting Tactics: The Left has employed strategies of bullying and propaganda to convince many that a minority viewpoint represents the majority. Historical examples of gaslighting have been prevalent, including the 1619 Project which was created to support government narratives.

3. Historical Context: The phenomenon of gaslighting intensified during events like McCarthyism and after JFK's assassination. The extensive revisionism seen in the Warren Report demonstrated the lengths to which authorities would go to control narratives.

4. Childlike Truth: The truth often emerges when innocent voices speak up, contrasting with society's conditioned reluctance to acknowledge uncomfortable realities. Events like JFK's assassination and 9/11 illustrate how shocking occurrences can force society to confront truths.

5. Long-term Consequences: Continuous government gaslighting can lead to discontent and backlash, fueling radical movements over the decades as seen in the evolution from 1960s radical groups to today’s socio-political organizations.

6. The Role of Funding: The funding of American radicals during the Vietnam War by the USSR shows the international dimension of this manipulation, a tactic that continues with current global players like the CCP.

7. Political Landscape: The 1968 election underscored a conservative shift in America, with Nixon representing the Silent Majority. Although the narrative has often portrayed America as leftist, underlying conservative views persist. Current movements like MAGA reflect this shift toward centrist views.

8. Crisis and Reversal: Extreme gaslighting can lead to crises that may awaken people to reality. The text notes that there are signs of a backlash against pervasive gaslighting, with investigations into deceptive practices gaining traction.

9. Changing Political Sentiment: Political sentiment in America is evolving, as evidenced by the differences in reactions to public figures' deaths, with more recent events receiving greater public acknowledgment than previous incidents.

10. Realignment of Political Identity: The data presented highlights a significant decline in the Democratic Party's popular vote share since 1964, indicating an enduring realignment that has altered the political landscape.

Political change is a complex and gradual process marked by both progress and retreat. Gaslighting plays a significant role in shaping public perception and can lead to profound social and political upheaval. The emergence of centrist movements and the potential for backlash against manipulation suggest that a significant shift in the political landscape may be underway, particularly as public sentiment evolves in response to ongoing gaslighting practices. 

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2025/09/the_great_unrecognized_political_realignment.html