Why Do Trump's Bigoted Supporters Always Bring Up Senator Robert C Byrd?
The frequent invocation of Senator Robert C Byrd (D-WV) by Trump's bigoted supporters is a reflection of a larger strategy aimed at overshadowing their own previous controversial statements with the idea of redemption through apology. However, this narrative belies a deeper issue: the rebranding of traditional conservatives as 'far-right' and 'extreme-right' for propaganda purposes.
It was around 2015 that I noticed the seemingly sudden shift in terminology. Terms like 'far right' and 'extreme right' started being used where 'conservative' had historically been employed. Upon investigation, I found Google Trends to be a revealing tool. The usage of these terms was rapidly increasing, and this confirmed my belief that powerful groups were intentionally rebranding conservatives to appear more extreme.
I've been challenging people to explain this drastic change in terminology, but very few have made a serious challenge to my conclusion. If they were unfamiliar with Google Trends, a quick search would reveal the rapid increase in usage. Yet, many continue to perpetuate this narrative, framing traditional conservatives as dangerous and extreme.
Why Use the Term 'Far Right'?
The term 'far right' is often used to paint modern conservatives in a negative light, yet the distinction between 'far right' and a simple conservative is not always clear. Let's delve into a few points that challenge this narrative.
Example of Trump's Racist Rhetoric
Donald Trump's racist rhetoric is well-documented. One of the most egregious instances was his controversial statement about Mexican immigrants during the 2016 campaign, where he called them 'criminals' and 'rapists'. Compare this to Senator Robert C Byrd, who publicly apologized for his racist past. However, it's the past comments that critics of Trump often cite, underplaying the consequences of such rhetoric.
Camouflaging Consistent Racism
Byrd's apology should not be used to excuse his racist past. Biden, who served in the Senate with Byrd, was well-aware of his colleague's history. Yet, Byrd's past is often cited as an example of redemption. This conveniently ignores the reality that even when apologizing for past racism, one's historical actions remain significant.
Why Mention Byrd at All?
The reference to Byrd by Trump's supporters is often made in the context of shared history. Biden and Byrd were indeed Senate colleagues, and this connection is often invoked to present a narrative of past camaraderie. However, this ignores the stark differences in their stances and policies on issues like race and immigration.
The Democrats' Strategy and Its Criticism
The Democrats' strategy of tagging Trump as a 'vile racist and fascist' is often seen as a smear tactic. It is viewed as a low and unscrupulous attempt to discredit an opponent. Critics argue that this approach is both lazy and dishonest, and it exemplifies the current political climate.
Conclusion
The rebranding of conservatives as 'far-right' and 'extreme-right' serves a clear propaganda purpose. Examples like Donald Trump's racist rhetoric and the usage of Robert C Byrd's historical racism highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of political terminology. While some may seek to paint conservatives in a negative light, it is essential to maintain a critical perspective and not overlook the consistency and severity of racist rhetoric.
As we continue to grapple with these issues, it's crucial to challenge the narratives that seek to undermine or ignore the true nature of a political figure's actions and viewpoints.