Why American Politics Seem More Extreme Than in the UK

Introduction

For those living in the UK, the intense political debates and polarizing narratives coming from the United States might seem unusual. In both the UK and earlier Great Britain, politics have often taken a malicious turn. The question remains: why does the political discourse in the US appear so extreme?

The answer to this lies in a complex web of factors that include media influence, voter behavior, and the two-party system. In this article, we will explore these reasons and why the political affairs of the US can be concerning even to those outside the country.

The Business of Politics

The simple answer is “because it sells”. Much of the extremist rhetoric and polarizing content that fills US political discourse is driven by media outlets seeking high viewership and advertising revenue. Network giants like Rupert Murdoch, Fox News, and Sinclair Media contribute significantly to this ecosystem.

These media organizations depend on high ratings to attract advertisers, which in turn pay them large sums of money. For advertisers, this means a targeted audience with specific political leanings. As a result, these outlets are incentivized to provide content that appeals to these audiences, often at the expense of factual accuracy and balanced reporting.

Media Influence and Fan Base

Without the proper audience, media outlets wouldn’t be able to sell their content. This is why even when these outlets are caught spreading false information or hate speech, they continue to have a significant following. For instance, figures like Rush Limbaugh and Sinclair Media’s radio personalities have built massive audiences over decades, thanks to their ability to harness emotional responses and align with strong political and ideological narratives.

Similarly, websites and platforms that spread fake news and conspiracy theories also benefit from a similar model, providing audiences with content that aligns with their preexisting beliefs. This has led to a situation where politicians and media personalities often focus on appealing to a specific base, rather than on objective truth or public interest.

Cynicism and Voter Behavior

One common sentiment voiced by Britons in the US is their disappointment with Boris Johnson. However, it’s worth considering that the political landscape in the US might contribute more to this perception. The two-party system, coupled with closed primaries and a tribalistic culture, can create a cycle of division and polarization.

In the UK, voters may have a more cynical view of political figures and systems, but the US takes this cynicism to new heights with frequent political rallies and voter turnout driven by intense and often negative campaigning. The two-party system, where voters are divided into strongly partisan groups, creates a system where nonpartisan candidates or voices are often marginalized.

The lack of third-party candidates and the emphasis on binary choices contribute to the feeling that every voter must align with either the Republican (R) or Democratic (D) parties. This forces politicians to extremes in order to appeal to their base, further polarizing the political spectrum.

The Truth and Representative Government

Amidst the noise and polarization, it’s important to remember that the concept of representative government, where elected officials are accountable to their constituents, still exists. However, this practice is less prevalent today, with many elected officials more focused on maintaining their positions and support than on serving the public interest.

In fact, the political discourse often reinforces the idea that only extreme positions are viable for winning office. This has led to a situation where both political parties and media outlets are driven by the need to appeal to a base, rather than fostering a balanced and informed public discourse.

Conclusion

While the UK and the US share a history of political division, the current state of American politics often appears more extreme due to the business model of media organizations and the reinforced two-party system. It’s crucial for citizens of all countries to remain informed and engaged in political discourse, regardless of how polarized it may appear.

Understanding these underlying factors can help us appreciate the complexities of American politics and advocate for a more balanced and representative system.