This thread by Ben Rhodes echoes my thoughts: During my 20 years in politics, two destructive trends stand out: the steady radicalization of the Republican Party and the trivialization of politics, particularly the way it is covered by US media and how politicians respond to that dynamic. The Republican debate stands out for how unsurprising it was that a stage full of people acted like a bunch of kids trying to get admitted to some fascist costume party. Kill people at the border! Prohibit women from any agency over their bodies! Side with Putin! Etc. Etc. The bridge between radicalization and trivialization (as always) is Trump. Last night, a group of accomplished adults refused to condemn someone who has broken laws related to overthrowing the U.S. government, stealing classified information, violating campaign finance laws, etc If I told you 20 years ago that a guy who was facing 91 felony charges, including trying to overthrow the U.S. government, would be the overwhelming favorite for the Republican nomination and none of his opponents would dare to criticize him, well… There’s a lot to say about the radicalization of the Republicans. I’ve written two books that were largely about that. Frankly, there’s nothing more to say. We have a radical right-wing party. It is what it is now. But the trivialization of politics demands as much attention and is just as important. Because without it, the radicalization would be impossible. Last night, for instance, the GOP frontrunner talked at length on this…