American politics have become increasingly polarized and the effects have bled into several aspects of our government.
What we see today looks very different from how politics functioned even 10 years ago.
There was a time when the U.S. president and the office itself were widely respected. That sense of respect and honor has faded amongst many, along with many traditions and standards.
Politicians have often used showbiz tactics to gain support, but now more than ever, politicians are using personal attacks in debates, and politics are turning into memes on social media. For many, it feels unserious.
Even dress codes and expectations around how leaders present themselves have become more relaxed, which leads to the question: is casual the new formal in government?
Guests:
- Nicole Anslover, associate professor/director, History Department Symposia Series, Florida Atlantic University
- Brian Ott, professor, Missouri State, political communication expert
- Rhonda Garelick, founding director, Institute for Public Humanities and the Arts, Hofstra University
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