Why the 2018 election cycle is perhaps the most damaging series of events in the American political consciousness since Watergate, a thread /1

In retrospect, the 2018 elections and its consequences have damaged the American political consciousness by radicalizing a new generation of pretentious, semi-authoritarian (generally upper middle class, white and women, but not exclusively) suburbanites.

This group has become radicalized in an environment of almost constantly-connected internet connection. As a result, they are able to utilize online platforms and crowdfunding sites (such as ActBlue) to create media buzz and attention to otherwise bland Democratic candidates

Now this isn't terribly new, and should be expected for the digital age. The problem is their single-mindedness and absolute lust for power that puts even the most conniving of the GOP's agents to shame.

There is a fundamental difference between the "Resistance" and the Tea Party Boomers. The latter cared far more deeply for particular issues and had a passion for ideologically pure candidates (Jordan, Meadows, Paul, etc.).

The "Resistance" are basically hacks with money. They don't care about how "pure" Cal Cunningham is, he's basically an empty suit that Schumer hides in some Raleigh basement until election day. All they care is taking out Tillis; because of Trump or something.

They don't have an ideological goal, they just want the "Trump GOP" to fall, and are willing to ally with any number of unsavory former R Consultants to do it. They are single-minded, and are willing to destroy every norm and institution possible if it means Trump is hurt

So now we have this extreme group of semi-wealthy online activists that are pouring money into House and Senate races where said candidates act more and more like "the Resistance" to get votes, and normal people at home start to think its the normal attitude of the nation.

So now we have this cascading effect where truly radical individuals are catapulted to political power while still maintaining a façade of moderation reinforced by the Media, Election Twitter, and Resist soccer moms.

We have effectively become a Nation with a never-ending election cycle; every election is a referendum on Trump, everything must be fought for, not a step back, no compromises reached.

If Trump loses, the Resistance's victory will be short-lived, as the anger on the Right turns into hatred. Their neoliberal Utopia will collapse around them as the ongoing cycle elects Republicans that make Trump look tame.

Honestly at this point, this cycle will continue until one side ideologically destroys or bans the other. They cannot coexist. The Right offered a hand after the 2016 election and was swiftly spurned as their contingency took hold.

tl;dr a Biden win in 2020 will almost necessarily force a Tom Cotton Presidency in 2024.