THREAD. Given that the GOP is apparently adopting Q'ers as part of their platform, it's worth reading about the psychology of conspiracy theorists. Three characteristics they share: high anxiety, loss of control, and an inability to think analytically https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/people-drawn-to-conspiracy-theories-share-a-cluster-of-psychological-features/

2. This, of course, fits naturally into the current GOP, which builds its base around fomenting fear, helplessness, and constant vigilance against attack (on their values, neighborhoods, diets, etc. etc.). See, e.g., Fox News

3. Trump, of course, is the conspiracy theorist-in-chief, so he shares the three characteristics. Given the relationship between anxiety/loss of control and conspiracy-mongering, it's safe to assume that Trump will escalate his "theories" as we get closer to the election

4. Importantly, the piece offers the way to question conspiracy theorists effectively. This could be helpful for the media, whom I notice tend to ask questions of Trump that begin, "How do you fell about..." or "What do you think/believe about..." Who cares??? Not helpful --

5. These prompts just give air time for him to fully explain the conspiracy theory -- again! Instead, three questions: "One: What is your evidence? Two: What is your source for that evidence? Three: What is the reasoning that links your evidence back to the claim?"

6. The highly effective interview by @jonathanvswan was largely because Swan questioned Trump *directly on the evidence*, not on how he "feels" or what he "believes." The Harris racist conspiracy theory is just the beginning -- we need to buckle up and be ready for what's coming.