Staff Reports
It’s been an interesting time to turn on the news and catch up with what’s happening in the world of protests and politics. Over the weekend, there was yet another “No Kings” rally. This demonstration seems to have caught the attention of Fox News watchers and anyone keeping an eye on the liberal protests popping up across America. Our favorite friendly political analyst, Britt Hume, didn’t shy away from giving his two cents on the whole affair.
These protests, which appear to be happening every other weekend, seem curiously misdirected. After all, there aren’t any kings here because we’re living in a democracy last anyone checked. Yet, it seems like the emotions driving these gatherings are less about wanting to bring down some mythical monarchy and more about folks directing their dissatisfaction towards President Trump. The media have shown plenty of people waving flags that appear more suited to a 20th-century communist rally than a 21st-century free speech demonstration. One might argue this eclectic spectacle has more drama than a soap opera.
Hume commented that the bubbling fury found at these protests might make one think they’re a majority. But, when looking at the bigger picture, it’s more like a passionate minority with a microphone. There’s nothing new here; frustration towards Trump has been pretty consistent, fueled by all sorts of ideological cocktails. This weekend’s rally didn’t disappoint by including the usual cast of characters, including celebrities aiming for the spotlight. It’s enough to make one’s head spin trying to keep up with what each grouping might be protesting this time around.
What seems most intriguing is how these protests will translate into hard political currency come the midterms. It’s said that anger can be a great motivator, but when the message gets drowned out by extreme rhetoric and questionable symbolism, it risks alienating the average American voter. Let’s face it: the sight of celebrity faces with fists raised alongside those communist flags probably strikes many average citizens as a bit hypocritical and more than a little bizarre.
While these demonstrations provide plenty of good sound bites and photo ops, one has to wonder what their ultimate impact will be. Are they swaying the undecided voters, or merely energizing a base that was already engaged? Only time will tell. But until then, the rest of us can sit back with our popcorn in hand and watch this ongoing political theater continue to unfold. Whether this translates into the polls or merely remains on the sidewalks of major cities across the country is up for debate, but one thing is certain: it’s never a dull moment.
