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American Politics Declared a 'Theater of the Absurd'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 13:49 GMT by MassLive

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The Political Circus: How Theater and Dysfunction Define Modern American Politics

Andrew D. Hayes' recent article in MassLive paints a bleak, yet familiar picture of contemporary American politics – one increasingly defined by performative outrage, theatrical displays, and a profound disconnect from substantive policy debate. Hayes argues that both the Republican and Democratic parties are actively contributing to this "theater of the absurd," prioritizing spectacle over solutions and cultivating an environment where genuine compromise feels impossible. The piece isn't simply a lament; it’s a diagnosis of how political communication has devolved, with consequences for governance and public trust.

The core of Hayes' argument revolves around the observation that politicians are now more concerned with appearing to be fighting than actually engaging in productive conflict. This performance is fueled by several factors, including the 24/7 news cycle, social media’s amplification of extreme voices, and a deliberate strategy employed by both parties to mobilize their bases through manufactured outrage. He points out that this isn't entirely new – political theater has always existed – but its intensity and pervasiveness have reached unprecedented levels.

Hayes specifically highlights the Republican party's embrace of what he terms "performative populism." This involves leveraging anxieties about economic insecurity, cultural change, and immigration to rally support, often through hyperbolic rhetoric and scapegoating. The former President Trump exemplified this perfectly, using rallies and social media to cultivate a devoted following based on emotional appeals rather than detailed policy proposals. The article notes that even after his departure, the Republican party continues to operate within this framework, with candidates frequently adopting similar tactics to appeal to primary voters. This focus on appealing to a core base often necessitates pushing more moderate voices out of the conversation and rewarding those who engage in increasingly divisive rhetoric.

However, Hayes is careful not to portray Democrats as blameless. While he acknowledges that Democrats generally favor policy-driven solutions, he argues they have become overly reliant on reacting to Republican theatrics rather than setting their own agenda. The constant need to counter conservative narratives and defend against attacks has led to a defensive posture that can stifle innovation and prevent the party from effectively communicating its own vision. He suggests that this reactive approach inadvertently validates the Republican strategy, reinforcing the idea that conflict is the primary goal of political engagement.

A key element contributing to this dysfunction, according to Hayes, is the erosion of shared facts and the rise of partisan media ecosystems. The proliferation of news sources catering specifically to ideological viewpoints has created echo chambers where individuals are primarily exposed to information confirming their existing beliefs. This makes it increasingly difficult to find common ground or engage in reasoned debate, as people operate from fundamentally different sets of assumptions about reality. The article references research showing the increasing polarization of media consumption and its impact on political attitudes – a trend that reinforces the cycle of division. (See also: [ https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2023/11/09/americans-increasingly-rely-on-partisan-sources-for-news/ ]).

The consequences of this "theater of the absurd" are significant. Hayes argues that it undermines public trust in government, makes addressing pressing challenges more difficult, and contributes to a climate of political animosity. When politicians prioritize performance over substance, voters become disillusioned and cynical. Furthermore, the constant barrage of divisive rhetoric can normalize extremism and make compromise seem like weakness.

Hayes doesn't offer easy solutions. He acknowledges that breaking free from this cycle will require significant effort and a willingness to challenge deeply ingrained habits on both sides. However, he suggests several potential avenues for change. These include: encouraging media literacy and critical thinking skills; supporting independent journalism; demanding more accountability from political leaders; and fostering dialogue across ideological divides. He also subtly implies that voters themselves bear responsibility – they must actively reject performative politics and reward candidates who prioritize substance over spectacle.

The article concludes on a cautionary note, warning that the current trajectory is unsustainable. If American politics continues to be defined by theatrical displays and partisan warfare, the country risks losing its ability to effectively address critical challenges and maintain a functioning democracy. While Hayes’ assessment might feel pessimistic, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and a renewed commitment to constructive political engagement. The piece ultimately calls for a return to a more reasoned and respectful public discourse – one where policy debates are driven by facts and evidence rather than manufactured outrage and partisan posturing.

I hope this summary accurately captures the essence of Hayes' article! Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or further elaboration on specific points.