The Echo Machine Quotes

“Trump’s impulsive decision-making, distrust of experts, and embrace of conspiracy theories quickly stood as a testament to how far the pendulum had swung away from evidence-based reasoning and toward ignorance-driven populist rhetoric.”
― David Pakman, The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America

“Another strategy has been the promotion of “alternative facts.” This concept makes no sense ideologically or linguistically, yet it rose to prominence during the Trump era. Its goal is to establish false equivalence and to create doubt where there should be no uncertainty. For instance, presenting climate change as a “debate” rather than an established scientific consensus on the basis of which varied policy approaches could be considered is a means of immobilizing policy action.”
― David Pakman, The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America

“Under MAGA Trumpism, it has become a point of pride not to trust actual experts, instead supporting and trusting a cadre of nonexperts who compete with those bringing actual knowledge of the subject under discussion.”
― David Pakman, The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America

“Palin’s selection as McCain’s running mate conditioned a further segment of the Republican base to not only tolerate but celebrate lack of knowledge and expertise as a badge of honor.”
― David Pakman, The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America