Once-fringe conspiracies can enter mainstream political discourse en masse

Evidence

Conspiratorial beliefs that usually simmer below the mainstream for decades at a time are suddenly, insistently pushing to the surface. The news is full of white supremacist groups and their suspicions of a shadowy Zionist world government. The concept of a Deep State-a shadow regime, a secret body that’s really in charge-has become so pervasive that members of Congress are talking about it on national television, and its prominence hasn’t even begun to reach full force just yet. — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 44

Categorization

• XREF: The Deep State/globalist-Zionist frame links to the vault’s existing authoritarian-prejudice and Christian-nationalism epistemic-style claims. — connects to: Conspiracy megaphones like InfoWars transform forum rumor into mass broadcast. — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 222; Fringe conspiracy talking points migrated directly into a presidential campaign via its candidate — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 20; Mainstream press covers disbelieved conspiracy theories, amplifying their spread — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 43 (+3 more)
• SEED: Could support an essay on how political uptake converts fringe epistemics into mainstream governance.

Broader Connections

• Political actors can legitimize conspiracy theories by inspiring new investigation into them #expands (0.82) — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 432
• Contemporary conspiracy theories function as politically serviceable tools for right-wing ends #qualifies (0.75) — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 121