The End of Political Decorum: How Cheney’s Funeral Signaled a New Era of American Division
Nineteen social media posts. That’s how many times Donald Trump chose to attack his political opponents while mourners gathered to honor Dick Cheney – a man who, despite his own controversies, represented a bygone era of Washington norms. The stark contrast, punctuated by a Rachel Maddow hug at the funeral itself, isn’t just a quirky anecdote; it’s a chilling indicator of how fundamentally broken American political decorum has become, and a harbinger of escalating instability.
The Unraveling of Bipartisan Rituals
The scene at Washington National Cathedral was a study in contradictions. Figures from across the political spectrum – Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris – united in a space traditionally reserved for national mourning. This wasn’t necessarily a sign of unity, but rather a recognition of a shared history and a tacit acknowledgement of Cheney’s long service, even amidst deep disagreement with his policies. As one attendee reportedly remarked, it felt like a “national divorce,” with participants observing the proceedings as much to assess the shifting allegiances as to pay respects. This fracturing of traditional bipartisan rituals, once considered sacrosanct, is a key symptom of the deeper malaise affecting American politics.
From McCain’s Resistance to Carter’s Unease
This funeral wasn’t an isolated event. The grand sendoffs for John McCain in 2018 and Jimmy Carter in January offered earlier glimpses of this unsettling trend. McCain’s service felt like a rallying cry for the “resistance” against Trump, while Carter’s was marked by a forced normalcy – Barack Obama’s awkward exchange with Trump a visual representation of the pretense required to maintain a semblance of civility. But the pretense is over. Trump’s absence from Cheney’s funeral, coupled with his immediate and vitriolic response to a video urging military adherence to lawful orders, demonstrates a complete rejection of established norms. He’s not attempting to crash the party anymore; he’s actively trying to dismantle it.
The Weaponization of Political Grievance
Trump’s social media outburst – labeling dissent as “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR” punishable by death – is not merely inflammatory rhetoric. It’s a dangerous escalation of the weaponization of political grievance. This tactic, honed over years, aims to delegitimize opponents, incite anger among his base, and potentially even provoke violence. The explicit calls for retribution, invoking George Washington to justify extrajudicial punishment, are particularly alarming. This isn’t about policy disagreements; it’s about framing political opposition as an existential threat to the nation itself. Brookings Institution research highlights the long-term consequences of this strategy, including increased political polarization and erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
The Erosion of Institutional Guardrails
The absence of key Republican figures – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Vice President J.D. Vance – from Cheney’s funeral speaks volumes. It’s a clear signal that the party has fully embraced Trump’s brand of politics, even at the expense of traditional respect for former leaders and institutional norms. This isn’t simply about personal animosity towards Cheney; it’s about signaling loyalty to Trump and demonstrating a willingness to abandon long-held principles. The erosion of these institutional guardrails creates a dangerous vacuum, making it easier for extremist views to gain traction and for democratic processes to be undermined.
Looking Ahead: The Normalization of Political Violence?
The events surrounding Cheney’s funeral aren’t just a reflection of the current political climate; they’re a warning about what’s to come. The normalization of inflammatory rhetoric, the rejection of bipartisan norms, and the weaponization of political grievance are all converging to create a volatile and unpredictable environment. The risk isn’t simply that political divisions will deepen, but that they will increasingly manifest in acts of violence. The January 6th insurrection served as a stark reminder of this danger, and Trump’s recent rhetoric suggests that he’s willing to push the boundaries even further. The future of American democracy hinges on our ability to restore a sense of shared purpose and to rebuild the institutions that have been eroded by years of partisan warfare.
What steps can be taken to de-escalate this dangerous trend? Strengthening media literacy, promoting civic education, and holding political leaders accountable for their rhetoric are all crucial. But ultimately, it will require a fundamental shift in mindset – a recognition that our democracy is fragile and that its survival depends on our willingness to engage in respectful dialogue and to prioritize the common good. What are your predictions for the future of political discourse in America? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
