Part 9/13:
Political parties in decline often resort to embracing their most radical elements to cling to power. As the mainstream voters disengage, the extremists become the de facto leaders. The Democratic Party’s increasing focus on divisive issues—labeling opponents with Nazi and fascist stereotypes, demonizing the opposition—reflects this pattern. Federman’s case exemplifies the internal clash: one side signals a retreat from moderation, while the other attempts to cling to truth and reason.