People either get Beck or they don't. I've learned more from his show than any other I've ever watched. I've gone out and read books he's touted, and they are solid, traditional books about the Free Market, Founding Fathers and the dangerous economic times we face.
He got at least one radical Marxist driven out of the WH. He was the inspiration behind the 912 march, which was one of the best experiences of my life. He breaks stories no one else will break, like ACORN. His research is mostly from David Horowitz's Discover the Network, I recognized this when his show first started, and you can access that directly.
He is a ridiculous figure, whereas Levin and Bennet are figures of dignity.
This is Beck's real advantage--he does not have dignity to lose. The Alinsky mode of destruction-by-ridicule will not work. Other people are afraid of losing face, like Levin. Levin doesn't understand that this can be a serious weakness, as we see with the RINOs who are embarrassed to associate with conservatives. They're so afraid Jon Stewart will mock them.
Well, when Glenn starts trying to get his audience to send him money, let me know. That’s the usual dead giveaway.
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actually, that is one of the LAST things that happens. You have to get people ‘hooked’ first, make sure they will follow you.
For example, what if Beck were to start to introduce theology into his political comments. Maybe quote a Bible verse here or there, would his followers (most of whom believe in God) bother to look it up for themselves? Or would they just trust him. What if it then took on heretical ideas and doctrines, or he started spouting neo-nazi ideas - not overtly at first but starting with replacement theology [which Beck’s church has taught, btw] .
The trick about charismatic guru’s and cult leaders is they know just how to ‘work’ their audience. And I see that a lot in Beck.