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.
I don’t find Glenn the least bit charismatic. His “lessons” are riveting. He does have a preaching style. And he’s quoted scripture occasionally, although he prefers to quote founding fathers. All this attention may well ruin him, it ruins a lot of people. But, in the meantime, I’ve seen him do a lot of good. Getting Americans together for 912 would be a pinnacle for most people.