[kevkrom]

The final social pattern is the Law of Group Polarization. That law as Cass R. Sunstein, a professor of political science and of jurisprudence at the University of Chicago, has described predicts that when like-minded people deliberate as an organized group, the general opinion shifts toward extreme versions of their common beliefs. In a product-liability trial, for example, if nine jurors believe the manufacturer is somewhat guilty and three believe it is entirely guilty, the latter will draw the former toward a larger award than the nine would allow on their own. If people who object in varying degrees to the war in Iraq convene to debate methods of protest, all will emerge from the discussion more resolved against the war.

I think this explains a lot (like, for example, DU).

[jalisco555]

I think this explains a lot (like, for example, DU).

I agree. Look for the absurd notion that Ohio went for Bush due to rigged voting machines to become the conventional wisdom there.