The rhetoric wasn't limited to Tea Party activists. Republican politicians also questioned President Obama's Americanness.
In "How Democracies Die," Steven Levitsky discusses how political rhetoric has influenced perceptions of national identity and legitimacy. He notes that the skepticism around President Obama's Americanness wasn't solely propagated by grassroots movements like the Tea Party. This questioning of his identity was echoed by several Republican politicians, suggesting a broader trend of using rhetoric to undermine political opponents. This tactic reflects a troubling shift in political discourse, where questioning the legitimacy of a leader based on identity can erode democratic norms. Levitsky highlights the dangers of this kind of rhetoric, as it fosters division and challenges the foundational ideals of democracy, particularly the principle of inclusivity, which is essential for a functioning democratic society.
