People feel stronger in groups. If these politicians can make their followers feel heard or vindicated, they secure their next vote.
What hurts the most is that this actually makes people feel vindicated...
Yes, and how great would it be to see THOUSANDS of people wear masks in spite of it? It would take all the wind out of their sails, no?
Unfortunately I'd say it really wouldn't, the far right would come up with the next topic to try to get their supporters fired up. Not the far left is any better, politics is in such a weird & ignorant place right now it honestly baffles me how fast we've lost the plot. No common sense whatsoever anymore, all the most debated issues are the least meaningful ones, news channels that cater to either side & actively lie to get ratings, etc., etc. I gave up on trying to figure out how we let ourselves come to this.