Conspiracy theories, usually dismissed as a fringe phenomenon, have taken center stage in the current electoral season. For a democracy, the proliferation of conspiracy theories may signal a toxic breakdown of trust, order and governmental legitimacy. “We’re not talking about crazy tinfoil-hat-wearing men who live in bunkers,” said University of Minnesota political scientist Joanne Miller, who specializes in studying conspiracy theories. “No one has a monopoly.”The belief that the other party cheats to win elections is hardly unique to Trump supporters, Uscinski said. Generally speaking, those who readily believe conspiracy theories tend to be less educated, have lower incomes, and be less trusting of others than people who view conspiracies with skepticism.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 03, 2016 10:02 UTC