Truthiness Lives!

Steven Colbert coined the word "truthiness." It refers to a belief that is not true, but FEELS true because it satisfies our existing belief system.

I just read an op-ed by Paul Krugman and a Politico article on conservative historian David Barton. They both make essentially the same point. Both are worth a read.

Krugman points out that there is a "wonk gap" between the GOP and, well, just about everyone else. Conservatives just know that:

• ObamaCare has caused health insurance premiums to increase.
• Government employment has risen under the Obama administration.
• The Federal Reserve's policy of low interest rates and easy money have led to inflation.
• Global warming is a scientific hoax.
• Mitt Romney lost only because he wasn't conservative enough.

None of these are beliefs are true, but they just sound so good to conservatives that they must be true, despite the evidence. Truthiness.

The Politico article offers a fascinating case study of this phenomenon. Conservative historian David Barton's career and credibility were in tatters just a few months ago. He had published a book claiming that Thomas Jefferson was "an orthodox Christian who saw no need to separate church and state." Barton's work had always come under fire from mainstream academic historians, but this time even his natural allies had had enough. A group of Christian scholars strongly criticized the book, which contributed to the book being voted “the least credible history book in print”. Then Barton's publisher withdrew the book from circulation claiming that “basic truths just were not there.”

For most academics this would be a career-ending event, but not in conservative land. Barton continues to give well-received speeches before conservative audiences, and Glen Beck has offered to republish the Jefferson book. The Politico article points out that "Politicians continue to join him as guests on his daily radio broadcast. Crowds continue to pack his speeches. And Barton said his organization continues to field calls from politicians seeking his advice."

Truthiness lives!