Talk:Conspiracy theories in United States politics

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On 19 November 2021, it was proposed that this article be moved from American political conspiracy theories to Conspiracy theories in United States politics. The result of the discussion was moved.

Added section on conspiracy theories on the left following 2024 election

Thanks in advance for any improvements you can make. Gowser (talk) 18:36, 19 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

'Dubious' tag on opening sentence

@JPxG: I see you've added a 'dubious' tag to the opening sentence: "Conspiracy theories in United States politics are beliefs that a major political situation is the result of secretive collusion by powerful people striving to harm a rival group or undermine society in general."

I agree that it can be improved, maybe by bringing it in line with the definition at Conspiracy theory. What do you see as the specific issue? Gowser (talk) 12:57, 20 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

The lead defines the topic as "beliefs that a major political situation is the result of secretive collusion by powerful people striving to harm a rival group or undermine society in general". This is a completely different definition to the one used for the rest of the article, which talks exclusively about things that are false, or didn't happen, or could not possibly have happened, et cetera.

Here is an example:

Those with a low income, a lack of higher education, or a lack of secure employment are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories due to a general feeling of helplessness.

Well, I believe Watergate happened: is this because of a "lack of secure employment" or "general feeling of helplessness"? The source for this specific sentence (which is itself a summary of a different source) says that the theories it tested were stuff like the Moon landing being faked. This does not comport with the lead. jp×g 🗯️ 04:22, 22 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]