Folks, I almost spilled my coffee reading this one. It seems like some prominent figures in the conservative and MAGA movements are leading the charge in spreading baseless conspiracy theories about the absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell and the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. I mean, can you blame them? The lack of information from McConnell’s office and the sudden death of Graham have created a perfect storm for conspiracy theories to thrive. Bless their hearts, they’re just trying to fill in the gaps with their own theories, no matter how outlandish they may be.
It’s part of a pattern where conspiracy theories about the deaths and ailments of prominent Republicans are coming from inside the party’s own house, with little effort to combat them from GOP and MAGA leaders. You can’t make this stuff up. I mean, who needs facts when you have speculation and hearsay, right? It’s like they’re trying to outdo each other in a game of “who can come up with the wildest theory.”
At Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, Tucker Carlson seemed to play footsy with the budding conspiracy theories that Israel was behind Kirk’s killing. He compared Kirk’s death to “guys sitting around eating hummus” in Jerusalem plotting to kill Jesus Christ. I’m not sure what’s more astonishing, the fact that he said that or the fact that people actually listened to him. And when Carlson said Kirk “was most likely murdered for his evolving views on Israel,” a claim that remains unfounded, Republicans still largely ignored it. Maybe they were too busy coming up with their own theories to bother with facts.
The McConnell theories began with far-right activist Laura Loomer claiming a source told her the senator was “brain dead” and “not coming back.” Others in the MAGA movement picked up the ball and ran with it, with some even suggesting other senators were “ALL in on it together.” GOP Sen. Mike Lee responded that they “know nothing about his condition,” but it was too late, the conspiracy train had already left the station.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the theories “crazy speculation online,” but also suggested McConnell could help tamp them down. Maybe if McConnell had been more forthcoming about his condition, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But instead, we have Loomer baselessly suggesting the photo of McConnell in the hospital was manipulated. It’s like they’re trying to create a mystery where there isn’t one.
The conspiracy theories about Graham’s death are even more outlandish, with some suggesting a nefarious foreign government was behind it. Loomer pointed to Graham’s recent trip to Ukraine, while others cited Russian President Vladimir Putin’s alleged assassinations of foes. And of course, some pointed the finger at Israel, because why not? It’s not like they have any evidence or anything.
The Trump and Kirk examples are just as fascinating. The conspiracy theories on the right extend to the July 2024 assassination attempt against Trump, with some suggesting there was something suspicious about the attempt on his life. And despite the fact that Kirk’s alleged assassin is now on trial, conspiracy theories about his death are still raging.
It remains unclear how much these theories have penetrated on the right and are actually believed. But having 1 in 10 people who voted for Trump believe such a thing is pretty stunning, especially given theories about that one weren’t as prevalent on the right. Maybe it’s time for the GOP to take a step back and reevaluate their strategy, or lack thereof.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the GOP has a problem on their hands. The spread of conspiracy theories is not only damaging to their reputation but also creates a collective-action problem for the party. It’s time for them to take a stand and condemn these baseless theories, rather than humoring them or ignoring them. After all, you can’t make this stuff up, but it seems like they’re trying to. And that’s just a recipe for disaster, or at the very least, a never-ending cycle of conspiracy theories and speculation. So, the next time you hear someone spouting off about the latest conspiracy theory, just remember: it’s probably just a bunch of hooey.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
