ARThe article discusses the phenomenon of 'trolling' in politics, comparing the strategies used by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine leader Javier Milei. Silvio Waisbord, a sociologist and professor at the George Washington University, argues that trolling—characterized by aggressive, confrontational rhetoric—undermines democratic discourse by replacing persuasion with hostility. He notes that such tactics are employed by leaders on the new right, including Trump and Milei, to marginalize opponents and shape public opinion through irony and sarcasm rather than traditional political argumentation. Waisbord highlights the risks of this approach, including the legitimization of violence and the suppression of civic engagement. While he acknowledges that trolling continues to generate attention, he warns of its negative impact on democracy.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the use of trolling by Trump and Milei as a harmful tactic that undermines democratic norms, emphasizing its aggressive and confrontational nature. The author criticizes the style of communication used by these leaders, suggesting it replaces constructive dialogue with hostility.
