The Declining State of Political Discourse in America

OutKick host Ricky Cobb expresses concern over the growing celebrity status of politicians and the diminishing importance of policy in political discourse.

On the heels of the Democratic National Convention, OutKick's Ricky Cobb has voiced his apprehension about the state of American politics, lamenting the growing obsession with personality over substance.

"I wish for the days when issues mattered more in politics," Cobb lamented. "Because the world that we live in now, it's personality above all else."

The Declining State of Political Discourse in America

Cobb's concerns stem from his observation that both Republicans and Democrats prioritize loyalty to their respective candidates over scrutinizing policy decisions. He cites the unwavering support for both Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as evidence of this trend.

"I'm a dad, I've got five daughters," Cobb explained. "I've got rent to pay, I've got bills, I've got a life to live. I have the same concerns that every tax-paying American has. So my interest in this election is the same as anybody else."

The Declining State of Political Discourse in America

Cobb emphasizes the need to prioritize policy discussions rather than becoming overly enamored with politicians. "The question you should ask yourself – Republican, Democrat, Independent, whatever you are – is the same question that I'm going to be reflecting on myself over the next 10 weeks," he advised. "Who policy-wise, if you can cut through the layers and layers and layers of bulls---, who policy-wise is going to most benefit you and your family and American society?"

He cautions against viewing politicians as infallible or inherently wiser than the public. "They're people," Cobb emphasized. "They get up and put their pants on one leg at a time, and they are not always smarter than you, I'm sad to say. They really aren't, they don't always have your best interests at heart, even the ones that you think that you like."

The Declining State of Political Discourse in America

Cobb's message is a reminder that politics should be about the betterment of society, not about blindly following personalities. "We have got to get away in this country, in my humble opinion, we have to be getting away from looking at politicians as rockstars and understanding what they really are," he asserted. "They are ordinary f---ing people, they may not think they are, the media may not portray them like they are, but they are ordinary f---ing people."

Cobb urges viewers to engage in critical thinking and hold politicians accountable for their policy decisions, rather than becoming swept up in the whirlwind of political celebrity. "Fan out over a musician if you must, fan out over an athlete if you must," he quipped. "But don't fan out over a politician."

The Declining State of Political Discourse in America