I agree with large parts of your analysis, Caren, but I'll push back on the "selective memories" part. The inaccurate recollections that people had of the Trump years weren't just choices people made. Their memories were constantly manipulated by the right wing media constantly planting the false memories that crime was low, immigration was completely halted, and Trump tax cuts boosted the economy.

Currently we have a two party system where one party is much more disciplined and unscrupulous about repeating lies to convince their audience.