“Trump has and IQ of 73”.
“Ordinary people cannot be as dumb as Trump and still function”.
“Many of Trump’s supporter base are so dumb they are not allowed to do military service”.
“Trump became the champion of dumb voters”.
“The Republican Party is now the loony bin of the very low intelligent”.
“Elections are now decided by people in the middle (between dumb people and those who are very aware and of much higher intelligence) who do not pay close attention to politics”.
The following clip describes where the idea came from to go after low IQ voters in the 1970’s. Right wing parties, like the Republican party in the USA, were haemorrhaging voters and needed a plan.
How Trump captured the low-IQ voter. Take a listen. I've never heard anything more spot on. pic.twitter.com/h9SwuWpg3t
— Molly Ploofkins™ (@Mollyploofkins) September 3, 2024
How the right wing captured low IQ voters
Right-wing political movements worldwide have often been characterised by their success in appealing to a broad array of voter demographics, including those with varying levels of education and cognitive abilities. In particular, a recurring theme in political analysis is the suggestion that right-wing parties may disproportionately attract voters of lower intelligence, often referred to as “low-IQ voters.” This notion, although contentious, has raised significant interest among scholars, media outlets, and political analysts who seek to understand how right-wing parties appeal to this voter base.
The question at hand is not merely whether right-wing parties appeal to low-IQ voters but how they do so. What mechanisms, strategies, and sociopolitical contexts enable these parties to captivate this segment of the electorate? The following seeks to explore the various psychological, sociological, and political factors that allow right-wing parties to capture low-IQ voters. The analysis will touch on cognitive biases, ideological narratives, economic factors, the role of media, and the evolving nature of political communication.
Cognitive Biases and Emotional Appeals
One of the key reasons right-wing parties may appeal to voters with lower cognitive abilities is the simplicity of the messages they often convey. Psychological research suggests that individuals with lower IQs or less-developed cognitive skills may struggle with complexity, ambiguity, and nuance. Right-wing parties often capitalise on this by offering clear, black-and-white solutions to complex societal problems. For example, immigration, unemployment, and crime are frequently framed in binary terms— “us” versus “them,” good versus evil, or patriotism versus treachery. Lip service and promises are made. These are then repeated but rarely reach fruition.
This approach aligns with certain cognitive biases, such as the tendency for individuals to favour clear, emotionally resonant explanations over more complex, data-driven ones. Right-wing politicians often use emotional appeals—such as fear, anger, and nationalism—to galvanise support. Emotions, particularly negative ones, can cloud rational judgement and create an environment where simple solutions appear more attractive, even when they lack substantive policy details.
The Role of Authoritarianism and Conservatism
Research on authoritarianism and cognitive ability has suggested that individuals with lower IQs may be more prone to authoritarian tendencies. Right-wing ideologies often encompass an authoritarian streak, emphasising law and order, deference to authority, and the maintenance of social hierarchies. For those who feel threatened by societal change, the promise of a return to traditional values and strong leadership can be reassuring. In this sense, low-IQ voters may be drawn to right-wing ideologies because they provide a sense of stability and certainty in an unpredictable world.
Moreover, conservatism—whether political or cultural—tends to resist change. Studies have shown that people with lower cognitive abilities may prefer the status quo and be more resistant to new, complex ideas. Right-wing parties often play into this by advocating for a return to “traditional” ways of life, reinforcing the notion that the past was a better, simpler time. By romanticising history and positioning themselves as the defenders of this lost era, right-wing movements can create a strong emotional appeal to voters who may be wary of the fast-paced changes brought about by globalisation, multiculturalism, and technological advancement.
Economic Insecurity and the Promise of Simple Solutions
Economic insecurity has long been a driving force behind political preferences, and right-wing parties have adeptly used this issue to their advantage, especially among lower-IQ voters. Many individuals with lower cognitive abilities may find themselves in lower-paying, precarious jobs, or even unemployed. These voters are often more susceptible to populist rhetoric that promises quick, simplistic solutions to their financial difficulties, such as “taking back control” from external forces, cutting taxes, or “fixing” the economy through deregulation and nationalism.
Right-wing parties frequently exploit these insecurities by shifting the blame for economic woes onto external scapegoats—immigrants, foreign countries, or liberal elites. This narrative is easy to grasp and emotionally resonant, as it provides a clear cause for voters’ struggles. By contrast, more complex and systemic explanations for economic disparity, such as technological shifts, global market trends, or structural inequality, require a higher level of cognitive engagement and may not resonate as well with low-IQ voters.
The Media and the Decline of Rational Discourse
In the age of mass media and social networks, the nature of political communication has drastically changed. Right-wing movements have been especially effective in using media to reach voters, including those with lower cognitive abilities. Television, radio, and especially social media platforms have allowed for the wide dissemination of simplistic and emotionally charged messages. These platforms often prioritise engagement over accuracy, meaning that polarising and sensational content is more likely to go viral than well-reasoned, fact-based discourse.
Right-wing leaders, from Donald Trump in the United States to Nigel Farage in the United Kingdom, have mastered the art of “politainment”—the fusion of politics and entertainment. These figures often deliver their messages in an accessible, charismatic manner, appealing to a sense of identity, grievance, and nostalgia that resonates across wide swathes of the population. This style of communication is particularly effective at capturing the attention of voters with lower cognitive abilities, who may be more prone to forming opinions based on surface-level impressions rather than in-depth analysis.
Moreover, the rise of right-wing media outlets that cater to specific ideological audiences—such as Fox News in the United States or GB News in the UK—provides a constant stream of information that reinforces right-wing narratives. These platforms often avoid nuance in favour of oversimplified, sensationalist stories that appeal to the emotional and cognitive biases of their viewers.
Social Identity and the Politics of Belonging
Another factor that helps right-wing parties capture low-IQ voters is their appeal to social identity and group loyalty. Humans are inherently tribal creatures, and research shows that individuals with lower cognitive abilities may be more prone to forming strong in-group/out-group distinctions. Right-wing parties have historically been adept at exploiting these distinctions by framing politics in terms of national identity, race, and culture. The rhetoric of “taking back control,” “defending the nation,” or “protecting our way of life” appeals to voters who may feel disconnected or alienated from broader societal changes.
In many cases, right-wing parties position themselves as the defenders of a threatened national or cultural identity. This allows them to tap into a deep sense of loyalty and pride among voters who are anxious about the erosion of traditional values and social cohesion. For voters with lower cognitive abilities, the appeal of belonging to a group with clear, shared values can be especially strong, as it provides a sense of security and purpose in an increasingly complex world.
The Role of Nationalism and Anti-Immigration Sentiment
One of the key areas where right-wing parties have been particularly successful in capturing low-IQ voters is through the promotion of nationalism and anti-immigration sentiment. Nationalist rhetoric often plays into feelings of fear and resentment towards outsiders, which can be exacerbated by lower cognitive ability. Right-wing leaders frequently use inflammatory language to suggest that immigrants are taking jobs, committing crimes, or threatening the cultural fabric of the nation.
This narrative is simplistic and emotionally charged, making it particularly effective in appealing to voters who may lack the cognitive tools to critically assess these claims. By creating a sense of urgency and danger, right-wing politicians can rally support around a common enemy, offering a clear and straightforward solution—tighter immigration controls, building walls, or deporting “undesirables.”
Political Populism and Anti-Elite Rhetoric
Populism, which is often associated with right-wing movements, also plays a crucial role in attracting low-IQ voters. Populist rhetoric is characterised by a rejection of elites and a promise to return power to “the people.” This message can be especially appealing to voters who feel disempowered, disenfranchised, or left behind by the political system. For low-IQ voters, who may have fewer opportunities for upward mobility, the idea that the political elite is responsible for their struggles can be persuasive.
Populist leaders, such as Boris Johnson in the UK or Viktor Orbán in Hungary, often frame themselves as anti-establishment figures who will stand up for the “common man” against the corrupt elites. This narrative resonates with voters who feel excluded from the benefits of globalization or modernity. The simplicity of the populist message—”the elites are corrupt, and we will take back control”—makes it particularly attractive to those who may not have the cognitive resources to engage with more nuanced political discourse.
Simplified Economic and Social Narratives
Another way right-wing parties attract low-IQ voters is by offering simplified narratives about complex economic and social issues. In an era of rapid change and growing inequality, many voters feel left behind or confused by the state of the world. Right-wing parties provide easy-to-understand explanations for these problems, often by blaming a small group of external actors—whether it’s immigrants, foreign countries, or liberal elites. These narratives are not only simple but emotionally satisfying, as they give voters someone to blame for their personal struggles.
For example, during the Brexit campaign in the UK, the Leave camp focused on the idea that the European Union was a bureaucratic, undemocratic force that was taking control away from the British people. This narrative, though vastly oversimplified, resonated with many voters who felt disenfranchised or left behind by the European project. By offering the clear-cut solution of “leaving the EU,” right-wing leaders capitalised on the desire for a return to sovereignty and control, even if the realities of Brexit were far more complicated.
Discrediting Intellectualism and Expertise
Right-wing parties also often engage in the discrediting of intellectualism and expertise, which can appeal to low-IQ voters who may be skeptical of authority figures or feel disconnected from the academic or scientific community. Right-wing leaders frequently portray experts as out-of-touch elites who do not understand the concerns of ordinary people. This anti-intellectualism has been particularly prevalent in issues like climate change, where right-wing politicians have downplayed or outright rejected the scientific consensus.
By fostering distrust in experts and intellectuals, right-wing parties can appeal to voters who feel alienated from these institutions. This strategy not only creates a sense of solidarity between the party and its voters but also allows for the proliferation of simple, emotionally resonant narratives that contradict established facts. For example, the denial of climate change or the promotion of “alternative facts” has become a staple of right-wing rhetoric, particularly in the age of social media, where misinformation can spread quickly and effectively.
The Shift to Online Spaces and Echo Chambers
Finally, the rise of online echo chambers has played a significant role in helping right-wing parties capture low-IQ voters. Social media algorithms are designed to show users content that aligns with their existing beliefs, creating a feedback loop where individuals are only exposed to ideas that reinforce their preconceptions. This is particularly problematic for low-IQ voters, who may lack the critical thinking skills needed to assess the credibility of the information they encounter online.
Right-wing parties and movements have been especially adept at using online spaces to spread their message, often through the use of memes, viral videos, and disinformation campaigns. These platforms allow for the wide dissemination of simplistic, emotionally charged messages that are easily digestible for voters with lower cognitive abilities. The spread of conspiracy theories, fake news, and other forms of misinformation has only further cemented the appeal of right-wing ideologies in these online spaces.
Right-wing parties have been successful in capturing low-IQ voters through a combination of emotional appeals, simplistic narratives, and the exploitation of cognitive biases. By offering clear-cut solutions to complex problems, promoting nationalism and authoritarianism, and fostering distrust in intellectualism, right-wing movements have created a political environment that appeals to voters who may struggle with the complexities of modern life. In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, these strategies have proven highly effective in mobilizing a broad base of support, particularly among those who feel left behind by the current political and economic system.
The intersection of cognitive ability, political communication, and ideology is a rich area for further study, as it has significant implications for the future of democracy and political discourse. As right-wing movements continue to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape, understanding how they capture low-IQ voters will remain a crucial task for political scientists, sociologists, and policymakers alike.
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