> Consider further that most people in society are significantly less educated or trained in epistemological functions than [knowledge workers] are - a large portion of society is defenseless against a liar with a megaphone.

The only thing I'd add is polarization adding impetus to never seeing someone on my side as a liar, whatever they claim.

When democracy becomes a team sport, its collective intelligence lessens: perhaps the biggest hole in the US founder's future vision.

But then again, "voter" had a very different definition in their time. And I don't think you can fault them for not enshrining anti-party ranked choice et al.