Question

Compare and contrast the relationship between Barry Goldwater and the "Birchers" to any active politician/movement.

a) Barry Goldwater's relationship with the "Birchers" was similar to the current relationship between a politician and a political movement.
b) There is no significant comparison between Barry Goldwater and any current politician/movement.
c) Barry Goldwater's relationship with the "Birchers" was different from any current politician's relationship with a movement.
d) The "Birchers" were a non-political group unrelated to Barry Goldwater.

Answer 1

Barry Goldwater had a complex relationship with the John Birch Society in the 1960s. A comparable example today is Donald Trump's relationship with the far-right nationalist movement.

Step-by-step explanation:

Barry Goldwater had a complex relationship with the John Birch Society (Birchers), a right-wing extremist group in the 1960s. While Goldwater did not fully embrace their views, he sympathized with some of their concerns about liberal influence within the Republican Party. However, he also sought to distance himself from the Birchers in order to appeal to a broader base of voters.

A comparable example of a current politician/movement is the relationship between Donald Trump and the far-right nationalist movement. Like Goldwater, Trump has been associated with this movement due to his alignment with some of their beliefs and rhetoric. However, Trump has also distanced himself when necessary to maintain a broader appeal.

Therefore, the correct answer is option c) Barry Goldwater's relationship with the 'Birchers' was different from any current politician's relationship with a movement.