Is fear-based messaging effective?

I’m still stuck on why the GOP is going so hard on rampant misogyny in its policy and messaging. Since my last missive on the topic, I’ve learned of a $20 million effort to sway young men to Trump. Also, according to one Fox News host who is absolutely not beating the fragile masculinity allegations: “When a man votes for a woman, he actually transitions into a woman.”

Perhaps, as we recently discussed, it’s an attempt to appeal to (young and low-status) men by playing on their status anxiety. 

I’m working on a post about how status and misogyny connect. It’s coming soon. I promise. But first, I wanted to look further into whether fear itself is a winning strategy for the GOP. Or anyone.