A recent conversation on the social media platform Clubhouse featured a discussion about the perspectives of young individuals aligned with the new right. The dialogue was initiated in a virtual room titled "David French: Based or Cringe?" where participants evaluated the speaker's views on contemporary political issues. The term "based" is used within this context to describe individuals who adhere strongly to their convictions, often in opposition to mainstream social norms, while "cringe" denotes a negative perception of those who do not conform to these ideals.

During the three-hour discussion, participants, primarily young supporters of the MAGA movement, expressed their grievances regarding traditional conservatism and the perceived failures of figures who resist the influence of former President Donald Trump. A recurring theme in the conversation was the assertion that the United States is experiencing a significant crisis, which they believe necessitates a recognition of the situation and the implementation of stringent measures to avert further decline.

This perspective was encapsulated by a quote from novelist G. Michael Hopf, which suggests that societal challenges lead to the emergence of strong leaders, who in turn create favorable conditions, only for subsequent generations to weaken and revert to hardship. This cyclical view reflects a broader narrative within certain political circles that emphasizes the need for decisive action in response to perceived national decline.